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16-Year-Old Gets A List Of Rules From Her Boss On The First Day At Her Retail Job And Her Dad Is Outraged By It
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Insulting and gross or an important life lesson with some harsh truth in it? That’s what internet users are discussing after seeing a list of rules to live by that a 16-year-old got from her boss on her very first day at the job. Her dad, from New Zealand, shared a photo of the letter on Twitter because he was outraged by the things written there.
It’s an 11-point list that summarizes the boss’ views on life. (Though, as some later pointed out, the list isn’t original and he must have copied it.) And it started up a fiery debate online. While many people were quite understandably angry at the cynical ‘Boomer’ ideas expressed there, others thought that not everything written there was as ridiculous as it first sounds. The job industry is a tough place, after all.
Have a read through the list and how other people felt about it, Pandas. And when you’re done, we’d love to hear your thoughts on it, in the comments.
RELATED:
The furious dad of a 16-year-old shared the letter her boss gave to her. He thought that the list of rules to live by was horrendous
Image credits: essjax
Image credits: SupermanPrimeOneMill
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The boss’ harsh list tells us a lot about how he views the world and his employees
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Image credits: SupermanPrimeOneMill
Imagine having to work for someone who thinks like that when you’re a teenager
Image credits: Ben White (not the actual photo)
The dad, Twitter user @essjax, only shared the letter his daughter got after she had already left the job. That way, the attention that the list got wouldn’t reflect badly on her while she was still employed.
According to the dad, the local retailer (which he didn’t want to name) pays well under the minimum wage and mostly employs teenagers.
The reactions the list of rules got were very mixed. Some thought that they were completely out of touch with reality. Others thought that they were far from inspirational.
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Others still shared some of their positive experiences with actually good bosses back when they first started working. Meanwhile, a few internet users pointed out that (despite the demoralizing, demotivating phrasing) some of the points on that list were a dreary but realistic view of how tough and harsh life can actually be.
ADVERTISEMENTEddy Ng, the Smith Professor of Equity & Inclusion in Business at Queen’s University, previously explained to Bored Panda what separates a strong leader from a weak one.
The professor stressed that strong leaders are moral, principled, and always do the right thing. They are also humble, empathetic, and genuinely care about their employees. Meanwhile, weak bosses are those who diether or aim to do only the things that make them popular.
“The notion of servant leadership is gaining attention in the workplace. Although it is associated with many of the strong leadership traits such as empathy, selflessness, and humility, the focus is on the leader’s propensity to serve (or support) their followers. Servant leaders empower and lift up followers (employees) to motivate and fuel their passion,” the professor told Bored Panda.
He added that leader-follower relationships are based on the principle of exchange. “Employees can manage that relationship to have work satisfaction. In this instance, employees need to communicate what they need (tools) or work conditions (autonomy) in order for them to perform optimally when working with a controlling boss. Employees need to convey what they can and are able to perform,” he said.
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Many people thought that the letter the teenager got was absolutely ridiculous. Here’s what they said
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However, some people had a very different opinion about the boss’ list. Some actually agree with the points
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Storytelling, journalism, and art are a core part of who I am. I've been writing and drawing ever since I could walk—there is nothing else I'd rather do. My formal education, however, is focused on politics, philosophy, and economics because I've always been curious about the gap between the ideal and the real.At work, I'm a Senior Writer and I cover a broad range of topics that I'm passionate about: from psychology and changes in work culture to healthy living, relationships, and design.In my spare time, I'm an avid hiker and reader, enjoy writing short stories, and love to doodle.I thrive when I'm outdoors, going on small adventures in nature. However, you can also find me enjoying a big mug of coffee with a good book (or ten) and entertaining friends with fantasy tabletop games and sci-fi movies.
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What do you think ?
William Teach 3 years ago
They're good life rules. However, is it really the bosses job to put this list out? More like the parents job. I'm betting he/she has had a bunch of issues along those lines.
Tracy Sellars 3 years ago
Unfortunately though most parents don't/won't discuss these things with their kids.
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pusheen buttercup 3 years ago
True, but it was her first day. The boss didn't get to know her well enough to make these assumptions. Most good bosses will be encouraging and not talk down to their employees.
SweetsEve 3 years ago
Bosses don't have a parent child relationship with their employees, that's what makes this inappropriate. Regardless of what age they are, when you hire an employee you treat them like every other employee. Anything less is inappropriate.
Gail Esfahaniha 3 years ago
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We really don't know in what context the list was given to the employee. We shouldn't assume it wS done in the wrong way. Maybe it was done in a kind helpful way .
Cindy Czocher 3 years ago (edited)
Most don't know how. They weren't taught either. I was fortunate to read Daniel Goleman's Emotional Intelligence and also Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace. I also recommend The 7 Habits for Highly Effective People , and the 7 Habits for Highly Effective People for Teenagers. I bought the last for my daughters. They've always been praised by employers for their work ethic and have gone far in life. It's best if this type of teaching starts at a very early age, at a level that is age-appropriate for each age. Then, employers and managers would not feel the need to put out a devaluing list like this. Managers should be supportive , inspiring, but not coddling .
Geoffrey Pitman 3 years ago
Look at the comments from "parents" about how "toxic" the ideas are. Obviously they aren't teaching their kids that life is difficult.
Gail Esfahaniha 3 years ago (edited)
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SweetsEve, But you are assuming the boss presented the list in a toxic way. Perhaps he just shared it in a kind, helpful way to help mentor young employees. Why assume the worst?
A Dasher Panda 3 years ago
You can tell by the attitude of some kid workers that they're slackers of slacker parents.
Redwood Rebelgirl 3 years ago
Really, Tracey, are you ACTUALLY a parent? How do you know what "most parents" do? How many actual research projects have you conducted? Have you looked outside of your group of friends (if you are actually a parents)?
Irish Lad 3 years ago
I've work with employing kids for over 40 years. Parents do not prepare their kids a lot of the times.
Pebble Flintstone 3 years ago
I first heard of the list from Bill Gates doing a graduation speech. Seems to have worked out for him.
Silja Hare 3 years ago
You'd be wrong, Pebble. That list is as old as moses. https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/some-rules-kids-wont-learn-in-school/ It's from Charles J. Sykes’ 2007 book, 50 Rules Kids Won’t Learn in School: Real-World Antidotes to Feel-Good Education
Cindy Czocher 3 years ago (edited)
I recall I had my then 14 year old daughter clean the bathroom. She had done a half assed job. I told her, you'd think I'm running a hotel here. Well, I can tell you , this wouldn't pass in a dirt bag hotel. Now go back and clean it correctly (outlining my further expectations) and when you call me back to inspect your work , and it passes, you can be done, and not before. The purpose was not to get a bathroom cleaned for free or allow me free time (I spent more time supervising than doing it myself, actually ), but To Train Her in household skills that would serve her once she leaves home. I had all girls. And if I had boys I would have Done The Same. FOR THE RECORD- I'm Independent and Moderate , leaning slightly LEFT.
Cindy Czocher 3 years ago
That one is a math professor , today, with phD in math ed. . My youngest an attorney. My middle one has a young child at home , but works and has her master's .
Jyndaru 3 years ago (edited)
@Cindy - Your girls appear to have gotten lucky in life, in more ways than one. Not everyone (especially in the US) is able to get a good education. I've been pushed down and held back by life in so many ways. My parents taught me how to be responsible, clean, cook, etc. But that doesn't change the fact that my family couldn't afford college and currently I'm unable to work due to health problems. Does that make me lazy or unskilled? No, but it proves that learning chores correctly as a teenager doesn't automatically mean a person can become successful.
Gail Esfahaniha 3 years ago
J. Yes. Most successful people know the importance of hard work and personal responsibility but unfortunately some children of wealthy educated parents are not taught basic life lessons and personally responsibility and end up dependent on their parents and unable to support themselves and some become complete failures. Hard work and personal responsibility will take a person further in life than being coddled.
