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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
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.
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
The boss’ harsh list tells us a lot about how he views the world and his employees
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.
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.
Eddy 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.
Many people thought that the letter the teenager got was absolutely ridiculous. Here’s what they said
However, some people had a very different opinion about the boss’ list. Some actually agree with the points
What do you think ?
William Teach 2 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 2 years ago
Unfortunately though most parents don't/won't discuss these things with their kids.
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Steve 2 years ago
A good chunk of these are truthful, but they're worded in a very jerk manner.
Stacey Lu 2 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.
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Mjskywalk 2 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 2 years ago
That "below minimum wage" line was definitely one of the first whiffs of b******t in the story.
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Brandon Marlowe 2 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 2 years ago
Yeah, but would you want to be handed that on your first day of work?
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T'Mar of Vulcan 2 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.
Erlend Sørli 2 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 2 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”.
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Vicky Zar 2 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 2 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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Sage Gusano 2 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) 2 years ago (edited)
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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zovjraar me 2 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 2 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.
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Tobin Kern 2 years ago
I love this. Too many 10 ply kids out in the world coddled by parents. They grow up to be the worst people and the worst employees as well. I have trouble filling roles even at $15 an hour because young people want to only work minimum skill roles for C-level benefits. I usually have a hard time not bursting out laughing in interviews when they request 4 weeks of vacation on top of the benefits I already give. I even give gas allowance to all my employees and some baby faced 19 year old wants 4 weeks of vacation? GTFO and go back to nursing on your momma's tit.
Klaatu Verrata (Cough) 2 years ago
I hate to tell you, but I have 30-year old shits with law degrees I have to regularly fire. Entitlement crosses all socioeconomic lines. I provide all my employees benefits that NO ONE in our large metro area provides (we pay 100% of medical/dental/vision insurance premiums, give 3+ weeks of vacation a year (and offer chances to gain more for performance), provide lots of incentive bonuses, life and disability insurance at 4x their salaries, fitness credits, etc. I don't give myself anything I don't also offer my people. We also do extensive training and offer tons of productivity tools and shortcuts. It's actually easier to figure out who to fire because of all of this--if anyone underperforms or tries to push for more, I IMMEDIATELYsend them packing, because that just means they are super-entitled prigs. Having been in the military, I don't have time for ANYONE'S entitlement--not even from gifted attorneys.
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Kevin Henderson 2 years ago
This author of the list is very persupmtuous about the personality of the people it is intended for. The list works on the premise of an overused trope that all teenagers and young adults are lazy and entitled. It is very far from the truth. If anything this generation faces a far more uncertain and competitive future in the workplace than previous generations. Also, life is not fair get used to it is a very subtle way telling people that they should not seek equity in the work place. It is very hazardous attitude for women and minorities because in previous generations white males were paid more, more likely to be promoted and less likely to face harrassment in the work place. They didn't have to deal with quid pro quo sexual harrassment. I'll admit it is a bit of a slippery slope fallacy to suggest "life is not fair" leads to sexual assault and sexual harrassment or discrimination but this message manufacture the appropriate environment for that to occur.
Klaatu Verrata (Cough) 2 years ago
This comment needs to be etched into gold.
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tonya glenn 2 years ago
I'm 49 and a gen xer. When I was 16, I worked maybe 2 or 3 weeks or months, get tired of the job and quit for a month or 2. Very irresponsible. I really didn't care about work. Back then, minimum wage was 3.25 an hour. Yes it sucked. I'm the type of person now, after MUCH life experience, that can say most of this list is absolutely true. 💯 Maybe not worded for this pansy generation. My advice, get thick skin, work hard in school and APPRECIATE all you have! I'm a nurse now and I work over 60 hours a week.
Klaatu Verrata (Cough) 2 years ago
I'm same age, so I get the work environments we grew up with. But I don't assume every younger worker is going to suck. Yeah, some do, but so do a lot of older employees. But as a COO of a large company, there's something to be said about the culture a business sets through its leadership. I can't expect anyone to last long if I go at them head on with disrespect from GO. That's just bad business. It's like making a kindergartener's first week of school horrible. You set them up to want to never go to school before they even get started. That's not how loyalty is cultivated. And workers who feel disrespected by their employers are never going to be loyal or perform well. So...whether you feel these "rules" are good or not, that employer merely demonstrated how completely stupid he is. Because when you put workers on hard defense on Day 1, you're wasting company time, resources, & funds training them, because they are only thinking about leaving ASAP.
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Annie Ukekwe 2 years ago
😂😂😂 I am in tears because that was absolutely hilarious and spot on. I know you can’t “keep it real” because you’ll hurt many feelings but he hit life on the head. And that part about the teacher vs the boss so true😂
Tiredofpayingforothers 2 years ago
These aren't rules, they are facts of life. The problem is many people just want to view the world through rose colored glasses instead of facing the truth.
Pebble Flintstone 2 years ago
This is not a new list. Has had a number of publications. Including Bill Gates using this list as part of a school presentation. A lot of teenagers still need these wake up calls.
Marco Conti 2 years ago
It doesn't matter if some of the rules are true or not. Nor it matters that some are not even rules but opinions and grievances. What matters is that someone thought giving this condescending, obnoxious flyer out on the first day of work, to someone they don't really know, is an OK idea. There is absolutely no way whoever wrote that could be a good boss.
Emmett O'Brian 2 years ago
I've had way worse. Doesn't mean it's right, but I think they'll survive. That is, unless the boss is actually a serial killer, which they might be.
