Older generation vs younger generation

Have you ever noticed that there is a difference in the work ethic between the younger generation and the older generation? Now I am only 42, and am probably considered in the younger category by most on here, but let me assure you my work ethic is not in the category of what I am considering younger. I am a type A, get'er done person. I hate putting stuff off, and if you want a guy on your project to get it done, and get it done right, then I am your man. I am about to give you a perfect scenario of what I am talking about, and I am leaving all names of business out just so not to offend anyone.

As most know by my latest post, my motor needs the lower seals replaced, so I took it to the professional that I have used before. This business has given me great service in the past, and I would had recommended him to anyone. So, just over a week ago I took my boat there and went inside to talk to the gentleman. When I walked inside I noticed a younger guy on the phone there, whom I wasn't accustomed to seeing. I also noticed that he had added some new items, such a duck decoys, and electronics. Well he laid down his phone to help me. We got to talking and he said that he had bought the business from the older gentleman. That threw up a red flag, because I was wanting the older gentleman's service, and from past experience I would rather deal with the older gentleman. So we went through what I was needing done to my motor, and he mentioned that that shouldn't be much of a job to do, so I was feeling kinda good at that moment that my boat wouldn't be stuck out back for too long of a time. Well a week has passed and I haven't heard from the guy. I did a little Instagram stalking just to see what he has been up to, and it seems that he has a spot at Reelfoot for duck hunting. There goes another red flag. See, most of us who are customers don't mind a little play time had by the sales person, just so long as we know you are working to get your item fixed. But what we don't like is being put off like our time isn't as valuable as theirs. So, I called this morning just to check on the motor and just curious if it has been looked at. The guy who answers the phone is the older gentleman who actually sold the business. We talked and he said that he is just there to answer the phones until the workers get in. I asked him where the workers are and he said duck hunting. Well, in my mind I was like "yea that sounds about right". I asked the older gentleman if he could look and kinda tell how much they like on the repair. He went through the stack of repairs and said the they have about 17 to work on. Now, I may be way out of my league when it comes to the boat business, but take into consideration that my work mentality is telling me that there should be no way they should have 17 boats waiting to be worked on in the middle of January. I mean, most folks have forgotten they even have a boat this time of the year. To me, that is what you should have come April through September. Back when the older gentleman had the business, I took it to him to have a water pump replaced, and it was done in about a week. So, here it is 50+ degrees, and going to be about 50 and sunny with a south wind of about 5 this Thursday, got me 4 new rods I'm dieing to try out, and probably not going to get to go Thursday. Glad I got a buddy has his rig ready to go!!

Yep...i see it all areas of employment. They are not applying for a job. Just a paycheck.

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I think if I were you and they have not started to work already on my boat .Well I would just go get it and look for someone else as the people you are talking about here would not need my business nor money. If they are 17 boats behind already yours may set there a month.:twocents

:he said I'd be finding out where I'm at in line.

I'm going to call back after lunch and after the youngster has had his beauty nap to see just where I am in the process. If they cant get to it this week then I gotta go to plan B.

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Id go get it and let someone else fix it.

If I ran my business like that, well, there wouldn’t be a business to run.

I've been with the same company for just over 30yrs. We manufacture heavy equipment so having soft hands and a weak back aren't resume highlights. I'm amazed at how many younger employees have the attitude that the company somehow owes us something. In 1987 a HR manager told me during my interview that it's expected to give an honest days work for an honest days pay. I've always remembered those words. I see younger folks every day work harder at getting out of work rather than just rolling up your sleeves and gettin' after it. By no means am I suggesting that ALL young folks have the same work ethic nor am I saying that ALL employees over 45ish are go-getters but the statistics sure paint that picture.

I'd pick my boat up, and take it someplace else...

I'll pay a "premium" to have it done (1) right, and (2) in a timely matter.

Having said that, I preform most all of my own maintenance, equipment installation (because I KNOW it's right.)

Sad times... hate to say that it'll probably continue to decline.:dono

Best of luck

Beavz

Yep! The old saying "The customer is always right" is gone by the wayside. My Dad told me "If you can't do it right, don't do it at all". Go get your boat brother...

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i have worked for same company for 42 years now and because of this younger generation work ethic management and on the floor, i now want to retire earlier than I thought i would. If it were not for the wife I would walk out today. It sickens me to work with people that think everybody owes them something. The word is entitlement. Im really tired of it.

and on the news this morning they were talking about how younger people can't handle getting up in the morning so maybe the workday should start later. Only problem I see with that is they'll complain that they don't get off work early enough to go party half the night. :Rofl

Go get your boat and take it somewhere else

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Originally Posted by wannabe fisherman

and on the news this morning they were talking about how younger people can't handle getting up in the morning so maybe the workday should start later. Only problem I see with that is they'll complain that they don't get off work early enough to go party half the night. :Rofl

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I believe our parents once said that "this old world doesn't revolve around you, so get over it!"