Chuck daniels 3 years ago
That isn't true. Even wealthy kids end up in public schools. Your education bis what you make of it.
Kevin Beard 3 years ago
I'd walk it back to HR and make sure these items are company policy for him to give as "rules".
Geoffrey Pitman 3 years ago
How exactly would such "policy" be enforced? HR doesn't govern life.
Gail Esfahaniha 3 years ago
I'm not saying you are but that sounds like a typical snowflake response. That is a very old list. The boss didn't make up those rules. Perhaps he gives the ist to all the young new employees in a helpful kind way. I feel sorry for this young generation. Most are too coddled and when they find out how life really is, they are not prepared and them end up being behind those that knew from a young age how important hard work and personal responsibility is. The sooner kids know that life isn't fair and no one owes them anything, the better off they wlll be.
Klaatu Verrata (Cough) 3 years ago (edited)
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Not always. Peers are hugely influential. I raised 3 kids as a struggling single parent. Money was very tight, and we were incredibly economical. Taught my kids to work hard and appreciate EVERYTHING they had. They all worked really hard and went off to the very best First-Tier and Ivies in the country. One (the one who started earning her own money at 13, and had jobs throughout high school but still graduated valedictorian), came back, after being around all those rich kids with disgusting privilege, expecting me to fund expensive wardrobes and a lifestyle of trust fund kids--and angry that I couldn't. You can do everything right with your kids, but you should NEVER underestimate the impact of peers and environment on still-developing minds.
Gail Esfahaniha 3 years ago
Those are all the rules I was taught growing in the 60s. We weren't snowflakes back then so the rules didn't hurt our little feelings. All truths. My mom also drilled in my head that "life isn't fair and no one owes you anything". It served me well to learn that early in life.
Jennifer Rietze 3 years ago
I agree 100%, unfortunately they are too concerned of being the bad guy to do it.
Dawn Boswell 3 years ago
Unfortunately sometimes, because parents like this 👧 father obviously doesn't want to teach her.😒
William Christopher 3 years ago
The parent was furious this lists exists, you think that are going to be the one to do it?
BowtieAssassin2 3 years ago
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This list is brilliantly accurate really. Yes, he didn't sugar coat anything and was extremely harsh but that's the point. Everything he says is correct and, unfortunately, the exact opposite of what the school system and the vast majority of parents teach kids today. This is why reality is such a shock to the youth these days. They are shielded from any negativity and taught life is all rainbows and unicorns and everything they do is amazing then after 17- 18 years of this expected to be able to transition into the real world where they quickly realize everything they had been told was false. Maybe this generation will realize the error of, (sadly my generation that, for some unexplainable reason, created this despite not being raised this way ourselves), ways and raise their kids the way we were raised so they are actually prepared for the real world when they are set free in it.
Gail Esfahaniha 3 years ago
Agree 100%. My mom taught me that life is not fair and no one owes me anything. She made me pay room and board starting the day I turned 18 and she kept a list of every penny she gave me for gas, etc to go to work and I had to pay her back. I remember feeling angry at the time cause I hadn't even gotten my first paycheck but it served me well! I am glad she showed me tough love!
Jessie 2 years ago
That sounds more like robbery. You don’t stop being your parent’s child when you turn 18, they chose to have you so they are responsible until you are capable of living on your own. I had to help my mother out with the bills because she couldn’t afford it, that is something that makes sense but letting your child pay while you can afford everything is highly questionable at best.
Steve 3 years ago
A good chunk of these are truthful, but they're worded in a very jerk manner.
Stacey Lu 3 years ago
No fluff needed. Its not as jerky as the real world actually is. She'll learn those lessons now or in time when it won't be so nice.
Load More Replies... No you can't have my name 3 years ago
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You can tell a 16 year old that life isn't fair without implying that nobody cares about them or their problems and that you think they just need to shut up and do the job and never have opinions.
actionjksn 3 years ago
That meme says nothing about not being able to ever have any opinions. And as far as implying that nobody cares about them or their problems, when they get out in the real world away from their family nobody cares about them or their problems. The sooner they figure that out the better. The only thing the employers are going to care about is that they are at work on time and getting the job done in a timely manner. That's just reality.
Sark Aztik 3 years ago
Yeah, no. This is a clear sign of a piece of s**t boss who thinks they're more important than they are. Work ethic isn't something you learn by people being asshats to you. You either take your job seriously or you don't. I know said "boomers" who are lazier than 15 year olds. If you think this way, you're the problem, honestly. He's a condescending a*****e to someone whom he doesn't know (could be a good worker) because he spent his own life working only to hold what he knows is a pretty shite job? I understand his bitterness and tone-deafness. What's your excuse?
grey wight 3 years ago
Pain sucks. That's why I wait outside of kindergartens with a needle to hurt the children now so they'll understand later. It's for their own good. Life is harsh, so I must be harsh also. No ports in a storm.
Gilda Farrell 3 years ago
You're saying this was "so nice"? Sorry you've had such a hard life. Not everyone has.
royal_antelope 3 years ago
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but those lessons will be learnt anyway. why not be direct, clear and still somewhat kind about it?
grey wight 3 years ago
People who want to reinforce hardship on others usually haven't had enough themselves to be compassionate about it. If you truly believed these things, and had the power to do something about it, you would. However, this is a person who hires minors to avoid paying them minimum wage. They clearly just want other people to accept hardship so they can profit.
Michele McWilliams 3 years ago (edited)
That's because it is from an address Bill Gates made to a graduating class.
Lynn Patrice Mahan 3 years ago
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Disagree. No pussy-footing needed.
Sue McNeil 3 years ago
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That's because it's a right-wing meme. Everything they do is in a very jerk manner.
Stacey Lu 3 years ago
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Left wing just wants everybody to get participation trophies and not keep score
Brian Brunty 3 years ago
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And right wingers just want women barefoot and pregnant with no opinions. Go jump a bridge
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Mjskywalk 3 years ago
Um….everyone knows that the boss didn’t write that list, right? I read it years ago on my grandma’s fridge. And doesn’t he have to legally pay minimum wage no matter the age of his employees? I think that is the bigger issue here.
Geoffrey Pitman 3 years ago
That "below minimum wage" line was definitely one of the first whiffs of b******t in the story.
Load More Replies... A Dasher Panda 3 years ago
Not at all for workers <18. It's just that countries like China abuse it with no limits to hours worked.
Klaatu Verrata (Cough) 3 years ago
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Exactly. It amazes me that THIS is the point of contention for some of these people.
Klaatu Verrata (Cough) 3 years ago
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I think no one is concerned with who wrote it. That's a non-issue. It's the fact that any employer would think it's appropriate to give that to ANY new worker, let alone a fresh-faced teen. Employees often behave the way they are expected to behave. If you tell your employee on the first day that you think they are lowlife scum, that's exactly what you can expect from them. And that's precisely what THIS jackalope did.
No you can't have my name 3 years ago
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Depends on the state. A few years ago New Mexico set a gradual minimum wage increase into effect, and the minimum for high school kids is maybe half the rate for everyone else.
Honu 3 years ago
US federal law allows people under 20 to be paid less for the first 90 days of their employment.
M O'Connell 3 years ago
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The idea behind the lower minimum wage for minors is to encourage them to stay in school.
Lavender Oak 3 years ago
18-20 year olds are not minors and just like women, and people with disabilities, anyone who works the SAME job as their coworkers deserves the SAME pay.
A Dasher Panda 3 years ago (edited)
No, those under 18 may be paid only ½ the state or Federal minimum wage, whichever is higher, but most can work is usually 20 hours per week.
actionjksn 3 years ago
Maybe the law is different in New Zealand, I know in the United States you make minimum wage regardless of your age. Unless you work for tips. In 1977 I worked for a company called Pioneer and I was 13 years old and I got minimum wage and time and a half for weekends.
