My Favorite Pauschisms; No Job Is Beneath You

It’s been well documented that there is a growing sense of entitlement among young people today. I have certainly seen that in my classrooms.

Graduating seniors have this notion that they should be hired because of their creative brilliance. Too many are unhappy with the idea of starting at the bottom.

My advice has always been: “You ought to be thrilled you got a job in the mailroom. And when you get there, here’s what you do: Be really great at sorting mail.”

No one wants to hear someone say: “I’m not good at sorting mail because this job is beneath me.” No job should be beneath us. And if you can’t (or won’t) sort mail, where is the proof that you can do anything?

–Randy Pausch in The Last Lecture

This particular Pauschism is dedicated to Number One Son and all his college friends who have returned home and started their summer jobs.

Come to think of it, maybe I’ll do a series next week on the various “scut work” jobs that I had during my school years and what I learned from them.

Yeah, maybe I’ll do just that. Have a great weekend everyone.