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Yep, go get your boat and take it somewhere else.
At my shop, employees from 35-82 are made of the right stuff.
Not saying there aren’t some great 20 somethings, but none have showed up at my door.


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Two points here
1. Go get your boat this morning, it will be sunny and 60 in 2 weeks, you will be fishing!
2. It is more prevalent in the younger generation, but we had men with poor work ethic in the late 60's, I ignored them, and worked like my parents taught me. I have a 22 year old son, he is up at 530, works 3 hours, then in class. He will graduate in May, engineering degree, no student debt.

Work ethic is NOT something you are born with. It is something that is passed down. Sooooo, in other words, you can blame the "Baby Boomer" generation for the lack of work ethic in these people you speak of.

The baby boomer generation was raised by their parents who were products of WWII, and the depression. They had outstanding work ethic and passed it on to their children (The Baby Boomers). Unfortunately, somwhere along the way, the Baby Boomers did NOT pass along this work ethic to their children. The same ones that you speak of.

I'm not saying that all of them are like that but the percentages have risen from one generation to the next. If 3% of lazy people had kids in 1950 at 1.5 kids per family, it doesn't take long for those people to procreate and pass on the lazyness to their children. Soon you sit in 2017 and a larger percentage of Americans have that same trait that has been passed.

How do you fix it?
Parents need to change
Teachers need to change

If those fail, the Military steps in!

Had a similar experience getting my motor to stay running without stalling on plane. Took it to this marina 45 min. from where I live and left it. After 2 weeks I called. (First mark against them). They said that since it was an old Merc 90 hp, parts were difficult to come by so I waited another week to call. I was told the motor was fixed, trusted the man's truthfulness without asking - did you test it?

Got it home, launched the boat and same thing - stalled on plane.

Took it back quite pissed after paying over $300 - mostly labor. They had it another 2 weeks and then when I called said it was fixed and, yes, they had tested it. I tested it near the shop and it did fine. I asked what was wrong with the motor and the reply was they didn't know, they had a retired Merc mechanic fix it.

Ran the boat last year and sure enough is won't start though it turns over. I will be bringing the boat to an auto mechanic that is pretty sure the ethanol gas has clogged the 3 carbs and will look at it in Feb. I've always used treatment but maybe not enough. If he needs parts, I hope he can order direct from Mercury.

The boat's too old to get another motor for it and many motors I've seen on the lake are older than mine. I guess it depends on who fixes it - age not necessarily a factor - professionalism definitely!

I agree with Rich. Some of the problem is we spoiled our kids too much. And they want instant gratification.They fail to see how hard we worked to get what we have, because it was always there for them. But, I taught driver's ed for a while and I'm happy to report that there are still many good kids out there. Wish there was as much emphasis on learning trades as going to college.

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Originally Posted by "D"

I agree with Rich. Some of the problem is we spoiled our kids too much. And they want instant gratification.They fail to see how hard we worked to get what we have, because it was always there for them. But, I taught driver's ed for a while and I'm happy to report that there are still many good kids out there. Wish there was as much emphasis on learning trades as going to college.

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I was just going to mention this.

Older guys, complain all you want, but remember that the generation you're complaining about, was raised by you.

Good thing my three grown kid are diligent and professional in their different occupations. Guess they must have heard me complain 1000x about those lazy slobs at work, some too dumb to do the job or sly enough not to get caught leaving work an hour early and leaving the backup of work to the rest of us. Each generation has those who do and those who could care less.

I work with an office full of 20 somethings, thirty somethings and 40 somethings. Peer pressure takes care of most of it. If not, replacement time. I work with mostly professional trained kids, so they are probably the ones that were left after the weeding out was done. However I am proud to say we have some hard working country kids.

Lower unit seals are not tough to replace. With tools you most likely already have. If not, most auto parts store have what you need, and will loan them out.
Get yourself a $30-$40 repair manual. You might be better off to get on you tube, and find a video on how to do it.
Gear puller, seal puller, sockets. Will definitely get you started.