ChipBoundary 3 years ago
Federally, there is a law that allows you to pay those under 20 $4.25 an hour for the first 90 days. Absolutely nobody does this though. I've never heard of one single company that does.
Tony Berna 3 years ago
In WA state, companies are allowed to only pay 85% of the states minimum wage to 14 and 15 year olds.
Brandon Marlowe 3 years ago
So, I don't get what some find so offensive about this list. Yeah, it's kind of harshly worded but it has some good advice. If a few affirming points were included I think it would be better but I am not taken aback by anything here and that's remarkable since I am pretty much a snowflake. lol
Tracy 3 years ago
Yeah, but would you want to be handed that on your first day of work?
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- 3 years ago (edited)
My objection is that it's a crappy list. I was given a list of rules on my first day at one job, but they actually made sense, disregarded age and generation, the HR person discussed them with me, and gave me examples of employees who broke the rules (texting all day instead of working, printing out porn, etc.).
Brandon Marlowe 3 years ago
You're right, Tracy, I wouldn't want the list on my first day. The best boss I ever had (Ken Cooper) hired in after me. On HIS first day he gave all the employees a piece of paper with what he expected of everyone. All it said was, "Have fun." He explained that if you have fun at work a lot of issues go away. Attendance, morale, punctuality, attitude, etc. all improved under his watch. AND we all enjoyed our work.
Rahul Pawa 3 years ago
The list in the article is essentially the opposite of your example of "the best boss" you ever had.
Geoffrey Pitman 3 years ago
That's just it, work isn't about what we want. It's a good attitude adjuster.
Tobin Kern 3 years ago
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Sure. It lets me know that hard work will make my life easier at my job. It confirms that my coworkers who are lazy will be fired and I would be recognized for my efforts.
Sark Aztik 3 years ago
Must be nice to be clueless. This is the type of boss that will have a bad day (or weeks, or months) and take it out on you just because "the world isn't fair."
No you can't have my name 3 years ago
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This makes you think that? Man, you must be amazingly privileged. Or very very lucky. To the rest of us this is just an egotistical man getting his kicks from telling teenagers that nobody cares.
Tobin Kern 3 years ago
Thats quite the leap in logic. So you think that because I am able to recognize reality that I am privileged? Lol. I was given nothing, which is why I am so calm in recognizing reality. Im used to it and nothing surprises me.
actionjksn 3 years ago
So you think the kids should find out that nobody cares as a big surprise?
- 3 years ago
What I read into this list: first off, it makes the boss look very defensive and assumes the worst of young people of certain generations. Second, the list is so generic and vague, that the new employee could be berated for anything the boss deems offensive and a result of age/generation.
Rahul Pawa 3 years ago
It's not even about certain generations. That list has been around so long it was probably originally about Gen X. Today's young people are Gen Z
Helen Morgan 3 years ago
I'd say it was written for the young boomers! Thats when 60k was a lot of money!
Anna Neman 3 years ago
That’s relative, too. $60k/year is still a really good salary where I live. The median is only $40k.
Irish Lad 3 years ago
From my perspective as a fellow employer, it reads as someone who has done a LOT of work with kids. Not sure how it is vague. But the posting does not say if there was orientation or not, just that it was handed out. So it might have been verbally gone over. Most jobs have an orientation of rules, policies, etc. to get the new emploees up to speed. This would be an excellent time to let them know the rules. It isn't offensive. You are reading something into it. It sounds like you had a bad experience.
- 3 years ago (edited)
I actually did get an orientation on day 1 at a past job. I was very pleased with it. The HR person had me read some rules, answered my questions, gave examples of what not to do, etc. The rules were absolutely clear (respect other employees, don't spend work hours on social media, etc.). HR people often get a bad rap, but this one was lovely, sensible, and managed to balance managment needs with employee wants.
- 3 years ago (edited)
Irish Lad, you do give me something to think about. The employer who came up with the rules cited here does work with a lot of teenagers because they hire under-aged people whom they can pay less. In that case, the life lessons about maturity can be useful. It's probably a job that doesn't require skills, which makes a high turnover rate a minor issue.
Sark Aztik 3 years ago
Then you're a terrible employer if you can't see how this is inappropriate. These aren't "rules", it's a shitty list from the internet and provides nothing of substance as far as rules of the workplace go. Would you like to tell me what sort of "rule" this provides other than "Work"
Lavender Oak 3 years ago
And guess what? It's their choice to be cheap and hire teens instead of adults at a fair wage. So they should buck up and quit whining, maybe take a look at the list for themselves.
John Baker 3 years ago
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Unfortunately, a good many of those young people have given us good reason to assume the worst of them.
Sark Aztik 3 years ago
You were very likely the same type of young person. The people that complain about generations are generally the bottom of the barrel of their own.
Klaatu Verrata (Cough) 3 years ago
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Not that I don't think there are work-ethic issues with every generation. There are. But if you're good at recognizing good employees (Which is why I do ALL.interviews), and you're astute & attentive enough to recognize early performance issues, you can drop employees that are bad for the company before they impact the work environment. But working in law, I also do a lot of legal work. For example, I write most argumentative & final briefs for high $$$$ cases for our firm as well, bc I'm a persuasive legal writer w/a proven record of winning. But I still have a lot of adverse counsel (and even older middle-aged prospective employees, contractors, etc.) who meet me, and if I greet them in the lobby, they just ASSUME I'm a secretary--"Could you get me a coffee, hon?" Doesn't matter that I'm in an expensive suit. I'm a polite, friendly GenX female, so I MUST be a secretary. And it's almost exclusively boomer WASP men who do that.
Klaatu Verrata (Cough) 3 years ago
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Oh, make no mistake. I have a great grasp of the issues at hand. I've just experienced too much being in the middle to stay quiet. The 1st year of being a high-level manager w/ the company I now run (which consists of a 4 BOOMER WASP-M partners), I was CONSTANTLY advising on huge business problems (including a bookkeeper who embezzled at least a $1/2 mil. over 4 yrs) & constantly warned them + recommended best actions. But I was left to clean up the mess when they ignored my advice (because I'm a hard-working GenX woman who didn't have th pedigree and they are all elitist boomer WASPs who know EVERYTHING). After the 4th time, I told them I was done being janitor, & I resigned. They instantly offered me COO & have subsequently given me full reign over all. They defer to my judgment 99% of the time--but NOT because I'm always right (I'm fallible like anyone) It'st bc they paid DEARLY for the times they didn't listen. And THAT is exactly what typifies the WASP-Boomer mentality.
Klaatu Verrata (Cough) 3 years ago (edited)
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Really SARK? I guess that, as the well-educated and accomplished COO of a large, very successful law firm where I make every operational and many legal decisions, I'm apparently very "bottom of the barrel,"--since I still criticize the generational biases and epidemiology of the BOOMER mentality against every generation that came after them. Oooh wait...I actually criticize them because I'm NOT a troglodyte from a hyper-privileged generation that has systematically destroyed the earth for 50+ years while their old ässes still refuse to relinquish any control to the generations who CARE about the world they live in. You don't have to be a loser to see the pitfalls of BOOMER EXCUSALS. You just have to have your eyes open and your head engaged.
Klaatu Verrata (Cough) 3 years ago (edited)
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I agree , CL Rowan. I raised my kids to be hard workers and not expect the world to hand them everything. As a result, they each got into Ivys on their own (and paid 1/2 of their own educations), and have all really stood out in work environments due to their proactive, work-hard mentalities and their impeccable manners. My divorced parents did nothing for me like that (As a GenX, I literally raised myself and my siblings) but, luckily, I am 80% German, and it's just the nature of Germs to work their ässes off. But I used to coach both U-12 and U-14 soccer teams, I saw just how poorly a lot of kids are being raised. Their parents were abominable and SO enabling. It was a nightmare dealing with some of them w/ their assumed privilege mentalities. Now I fire the same kinds of people on a regular basis. They think law degrees guarantee employment. 😆
Jessie 2 years ago
Guess what? A lot of older people have also given us a reason to assume the worst of them but we still manage to treat them with kindness and respect instead of contempt and aggression. Especially in retail you will encounter a lot of old people who will scream and threaten you for things you have no control over (like whether something has been delivered).
