[MarkV]

Originally Posted by Kevin Oliver

Something we must take in account is that, teenagers vs an adult is different in many ways. Most teenagers don't have to worry about bills, and other needs. Most don't need to worry about being fired, being that anyone would take them under min. wage.

Kevin:

You obviously do not apply to what I'm about to say because as you state later in your post: you work to learn and acknowledge the importance of attitude.

But, if what you are saying in your first paragraph is true of other teens, then you are supporting my previous post.

If one is purposely performing an inadequate job because they have a safety net, this clearly speaks to their character. Some people, whether they have a cushion or not, would do their best out of pride, a sense of loyalty, or just simple fairness to their employer. They are being paid to perform at a certain level. Purposely slacking off and taking someone's money simply because you don't "need" them, (beyond the normal amount of cutting corners that all humans do), is simply irresponsible.

I'm speaking in broad generalizations. There are definitely exceptions.

But I'll bet you if you threw a dart out of a window in 1930 and one today, there's a significantly better chance of hitting a "F-you attitude, I-live-at-home-with-my-parents-teen" today, than 75 years ago.

Mark

[panini]

Kevin Oliver,
Thanks for joining in. There is a lot of pressure put on parents to create that cushion or safety net. I'm not at all clear on why they do this, maybe compensating for the so called abandonment. I'm sure someone like MarkV knows. I don't think this is a trend, this is going to continue. I see it as trying to become the new native Americans. Immigrant customs and beliefs are dissapearing, the family structure is disintagrating, the younger generations are very motivated to move on, but I don't think they know where they are going. There is no cultural model, a lot of them have been severely pushed since infancy to try and become their own little corp. entity.
Anyway,
Kevin, I enjoyed hearing that you work to learn. I find that very interesting, and being older, I view is as your learning to work. Attitude is the key, and I don't think a lot of your peers realize that most wear it on their sleeves.
Keep at it,
pan

[Mikeb]

Well, as a 21 year old I think I fit into the Gen "Y" group. Now certainly theres enough lazy kids out there, but at the same time I've worked with cooks who are 30 years old and just as lazy as those '**** kids'. I've also worked with kids who make Gen-Xers look like slackers.

Now, I know that I average 50 hours per week (sometimes as high as 70 hours in a week), as do most of my friends (of similar age) in the industry. That's 10+ hour shifts, no breaks, no overtime pay, not to mention a pretty weak salary. Yet we're called 'lazy'.

As far as us being the most supervised generation, I have doubts. I would stay out on the streets playing until past midnight when I was still in elementary school, I learned to cook because I HAD to, parents weren't around. At 15 I was working close to full-time, as were all my friends (many dropped out of school to work their jobs). By the time I was 18 I was living away from the parents. Many of my friends were living on their own at 16 or 17. Keep in mind all of us were born after 1980.

Now, as far as workplace performance goes, I'll tell you this. With the right motivation, it's unreal what some kids will do. We don't walk, we run. We do give a **** (if theres reason for us to).

I've worked with bosses who will abuse us hard. You show a little motivation, and suddenly you're running the line, calling out tickets, ordering produce, butchering, etc...(while the chef has gone home after a rough 6 hour day), yet only making 10 dollars per hour. You think I'm going to continue at that pace? No, the boss gets a @#$% #$% and I'm out the door. This isn't a bad work ethic, or attitude problem, this is standing up for yourself. My buddy is a kitchen manager at a busy restaurant, working 60 hour weeks, making 10 dollars per hour... You think this kind of treatment produces 'loyalty'?

Heres a thought to restauranteurs out there, pay cooks what they're worth, regardless of age.

One last thought. The place I work has 4 cooks 25 years or younger (out of 7 total). 3 servers 25 years or younger (out of 5). We've won the most awards of any fine dining place in the city.

[panini]

MikeB
I don't know about the others, but you and your friends do not fit the mold of people I was referring to. Your out there busting your hump to make a living. You have nothing but respect from me.
I'm referring to the high school graduate age. Taking 2 art classes at a community college and living at home. Working just enough to see the concerts he or she want to see. Or at college still living with all the comforts of home. Maybe getting a 600.summer job to satisfy the family because thier shelling out 40 grand a year.
MikeB, I really think we are talking about the high percentage of lazy kids, not people like you. Kudos for steppin up and defending your generation though. I'm not so sure your the norm, I always try to read your posts and I'm a little surprized that your only 21.
Pan

[lukeygina]

I'm 19 turning 20 next month and have been in restaurants since I was 14... cooking since I was 16... I am alot like Mike in that I was working full time and going to high school being a kitchen manager at a local restaurant making a lousy 7 dollars per hour! While my friends were out partying I was serving 150-300 guests their Veal Marsalas and completely was abused by my ownership and when I started to realize it, I quit and was replaced by another 16 year old who wanted a car. Owners today are shrewd businessmen and love to see a 16 year old kid who needs some money for a car because they will run you into the ground.

Now a days, I work at the best restaurant in town as a Saute Cook and enjoy every minute of it. I feel like I make an honest living and I get to put out great food and get respect at the workplace. I think the restaurant business is the best and worst business to get into. Your family life will suck but if you love it like I do there is no other choice.

[Nentony]

Funny. A thread on "the kids today". I'm sure there are similar rants written on stone tablets.

Tony

[Kevin Oliver]

Lukeygina and MikeB,

I'm glad to see you've both stood up for yourselfs and look where it has landed you. Personally being young and all, its best to move around if you wish to explorer the culinary world. You must also remember their are people that will take advantage of you, being that you are young and all. Whats great about this line of love (work) is that your free to move around. Its great to learn something, and get paid for it. Personally I would work for free now that I have the chance. This way I can move around the kitchen and act as a sou chef and not work my way up (time becomes a factor). The best thing to do is earn the respect of the chefs and the boss around you. They will show it back and will be willing to teach you. If not - take care. Everything I learned I wrote and write down on a notepad.

Back 20+ years ago kids where so much different, and sure I do believe modern kids tend to slack off a bit. But think about this, technology. Mordern adults don't bother to learn this new age stuff. Some do but the point I'm trying to come across is that everyone is different. I'm pretty sure some adults on here have children that know a computer better then them. Thats because they have bothered and grew up into learning it, just as you bothered to work hard for what you got and had back then. And even today. But notice, its not how fast you walk, its how you walk.

Thanks panini.

Cheers