I was one of those Boomers --- I had to work two full time jobs well over 20 years ---- mostly because the employers did not want to give the employees a Raise in pay - Or they got a big job and laid off those hired when the job was finished ---- Many of you can relate -- This situation takes dad out of the home and not being able to have the time to pass on the Good work ethic and latch key kids with little supervision.... Their Friends were into Drugs, and anything to make a buck without having to work for it.. Their PEERs were those Lazy kids and they are the ones that made the problems we have today ---- Yes it seems to have started with the boomers but Greed from some of that older generation put us in a place that seems to have gone too far to be corrected ... the Jails are overcrowded and people released that should not be. Sanctuary Cities, Mostly because the Judicial system does not work -- Long jail times for petty things and probation for serious Crimes

I'm an older guy and baby boomer. Proud to say that my children became police officers. A job that is too much hard work for most people their age. They have never taken the easy road. I would like to think that the way they were raised had a little to do with that.

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While it has been mentioned parenting has a huge affect on the quality of work ethic a person has. However I have seen it work the opposite both ways. I have a friend who's parents are worthless freeloading parasites, which is how my friend describes them. You won't find a harder working man than my friend. On the flip side I also have a brother who is just as worthless as far as work ethic goes as you will find. He was raised just the same as myself and 3 other siblings. He is the one out of five that broke the mold. Sooner or later it comes down to owning up to responsibilities for each ones self.

I believe that as a parent you can benefit your children or hinder your children up to a point. Then it's on them. It's much harder for ones who were not tought properly however it's not impossible.

Sounds like that place in Union City that's just a little north of the courthouse. If it is, I'm not surprised, we've played the hurry up and wait game there.

I had a good tech when I lived in TN, that has since closed due to health issues. Now that I have relocated i have no clue who to see should I have an issue bigger than my skills. When I bought the boat 9 yrs ago, I got taken to the cleaners in a manner very close to what you describe. $450 and they never did fix the problem, and sent me home with a broken boat 6 times. When I did find out why it was still broke, I was so hot I couldn't return and address those folks in fear of losing my freedom. I paid the good tech and moved on. The whistlehead that did the original work was a carbon copy of who you describe, and didn't have the knowledge or skills to ever fix it.

Like a lot of you, I have a different work ethic than some. What I do, I do well. What I don't do well, I don't do. If I'm not up to the task, at any point during the process of the job, I will tell you and step back. Not take your money and say "That's what you get." Like a lot of you, I could go on about the younger ones that baffle me on a daily basis. And I won't even begin on driving skills which is my profession. I seriously wonder how some folks survive each day. I raised 2 girls and instilled in them the importance of self sustenance. I always told them that I would give them the information on any given topic, good or bad. What they chose to do with it was on them. I believe this has helped me raise two productive people to credit society. Not all parents think this way as we see every day. I also know that I don't know the answer to the how and why the work ethic has deteriorated so, but I do believe that it will change in a future generation. Everyone can't just take and not work for what it takes to live. I pray for my Granddaughters generation that will have to deal with this first hand. I'll be quiet now before I really start to ramble.

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Originally Posted by skeetbum

I had a good tech when I lived in TN, that has since closed due to health issues. Now that I have relocated i have no clue who to see should I have an issue bigger than my skills. When I bought the boat 9 yrs ago, I got taken to the cleaners in a manner very close to what you describe. $450 and they never did fix the problem, and sent me home with a broken boat 6 times. When I did find out why it was still broke, I was so hot I couldn't return and address those folks in fear of losing my freedom. I paid the good tech and moved on. The whistlehead that did the original work was a carbon copy of who you describe, and didn't have the knowledge or skills to ever fix it.

Like a lot of you, I have a different work ethic than some. What I do, I do well. What I don't do well, I don't do. If I'm not up to the task, at any point during the process of the job, I will tell you and step back. Not take your money and say "That's what you get." Like a lot of you, I could go on about the younger ones that baffle me on a daily basis. And I won't even begin on driving skills which is my profession. I seriously wonder how some folks survive each day. I raised 2 girls and instilled in them the importance of self sustenance. I always told them that I would give them the information on any given topic, good or bad. What they chose to do with it was on them. I believe this has helped me raise two productive people to credit society. Not all parents think this way as we see every day. I also know that I don't know the answer to the how and why the work ethic has deteriorated so, but I do believe that it will change in a future generation. Everyone can't just take and not work for what it takes to live. I pray for my Granddaughters generation that will have to deal with this first hand. I'll be quiet now before I really start to ramble.

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If you ever need it, go to Vivid Marine on Highbanks. Ed is a great guy.

I'm a young guy and the Leadership that alot of older guys taught us is history! I'm a mechanic and I definitely disagree with the whole thing! I would getu boat and take it to Bass pro.. hands down

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