No you can't have my name 3 years ago
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You really want to have a new boss give your teenage kid a list of "rules" that's really a wasted sheet of paper saying "I don't care about you so shut up and do your job and don't complain about me paying you less than other places because life isn't fair and I don't care"?
CL Rowan 3 years ago
If my kid handed that to me I would read it, ask what they think of it, and then make sure the kid knew their legal rights. Then I'd tell them to toss it if they choose. There are basic rules that make a good employee~~ 15 mins early *is* on time. Do your best work. Uniform/ clothes are clean and unwrinkled. YOU are clean and hair is pulled back (depends on gig, but always clean) , don't be afraid to ask questions, and be respectful to *everybody*.
Klaatu Verrata (Cough) 3 years ago
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Are you ex military? I am, and these were all things that are really cemented on active duty--which is why I am constantly aghast when any vets come in to interview and they don't meet those standards. I give preference to vets unless they give me reasons not to. And your list is it.
Rahul Pawa 3 years ago
A lot of it shouldn't be handed out by a manager to their employees. As garbage on the internet, it's fine. I'm looking at the last rule, especially.
Bill Allen 3 years ago
It’s basically a propaganda tool for capitalism. Work hard for very little pay and you might one day make a living till you die once you’re no longer useful to the capitalist economy.
Brafne Heiwer 3 years ago (edited)
Spoken like a Californian liberal on welfare. The fact that you have a computer to type on shows that you too are enjoying the many benefits of capitalism.
Klaatu Verrata (Cough) 3 years ago
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Wow, "Brafne"....y'all love to assume that anyone who doesn't want to be treated poorly their whole lives is a snowflake lib. Doesn't it ever get old for you neo-supremacists? Or is your brain permanently stuck in 7th grade?
Shaun Colby 3 years ago
So what kind of systems are country's in Africa and Asia that still use slavery today using
Irish Lad 3 years ago
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Thanks Bill for making me laugh out loud. I imagine you wrote this before going out to the mailbox to get your government check. You would be very surprised to know that I own my own business and am very happy doing what I do. Shhh, I pay taxes, too!
Geoffrey Pitman 3 years ago
You understand that revenue and profits are different things right? Show me any company that actually has billions in profit, I'll show you the butt load of taxes they pay.
David Sistrunk 3 years ago
Just because a company doesn't show billions in profit on paper, doesn't mean billions isn't being generated, especially with world wide conglomerates today. There is so many ways $/profit can be sheltered and are able to avoid taxes. That said it's legal and we've created these opportunities, tax breaks and accept them in the U.S. https://itep.org/55-profitable-corporations-zero-corporate-tax/
T'Mar of Vulcan 3 years ago
This list of "rules" has been floating around the Internet for a couple of decades. Do what the rest of us do - take it from whence it came.
NsG 3 years ago
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This is a newly badly spelled version though!
Load More Replies... Klaatu Verrata (Cough) 3 years ago (edited)
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Right, CL? One of my partners is an older boomer who can't spell for shyte. I love giving him hell every time he emails me...especially since I have to write all his legal briefs/ arguments/pleadings. He just sits there and takes it, too. He knows he sucks at writing and spelling for days. 😆
No you can't have my name 3 years ago
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Everyone is saying this like that makes it better for a boss who brags about using cheap teenage labor to be giving this to his staff.
Rahul Pawa 3 years ago
Yes, and I may have been obsessing about this. I found the original source for this list. It came from a book published in 2007 called "50 Rules Kids Won't Learn in School" by Charles Sykes. It seems to have been adapted somewhat because the rule numbers have been changed. Sykes first talked about these life lessons on his radio show, so it's possible this version of the list pre-dates the book. Either way this exact list has been floating around the internet for more than 10 years. This boss essentially hands his new employees a meme on their first day.
Irishwoman abroad 3 years ago
Yes, I've seen it attributed to Bill Gates, I think. And I have to say, some (not all!) of today's teenagers could do with a few life lessons, or they're in for a shock.
Tobin Kern 3 years ago
This particular list is new. Notice the schools doing away with failing grades... that is a new thing. I bet this list is less than 5 years old.
Leodavinci 3 years ago
That's been going on in some places (the U.S. doesn't have a unified educational system) for a couple of decades, at least. This list likely predates the internet and has been "updated" over time
No you can't have my name 3 years ago
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Honestly if the US had a grade system more like other countries instead of one that says "If you don't get at least 70% of the questions right you failed the whole thing" we may be better off.
Tobin Kern 3 years ago
Would you still have your job if you only got 70% of it right? Since we know that is a big NO, why would we tell kids that 70% correct is perfectly ok?
Erlend Sørli 3 years ago
What I really don't get is why some American employers would think it's their job to "discipline" their employees and generally create a "tough love" environment. The most successful companies in the world know that their employees are their number one asset. Goal should be to create the best possible working environment to get best possible results.
Erick Blood 3 years ago
I agree with your sentiment but, sometimes discipline is necessary. Actions have consequences. If “Tom” sexually harasses “Suzy”, then damn right it’s time for some “discipline”.
Load More Replies... Jaqi Hegland 3 years ago
There's a difference between creating an environment of harsh negativity and having appropriate consequences for employees who have done something wrong. It's not a fine line, either.
Christina Pillar Cook 3 years ago
Did you miss the part where it said the girl is from New Zealand?
John Baker 3 years ago
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Because a lot of young people these days are entitled little sh!ts who need a good dose of reality.
Marco Conti 3 years ago
Newsflash: teenagers have always been entitled little shits. At least some of them. Assuming your new hire is such a teenager is not how you start a job. P.S. I am 60.
Duke Silver 3 years ago
Hey Marco, it's hormones, trust me, there are amazing teenagers and adults that are pieces of s**t.
Klaatu Verrata (Cough) 3 years ago
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Marco: On point...in stereo. Well said.
No you can't have my name 3 years ago
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Ok boomer.
Vicky Zar 3 years ago
From the title I was expecting something like "don't date, do not wear shorts, don't dye your hair...". This list isn't that bad at all. It might be rude but these are ok lessons for teens to learn.
Sark Aztik 3 years ago
And not appropriate to pass out at the workplace. This wouldn't be appropriate even in an office job where people post stupid things like this quite often for "morale."
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Evelyn Haskins 3 years ago
Waddah you mean EVEN in a office? You think that's more demeaning than a teenagers first job that required NO experience and no education??
Sage Gusano 3 years ago
I'm old enough to remember that this list has been floating around for years. I wouldn't hand it out as a boss, but I'm hard pressed to disagree with the message.
Klaatu Verrata (Cough) 3 years ago (edited)
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Right. I agree with some of the sentiment, but as an employer of many attorneys, paralegals, administrative people, etc., I find that the only reliable way to bring out the best in your employees is to incentivize them by providing clear expectations and no-fail tools to succeed, reward "good" behavior, provide consequences for maladaptive behavior, and fire the dead weight ASAP. Part of being an employer means you can't just throw a hammer at someone and tell them to "build or else". You have to give them the tools to succeed. That also helps to determine who needs to be flushed ASAP, because there are ZERO excuses for failure this way. If they fail, it's because they literally never tried.
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Jess 3 years ago
The Government sector is so different. It takes almost an act of Congress to get anyone fired. When I started my Gov't job in 2010 as an Office Manager, I had other peers tell me to slow down, take a break, etc instead of accomplishing my work. This I couldn't understand. I assume that I was making them look bad. I would talk with my superiors with ideas to improve processes & productivity. They were impressed with my knowledge & work ethic. I was given bonuses & Grade increases. Most of my peers were pissed to change, even it took less time & saved the Gov't substantial amounts of money. I was the troublemaker. This was so different from the private sector where I had to work hard & meet deadlines.
