Unsolicited advice to the young

Many young people today are discovering that a college degree no longer guarantees a quality job and entrance into the middle class. At the same time, employers often complain that the new crop of graduates "just don't know how to work." They report that young hires are friendly and tech-savvy, but are distracted and unfocused on the job. As one boss recently offered, "these kids come to work like they are strolling into the campus coffee shop!" Another asked, "Why do they seem so entitled?"

One explanation is perhaps that the world of work has changed dramatically in the last 20 years. Companies today are, as never before, bottom-line oriented. Before they hire, they ask, "How will this person make money for our company? Make us more competitive?"