re: Ben Sasse - Interview on NPR this morning

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Kids being raised today are being mostly raised by my generation (millennials). I can tell you that we seem to value experiences and social networks (not just online platforms) over our careers.

My father-in-law who will turn 70 this year is the polar opposite. He never talks about vacations he's taken or places he's been. He doesn't really care. He used to travel to NYC a few times a year for work and describes it as an inconvenience rather than a cool part of his job.

Get him going about his career at AT&T and you'll discover his sense of self-worth. He identifies with what he accomplished going from entry level employee to senior executive. The projects he completed. The colleagues that grew with him in the company. In fact, the company is like a family member itself and not just a source of income.

I rarely hear my peers talking about work. It's all about going out, traveling, adventures, experiences, food. Even those with kids. I know my wife and I are always looking for new places to take our son. New perspectives for him to learn.

If my peers do talk about work, it's very bland or a complaint. Maybe that's the result of entering the economy during a serious recession. Maybe it's cultural.

I'm not saying one is better than the other but older generations definitely value work way more than the current one.

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I would agree with all of this. Having two teens of my own, we have stressed hard work and not necessarily a career, but making sure you have some skills that are valuable. I'll also say that I'm in the 90% nature and 10% nurture camp. My two couldn't be more polar opposites same for my niece and nephew.