Klaatu Verrata (Cough) 3 years ago (edited)
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Oh Jess, I'm with you 100% on that. Ex-military here. HATED how the GSs got away with everything. The only solace I had is that I was in Intel (the first female systems security penetration specialist the DON had, actually--so they sent me through 6 schools to learn to hack). At one of my duty stations, my entire job was to work with NCIS hacking into personnel computers (back then they were mostly unnetworked or small LAN/intranet, for security reasons). My role was to hack into the computers of anyone suspected of using govt systems for illegal or grossly improper use--so, breach of intel, obviously, but also anything like porn and other stuff that could lead to criminal charges. So many GS computers with sick sadistic porn and child pornography on them, I finally had to get counseling for a bit, because the stuff you see is HORRIFIC. But that was what it took to get rid of GSs back then. You essentially had to find evidence of significant criminal misconduct!
zovjraar me 3 years ago
even though a lot of this is true, i don't think it's appropriate for a boss to give out. also these aren't "rules", more like advice. don't frame them as rules when they aren't
Geoffrey Pitman 3 years ago
Do you see anything on the list that says "company policy" it's just a "rules to live by" that all of the negative commenters haven't learned yet.
Load More Replies... Klaatu Verrata (Cough) 3 years ago (edited)
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It sets the tone for the organization. As a veteran, I often want to lay a boot in someone's äss, but I don't start off by disrespecting my employees. I give them the benefit of the doubt, treat them great, and when I see dead weight, I fire them before they can spread the cancer. Because that's how a GOOD BUSINESS operates. We aren't Gestapo, after all. Why alienate and put new employees on hard-D if you don't have to?
William Teach 3 years ago
They're good life rules. However, is it really the bosses job to put this list out? More like the parents job. I'm betting he/she has had a bunch of issues along those lines.
Tracy Sellars 3 years ago
Unfortunately though most parents don't/won't discuss these things with their kids.
Load More Replies... pusheen buttercup 3 years ago
True, but it was her first day. The boss didn't get to know her well enough to make these assumptions. Most good bosses will be encouraging and not talk down to their employees.
SweetsEve 3 years ago
Bosses don't have a parent child relationship with their employees, that's what makes this inappropriate. Regardless of what age they are, when you hire an employee you treat them like every other employee. Anything less is inappropriate.
Gail Esfahaniha 3 years ago
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We really don't know in what context the list was given to the employee. We shouldn't assume it wS done in the wrong way. Maybe it was done in a kind helpful way .
Cindy Czocher 3 years ago (edited)
Most don't know how. They weren't taught either. I was fortunate to read Daniel Goleman's Emotional Intelligence and also Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace. I also recommend The 7 Habits for Highly Effective People , and the 7 Habits for Highly Effective People for Teenagers. I bought the last for my daughters. They've always been praised by employers for their work ethic and have gone far in life. It's best if this type of teaching starts at a very early age, at a level that is age-appropriate for each age. Then, employers and managers would not feel the need to put out a devaluing list like this. Managers should be supportive , inspiring, but not coddling .
Geoffrey Pitman 3 years ago
Look at the comments from "parents" about how "toxic" the ideas are. Obviously they aren't teaching their kids that life is difficult.
Gail Esfahaniha 3 years ago (edited)
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SweetsEve, But you are assuming the boss presented the list in a toxic way. Perhaps he just shared it in a kind, helpful way to help mentor young employees. Why assume the worst?
A Dasher Panda 3 years ago
You can tell by the attitude of some kid workers that they're slackers of slacker parents.
Redwood Rebelgirl 3 years ago
Really, Tracey, are you ACTUALLY a parent? How do you know what "most parents" do? How many actual research projects have you conducted? Have you looked outside of your group of friends (if you are actually a parents)?
Irish Lad 3 years ago
I've work with employing kids for over 40 years. Parents do not prepare their kids a lot of the times.
Pebble Flintstone 3 years ago
I first heard of the list from Bill Gates doing a graduation speech. Seems to have worked out for him.
Silja Hare 3 years ago
You'd be wrong, Pebble. That list is as old as moses. https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/some-rules-kids-wont-learn-in-school/ It's from Charles J. Sykes’ 2007 book, 50 Rules Kids Won’t Learn in School: Real-World Antidotes to Feel-Good Education
Cindy Czocher 3 years ago (edited)
I recall I had my then 14 year old daughter clean the bathroom. She had done a half assed job. I told her, you'd think I'm running a hotel here. Well, I can tell you , this wouldn't pass in a dirt bag hotel. Now go back and clean it correctly (outlining my further expectations) and when you call me back to inspect your work , and it passes, you can be done, and not before. The purpose was not to get a bathroom cleaned for free or allow me free time (I spent more time supervising than doing it myself, actually ), but To Train Her in household skills that would serve her once she leaves home. I had all girls. And if I had boys I would have Done The Same. FOR THE RECORD- I'm Independent and Moderate , leaning slightly LEFT.
Cindy Czocher 3 years ago
That one is a math professor , today, with phD in math ed. . My youngest an attorney. My middle one has a young child at home , but works and has her master's .
Jyndaru 3 years ago (edited)
@Cindy - Your girls appear to have gotten lucky in life, in more ways than one. Not everyone (especially in the US) is able to get a good education. I've been pushed down and held back by life in so many ways. My parents taught me how to be responsible, clean, cook, etc. But that doesn't change the fact that my family couldn't afford college and currently I'm unable to work due to health problems. Does that make me lazy or unskilled? No, but it proves that learning chores correctly as a teenager doesn't automatically mean a person can become successful.
Gail Esfahaniha 3 years ago
J. Yes. Most successful people know the importance of hard work and personal responsibility but unfortunately some children of wealthy educated parents are not taught basic life lessons and personally responsibility and end up dependent on their parents and unable to support themselves and some become complete failures. Hard work and personal responsibility will take a person further in life than being coddled.
Chuck daniels 3 years ago
That isn't true. Even wealthy kids end up in public schools. Your education bis what you make of it.
Kevin Beard 3 years ago
I'd walk it back to HR and make sure these items are company policy for him to give as "rules".
Geoffrey Pitman 3 years ago
How exactly would such "policy" be enforced? HR doesn't govern life.
Gail Esfahaniha 3 years ago
I'm not saying you are but that sounds like a typical snowflake response. That is a very old list. The boss didn't make up those rules. Perhaps he gives the ist to all the young new employees in a helpful kind way. I feel sorry for this young generation. Most are too coddled and when they find out how life really is, they are not prepared and them end up being behind those that knew from a young age how important hard work and personal responsibility is. The sooner kids know that life isn't fair and no one owes them anything, the better off they wlll be.
Klaatu Verrata (Cough) 3 years ago (edited)
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Not always. Peers are hugely influential. I raised 3 kids as a struggling single parent. Money was very tight, and we were incredibly economical. Taught my kids to work hard and appreciate EVERYTHING they had. They all worked really hard and went off to the very best First-Tier and Ivies in the country. One (the one who started earning her own money at 13, and had jobs throughout high school but still graduated valedictorian), came back, after being around all those rich kids with disgusting privilege, expecting me to fund expensive wardrobes and a lifestyle of trust fund kids--and angry that I couldn't. You can do everything right with your kids, but you should NEVER underestimate the impact of peers and environment on still-developing minds.
Gail Esfahaniha 3 years ago
Those are all the rules I was taught growing in the 60s. We weren't snowflakes back then so the rules didn't hurt our little feelings. All truths. My mom also drilled in my head that "life isn't fair and no one owes you anything". It served me well to learn that early in life.
Jennifer Rietze 3 years ago
I agree 100%, unfortunately they are too concerned of being the bad guy to do it.
Dawn Boswell 3 years ago
Unfortunately sometimes, because parents like this 👧 father obviously doesn't want to teach her.😒
William Christopher 3 years ago
The parent was furious this lists exists, you think that are going to be the one to do it?
BowtieAssassin2 3 years ago
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This list is brilliantly accurate really. Yes, he didn't sugar coat anything and was extremely harsh but that's the point. Everything he says is correct and, unfortunately, the exact opposite of what the school system and the vast majority of parents teach kids today. This is why reality is such a shock to the youth these days. They are shielded from any negativity and taught life is all rainbows and unicorns and everything they do is amazing then after 17- 18 years of this expected to be able to transition into the real world where they quickly realize everything they had been told was false. Maybe this generation will realize the error of, (sadly my generation that, for some unexplainable reason, created this despite not being raised this way ourselves), ways and raise their kids the way we were raised so they are actually prepared for the real world when they are set free in it.
Gail Esfahaniha 3 years ago
Agree 100%. My mom taught me that life is not fair and no one owes me anything. She made me pay room and board starting the day I turned 18 and she kept a list of every penny she gave me for gas, etc to go to work and I had to pay her back. I remember feeling angry at the time cause I hadn't even gotten my first paycheck but it served me well! I am glad she showed me tough love!
Jessie 2 years ago
That sounds more like robbery. You don’t stop being your parent’s child when you turn 18, they chose to have you so they are responsible until you are capable of living on your own. I had to help my mother out with the bills because she couldn’t afford it, that is something that makes sense but letting your child pay while you can afford everything is highly questionable at best.
Steve 3 years ago
A good chunk of these are truthful, but they're worded in a very jerk manner.
Stacey Lu 3 years ago
No fluff needed. Its not as jerky as the real world actually is. She'll learn those lessons now or in time when it won't be so nice.
Load More Replies... No you can't have my name 3 years ago
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You can tell a 16 year old that life isn't fair without implying that nobody cares about them or their problems and that you think they just need to shut up and do the job and never have opinions.
actionjksn 3 years ago
That meme says nothing about not being able to ever have any opinions. And as far as implying that nobody cares about them or their problems, when they get out in the real world away from their family nobody cares about them or their problems. The sooner they figure that out the better. The only thing the employers are going to care about is that they are at work on time and getting the job done in a timely manner. That's just reality.
Sark Aztik 3 years ago
Yeah, no. This is a clear sign of a piece of s**t boss who thinks they're more important than they are. Work ethic isn't something you learn by people being asshats to you. You either take your job seriously or you don't. I know said "boomers" who are lazier than 15 year olds. If you think this way, you're the problem, honestly. He's a condescending a*****e to someone whom he doesn't know (could be a good worker) because he spent his own life working only to hold what he knows is a pretty shite job? I understand his bitterness and tone-deafness. What's your excuse?
grey wight 3 years ago
Pain sucks. That's why I wait outside of kindergartens with a needle to hurt the children now so they'll understand later. It's for their own good. Life is harsh, so I must be harsh also. No ports in a storm.
Gilda Farrell 3 years ago
You're saying this was "so nice"? Sorry you've had such a hard life. Not everyone has.
royal_antelope 3 years ago
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but those lessons will be learnt anyway. why not be direct, clear and still somewhat kind about it?
grey wight 3 years ago
People who want to reinforce hardship on others usually haven't had enough themselves to be compassionate about it. If you truly believed these things, and had the power to do something about it, you would. However, this is a person who hires minors to avoid paying them minimum wage. They clearly just want other people to accept hardship so they can profit.
Michele McWilliams 3 years ago (edited)
That's because it is from an address Bill Gates made to a graduating class.
Lynn Patrice Mahan 3 years ago
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Disagree. No pussy-footing needed.
Sue McNeil 3 years ago
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That's because it's a right-wing meme. Everything they do is in a very jerk manner.
Stacey Lu 3 years ago
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Left wing just wants everybody to get participation trophies and not keep score
Brian Brunty 3 years ago
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And right wingers just want women barefoot and pregnant with no opinions. Go jump a bridge
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Mjskywalk 3 years ago
Um….everyone knows that the boss didn’t write that list, right? I read it years ago on my grandma’s fridge. And doesn’t he have to legally pay minimum wage no matter the age of his employees? I think that is the bigger issue here.
Geoffrey Pitman 3 years ago
That "below minimum wage" line was definitely one of the first whiffs of b******t in the story.
Load More Replies... A Dasher Panda 3 years ago
Not at all for workers <18. It's just that countries like China abuse it with no limits to hours worked.
Klaatu Verrata (Cough) 3 years ago
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Exactly. It amazes me that THIS is the point of contention for some of these people.
Klaatu Verrata (Cough) 3 years ago
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I think no one is concerned with who wrote it. That's a non-issue. It's the fact that any employer would think it's appropriate to give that to ANY new worker, let alone a fresh-faced teen. Employees often behave the way they are expected to behave. If you tell your employee on the first day that you think they are lowlife scum, that's exactly what you can expect from them. And that's precisely what THIS jackalope did.
No you can't have my name 3 years ago
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Depends on the state. A few years ago New Mexico set a gradual minimum wage increase into effect, and the minimum for high school kids is maybe half the rate for everyone else.
Honu 3 years ago
US federal law allows people under 20 to be paid less for the first 90 days of their employment.
M O'Connell 3 years ago
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The idea behind the lower minimum wage for minors is to encourage them to stay in school.
Lavender Oak 3 years ago
18-20 year olds are not minors and just like women, and people with disabilities, anyone who works the SAME job as their coworkers deserves the SAME pay.
A Dasher Panda 3 years ago (edited)
No, those under 18 may be paid only ½ the state or Federal minimum wage, whichever is higher, but most can work is usually 20 hours per week.
actionjksn 3 years ago
Maybe the law is different in New Zealand, I know in the United States you make minimum wage regardless of your age. Unless you work for tips. In 1977 I worked for a company called Pioneer and I was 13 years old and I got minimum wage and time and a half for weekends.
ChipBoundary 3 years ago
Federally, there is a law that allows you to pay those under 20 $4.25 an hour for the first 90 days. Absolutely nobody does this though. I've never heard of one single company that does.
Tony Berna 3 years ago
In WA state, companies are allowed to only pay 85% of the states minimum wage to 14 and 15 year olds.
Brandon Marlowe 3 years ago
So, I don't get what some find so offensive about this list. Yeah, it's kind of harshly worded but it has some good advice. If a few affirming points were included I think it would be better but I am not taken aback by anything here and that's remarkable since I am pretty much a snowflake. lol
Tracy 3 years ago
Yeah, but would you want to be handed that on your first day of work?
Load More Replies... - 3 years ago (edited)
My objection is that it's a crappy list. I was given a list of rules on my first day at one job, but they actually made sense, disregarded age and generation, the HR person discussed them with me, and gave me examples of employees who broke the rules (texting all day instead of working, printing out porn, etc.).
Brandon Marlowe 3 years ago
You're right, Tracy, I wouldn't want the list on my first day. The best boss I ever had (Ken Cooper) hired in after me. On HIS first day he gave all the employees a piece of paper with what he expected of everyone. All it said was, "Have fun." He explained that if you have fun at work a lot of issues go away. Attendance, morale, punctuality, attitude, etc. all improved under his watch. AND we all enjoyed our work.
Rahul Pawa 3 years ago
The list in the article is essentially the opposite of your example of "the best boss" you ever had.
Geoffrey Pitman 3 years ago
That's just it, work isn't about what we want. It's a good attitude adjuster.
Tobin Kern 3 years ago
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Sure. It lets me know that hard work will make my life easier at my job. It confirms that my coworkers who are lazy will be fired and I would be recognized for my efforts.
Sark Aztik 3 years ago
Must be nice to be clueless. This is the type of boss that will have a bad day (or weeks, or months) and take it out on you just because "the world isn't fair."
No you can't have my name 3 years ago
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This makes you think that? Man, you must be amazingly privileged. Or very very lucky. To the rest of us this is just an egotistical man getting his kicks from telling teenagers that nobody cares.
Tobin Kern 3 years ago
Thats quite the leap in logic. So you think that because I am able to recognize reality that I am privileged? Lol. I was given nothing, which is why I am so calm in recognizing reality. Im used to it and nothing surprises me.
actionjksn 3 years ago
So you think the kids should find out that nobody cares as a big surprise?
- 3 years ago
What I read into this list: first off, it makes the boss look very defensive and assumes the worst of young people of certain generations. Second, the list is so generic and vague, that the new employee could be berated for anything the boss deems offensive and a result of age/generation.
Rahul Pawa 3 years ago
It's not even about certain generations. That list has been around so long it was probably originally about Gen X. Today's young people are Gen Z
Helen Morgan 3 years ago
I'd say it was written for the young boomers! Thats when 60k was a lot of money!
Anna Neman 3 years ago
That’s relative, too. $60k/year is still a really good salary where I live. The median is only $40k.
Irish Lad 3 years ago
From my perspective as a fellow employer, it reads as someone who has done a LOT of work with kids. Not sure how it is vague. But the posting does not say if there was orientation or not, just that it was handed out. So it might have been verbally gone over. Most jobs have an orientation of rules, policies, etc. to get the new emploees up to speed. This would be an excellent time to let them know the rules. It isn't offensive. You are reading something into it. It sounds like you had a bad experience.
- 3 years ago (edited)
I actually did get an orientation on day 1 at a past job. I was very pleased with it. The HR person had me read some rules, answered my questions, gave examples of what not to do, etc. The rules were absolutely clear (respect other employees, don't spend work hours on social media, etc.). HR people often get a bad rap, but this one was lovely, sensible, and managed to balance managment needs with employee wants.
- 3 years ago (edited)
Irish Lad, you do give me something to think about. The employer who came up with the rules cited here does work with a lot of teenagers because they hire under-aged people whom they can pay less. In that case, the life lessons about maturity can be useful. It's probably a job that doesn't require skills, which makes a high turnover rate a minor issue.
Sark Aztik 3 years ago
Then you're a terrible employer if you can't see how this is inappropriate. These aren't "rules", it's a shitty list from the internet and provides nothing of substance as far as rules of the workplace go. Would you like to tell me what sort of "rule" this provides other than "Work"
Lavender Oak 3 years ago
And guess what? It's their choice to be cheap and hire teens instead of adults at a fair wage. So they should buck up and quit whining, maybe take a look at the list for themselves.
John Baker 3 years ago
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Unfortunately, a good many of those young people have given us good reason to assume the worst of them.
Sark Aztik 3 years ago
You were very likely the same type of young person. The people that complain about generations are generally the bottom of the barrel of their own.
Klaatu Verrata (Cough) 3 years ago
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Not that I don't think there are work-ethic issues with every generation. There are. But if you're good at recognizing good employees (Which is why I do ALL.interviews), and you're astute & attentive enough to recognize early performance issues, you can drop employees that are bad for the company before they impact the work environment. But working in law, I also do a lot of legal work. For example, I write most argumentative & final briefs for high $$$$ cases for our firm as well, bc I'm a persuasive legal writer w/a proven record of winning. But I still have a lot of adverse counsel (and even older middle-aged prospective employees, contractors, etc.) who meet me, and if I greet them in the lobby, they just ASSUME I'm a secretary--"Could you get me a coffee, hon?" Doesn't matter that I'm in an expensive suit. I'm a polite, friendly GenX female, so I MUST be a secretary. And it's almost exclusively boomer WASP men who do that.
Klaatu Verrata (Cough) 3 years ago
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Oh, make no mistake. I have a great grasp of the issues at hand. I've just experienced too much being in the middle to stay quiet. The 1st year of being a high-level manager w/ the company I now run (which consists of a 4 BOOMER WASP-M partners), I was CONSTANTLY advising on huge business problems (including a bookkeeper who embezzled at least a $1/2 mil. over 4 yrs) & constantly warned them + recommended best actions. But I was left to clean up the mess when they ignored my advice (because I'm a hard-working GenX woman who didn't have th pedigree and they are all elitist boomer WASPs who know EVERYTHING). After the 4th time, I told them I was done being janitor, & I resigned. They instantly offered me COO & have subsequently given me full reign over all. They defer to my judgment 99% of the time--but NOT because I'm always right (I'm fallible like anyone) It'st bc they paid DEARLY for the times they didn't listen. And THAT is exactly what typifies the WASP-Boomer mentality.
Klaatu Verrata (Cough) 3 years ago (edited)
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Really SARK? I guess that, as the well-educated and accomplished COO of a large, very successful law firm where I make every operational and many legal decisions, I'm apparently very "bottom of the barrel,"--since I still criticize the generational biases and epidemiology of the BOOMER mentality against every generation that came after them. Oooh wait...I actually criticize them because I'm NOT a troglodyte from a hyper-privileged generation that has systematically destroyed the earth for 50+ years while their old ässes still refuse to relinquish any control to the generations who CARE about the world they live in. You don't have to be a loser to see the pitfalls of BOOMER EXCUSALS. You just have to have your eyes open and your head engaged.
Klaatu Verrata (Cough) 3 years ago (edited)
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I agree , CL Rowan. I raised my kids to be hard workers and not expect the world to hand them everything. As a result, they each got into Ivys on their own (and paid 1/2 of their own educations), and have all really stood out in work environments due to their proactive, work-hard mentalities and their impeccable manners. My divorced parents did nothing for me like that (As a GenX, I literally raised myself and my siblings) but, luckily, I am 80% German, and it's just the nature of Germs to work their ässes off. But I used to coach both U-12 and U-14 soccer teams, I saw just how poorly a lot of kids are being raised. Their parents were abominable and SO enabling. It was a nightmare dealing with some of them w/ their assumed privilege mentalities. Now I fire the same kinds of people on a regular basis. They think law degrees guarantee employment. 😆
Jessie 2 years ago
Guess what? A lot of older people have also given us a reason to assume the worst of them but we still manage to treat them with kindness and respect instead of contempt and aggression. Especially in retail you will encounter a lot of old people who will scream and threaten you for things you have no control over (like whether something has been delivered).
No you can't have my name 3 years ago
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You really want to have a new boss give your teenage kid a list of "rules" that's really a wasted sheet of paper saying "I don't care about you so shut up and do your job and don't complain about me paying you less than other places because life isn't fair and I don't care"?
CL Rowan 3 years ago
If my kid handed that to me I would read it, ask what they think of it, and then make sure the kid knew their legal rights. Then I'd tell them to toss it if they choose. There are basic rules that make a good employee~~ 15 mins early *is* on time. Do your best work. Uniform/ clothes are clean and unwrinkled. YOU are clean and hair is pulled back (depends on gig, but always clean) , don't be afraid to ask questions, and be respectful to *everybody*.
Klaatu Verrata (Cough) 3 years ago
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Are you ex military? I am, and these were all things that are really cemented on active duty--which is why I am constantly aghast when any vets come in to interview and they don't meet those standards. I give preference to vets unless they give me reasons not to. And your list is it.
Rahul Pawa 3 years ago
A lot of it shouldn't be handed out by a manager to their employees. As garbage on the internet, it's fine. I'm looking at the last rule, especially.
Bill Allen 3 years ago
It’s basically a propaganda tool for capitalism. Work hard for very little pay and you might one day make a living till you die once you’re no longer useful to the capitalist economy.
Brafne Heiwer 3 years ago (edited)
Spoken like a Californian liberal on welfare. The fact that you have a computer to type on shows that you too are enjoying the many benefits of capitalism.
Klaatu Verrata (Cough) 3 years ago
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Wow, "Brafne"....y'all love to assume that anyone who doesn't want to be treated poorly their whole lives is a snowflake lib. Doesn't it ever get old for you neo-supremacists? Or is your brain permanently stuck in 7th grade?
Shaun Colby 3 years ago
So what kind of systems are country's in Africa and Asia that still use slavery today using
Irish Lad 3 years ago
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Thanks Bill for making me laugh out loud. I imagine you wrote this before going out to the mailbox to get your government check. You would be very surprised to know that I own my own business and am very happy doing what I do. Shhh, I pay taxes, too!
Geoffrey Pitman 3 years ago
You understand that revenue and profits are different things right? Show me any company that actually has billions in profit, I'll show you the butt load of taxes they pay.
David Sistrunk 3 years ago
Just because a company doesn't show billions in profit on paper, doesn't mean billions isn't being generated, especially with world wide conglomerates today. There is so many ways $/profit can be sheltered and are able to avoid taxes. That said it's legal and we've created these opportunities, tax breaks and accept them in the U.S. https://itep.org/55-profitable-corporations-zero-corporate-tax/
T'Mar of Vulcan 3 years ago
This list of "rules" has been floating around the Internet for a couple of decades. Do what the rest of us do - take it from whence it came.
NsG 3 years ago
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This is a newly badly spelled version though!
Load More Replies... Klaatu Verrata (Cough) 3 years ago (edited)
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Right, CL? One of my partners is an older boomer who can't spell for shyte. I love giving him hell every time he emails me...especially since I have to write all his legal briefs/ arguments/pleadings. He just sits there and takes it, too. He knows he sucks at writing and spelling for days. 😆
No you can't have my name 3 years ago
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Everyone is saying this like that makes it better for a boss who brags about using cheap teenage labor to be giving this to his staff.
Rahul Pawa 3 years ago
Yes, and I may have been obsessing about this. I found the original source for this list. It came from a book published in 2007 called "50 Rules Kids Won't Learn in School" by Charles Sykes. It seems to have been adapted somewhat because the rule numbers have been changed. Sykes first talked about these life lessons on his radio show, so it's possible this version of the list pre-dates the book. Either way this exact list has been floating around the internet for more than 10 years. This boss essentially hands his new employees a meme on their first day.
Irishwoman abroad 3 years ago
Yes, I've seen it attributed to Bill Gates, I think. And I have to say, some (not all!) of today's teenagers could do with a few life lessons, or they're in for a shock.
Tobin Kern 3 years ago
This particular list is new. Notice the schools doing away with failing grades... that is a new thing. I bet this list is less than 5 years old.
Leodavinci 3 years ago
That's been going on in some places (the U.S. doesn't have a unified educational system) for a couple of decades, at least. This list likely predates the internet and has been "updated" over time
No you can't have my name 3 years ago
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Honestly if the US had a grade system more like other countries instead of one that says "If you don't get at least 70% of the questions right you failed the whole thing" we may be better off.
Tobin Kern 3 years ago
Would you still have your job if you only got 70% of it right? Since we know that is a big NO, why would we tell kids that 70% correct is perfectly ok?
Erlend Sørli 3 years ago
What I really don't get is why some American employers would think it's their job to "discipline" their employees and generally create a "tough love" environment. The most successful companies in the world know that their employees are their number one asset. Goal should be to create the best possible working environment to get best possible results.
Erick Blood 3 years ago
I agree with your sentiment but, sometimes discipline is necessary. Actions have consequences. If “Tom” sexually harasses “Suzy”, then damn right it’s time for some “discipline”.
Load More Replies... Jaqi Hegland 3 years ago
There's a difference between creating an environment of harsh negativity and having appropriate consequences for employees who have done something wrong. It's not a fine line, either.
Christina Pillar Cook 3 years ago
Did you miss the part where it said the girl is from New Zealand?
John Baker 3 years ago
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Because a lot of young people these days are entitled little sh!ts who need a good dose of reality.
Marco Conti 3 years ago
Newsflash: teenagers have always been entitled little shits. At least some of them. Assuming your new hire is such a teenager is not how you start a job. P.S. I am 60.
Duke Silver 3 years ago
Hey Marco, it's hormones, trust me, there are amazing teenagers and adults that are pieces of s**t.
Klaatu Verrata (Cough) 3 years ago
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Marco: On point...in stereo. Well said.
No you can't have my name 3 years ago
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Ok boomer.
Vicky Zar 3 years ago
From the title I was expecting something like "don't date, do not wear shorts, don't dye your hair...". This list isn't that bad at all. It might be rude but these are ok lessons for teens to learn.
Sark Aztik 3 years ago
And not appropriate to pass out at the workplace. This wouldn't be appropriate even in an office job where people post stupid things like this quite often for "morale."
Load More Replies... Evelyn Haskins 3 years ago
Waddah you mean EVEN in a office? You think that's more demeaning than a teenagers first job that required NO experience and no education??
Sage Gusano 3 years ago
I'm old enough to remember that this list has been floating around for years. I wouldn't hand it out as a boss, but I'm hard pressed to disagree with the message.
Klaatu Verrata (Cough) 3 years ago (edited)
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Right. I agree with some of the sentiment, but as an employer of many attorneys, paralegals, administrative people, etc., I find that the only reliable way to bring out the best in your employees is to incentivize them by providing clear expectations and no-fail tools to succeed, reward "good" behavior, provide consequences for maladaptive behavior, and fire the dead weight ASAP. Part of being an employer means you can't just throw a hammer at someone and tell them to "build or else". You have to give them the tools to succeed. That also helps to determine who needs to be flushed ASAP, because there are ZERO excuses for failure this way. If they fail, it's because they literally never tried.
Load More Replies... Jess 3 years ago
The Government sector is so different. It takes almost an act of Congress to get anyone fired. When I started my Gov't job in 2010 as an Office Manager, I had other peers tell me to slow down, take a break, etc instead of accomplishing my work. This I couldn't understand. I assume that I was making them look bad. I would talk with my superiors with ideas to improve processes & productivity. They were impressed with my knowledge & work ethic. I was given bonuses & Grade increases. Most of my peers were pissed to change, even it took less time & saved the Gov't substantial amounts of money. I was the troublemaker. This was so different from the private sector where I had to work hard & meet deadlines.
Klaatu Verrata (Cough) 3 years ago (edited)
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Oh Jess, I'm with you 100% on that. Ex-military here. HATED how the GSs got away with everything. The only solace I had is that I was in Intel (the first female systems security penetration specialist the DON had, actually--so they sent me through 6 schools to learn to hack). At one of my duty stations, my entire job was to work with NCIS hacking into personnel computers (back then they were mostly unnetworked or small LAN/intranet, for security reasons). My role was to hack into the computers of anyone suspected of using govt systems for illegal or grossly improper use--so, breach of intel, obviously, but also anything like porn and other stuff that could lead to criminal charges. So many GS computers with sick sadistic porn and child pornography on them, I finally had to get counseling for a bit, because the stuff you see is HORRIFIC. But that was what it took to get rid of GSs back then. You essentially had to find evidence of significant criminal misconduct!
zovjraar me 3 years ago
even though a lot of this is true, i don't think it's appropriate for a boss to give out. also these aren't "rules", more like advice. don't frame them as rules when they aren't
Geoffrey Pitman 3 years ago
Do you see anything on the list that says "company policy" it's just a "rules to live by" that all of the negative commenters haven't learned yet.
Load More Replies... Klaatu Verrata (Cough) 3 years ago (edited)
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It sets the tone for the organization. As a veteran, I often want to lay a boot in someone's äss, but I don't start off by disrespecting my employees. I give them the benefit of the doubt, treat them great, and when I see dead weight, I fire them before they can spread the cancer. Because that's how a GOOD BUSINESS operates. We aren't Gestapo, after all. Why alienate and put new employees on hard-D if you don't have to?
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