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Jes.the.Mess 2 years ago
It's extremely disturbing me that there, as usual, is no middle of the road analysis in the main article. The list is written in an extremely condescending tone, dripping with disdain for teenagers, and so giving this list out on the first day, before they can prove themselves, seems to hint at a toxic work environment. However, as others pointed out, it's not 100% wrong as far as life lessons go. You do have to work hard for what you want, also status and respect do need to be earned over time, a long with a couple other good points (said badly) The whole list is a mess BECAUSE of the fact that it was some actual wisdom, but presented in a way that make the writer sound like the kind of narcissistic jerk no young person is can take seriously. The rest of the advice is flawed. It's the perfect way to think if you do not value your mental health at all and want to die young from high blood pressure Things aren't all good or all bad, or even a neat 50/50
Klaatu Verrata (Cough) 2 years ago
Woah. A voice of reason in this equation? Perhaps you took the wrong exit, Jess, with your highly astute, fair-minded, and uniquely enlightened observation. 😊. THIS is the comment thread where people just jump into rash conclusions and interject every ageist and classist personal bias they ever had without any forethought or introspective reflection. 😂😂
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Mark Green 2 years ago
My 12yr. Old daughter reas though this list and had absolutely no problem with any of it. She took the list as motivation, which , in my opinion, most should.
Animalsrgreat 2 years ago
Absolutely correct. So many kids, and I'm a parent and teacher, have an unrealistic sense of reality.
Duke Silver 2 years ago
yeah but you wouldn't give it to your employee. this person can quit in a second.
Load More Replies... Bill Allen 2 years ago
It’s not something I would feel comfortable doing if I were such a manager. But I do wonder if the list is a result of years of dealing with too many entitled teenagers while sorting through to get to the ones who will actually work. I really have a problem with any company paying less than minimum wage. Even minimum wage has been too low for any job for a long time.
Klaatu Verrata (Cough) 2 years ago
We deal with old workers who are worthless, too. They are just usually the ones who point out the youngins not working to distract from the fact they aren't doing shït, either.
Load More Replies... Klaatu Verrata (Cough) 2 years ago (edited)
Yeah, NO. This is rife with Boomer büllshït. I take issue with the work ethics of MANY people in America, in general (the "money for nothing" mentality is so hard to avoid in employees these days--of all generations!). Still, as a GenX who's watched how Boomers have all but destroyed the planet and strived to prevent subsequent generations from prospering, this makes me sick. And this systematic stripping of resources & opportunity, combined with simultaneous condescension (all while refusing to cede control over ANYTHING so that younger generations can fix it), has made their terrible intergenerational reign all the more tragic. They made this bed for the rest of us, & now they want to prevent us from even lying in it. I work 80 hours a week running a law firm owned by Boomer men, & it took me THREE years as COO to finally get them to see other generations (& women) CAN KNOW & DO better. Our country is being run into the ground by the same privileged people who wrote THIS crap.
Charlie Birkner 2 years ago (edited)
I only employ teenagers. Funny thing; earlier today I wrote them pretty much the exact opposite of this list. I stand by it 100%. I'm also a parent so I'd be a hypocrite if I didn't. But it does share one important lesson: some people behave like jerks. I feel sorry for the person who wrote this list, someone stuck in retail isn't going to be treated great anyway. It pretty much amounts to bullying. That's why they pass this sort of crap on to their employees.
Casey McAlister 2 years ago
"Life isn't fair" Oh my god, what a revelation! Nobody's totally ever thought about it before! Rule 12: Regurgitating centuries-old platitudes doesn't make you sound smart.
Leodavinci 2 years ago
Reality isn't a "platitude"... and it appears from many replies/reactions, that it is a lesson many haven't learned... or refuse to accept.
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Mimi Adams 2 years ago
My dad's in the Boomer age cohort. He worked his way through college and grad school as a custodian. He rolls his eyes at these rules, and ecourages my son not to take abuse and crap from bosses. Work hard, do your best, and don't take abuse, mistreatment, or lower than deserved pay.
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Alisha R. 2 years ago (edited)
This is crossing the line...he/she/they are completely out of line to say this to any child.This person was definitely the nerd in the last rule. These things maybe true but. NOT the place of a boss to tell a teenager they don't even know.
Mimi Adams 2 years ago
There is no way this ignorant buffoon who doesn't proofread and fix typos and errors before handing out a lust to their employees is a nerd. Be nice to nerds is probably the only truly valuable advice on this list, even if it is for the wrong reason.
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Stacey Lu 2 years ago
My mom had that hanging on our fridge when i was growing up, or something very similar to it. Stuff the parents should have already taught her and will learn the hard way if not. Minimum wage is there for a reason, turn the company if they're not paying it, but don't get mad at them for being brutally honest and doing what everyone else is afraid to.
Colin L 2 years ago
I've shown this list to people, and even at the time I noted that some of it is outdated. It does have a "stop complaining and get to work" tone that isn't good, and I *love* the push-back I've seen about out-of-touch employers and prioritizing a work/life balance. Rule 1, 2, and 6 have proven themselves over and over. Rule 5 and 7 are despicable dodges for people to justify their self-righteousness. 8 and 9make me laugh: I'm a teacher.
Amer Hodzic 2 years ago
Just as one of those comments said. These aren't rules. They're boomer commandments. Just because they're miserable and hate their lives - they want to make everyone else is just as miserable.
Klaatu Verrata (Cough) 2 years ago
I've always marveled in the reality of how the generation that, hands down, had it the easiest and everything came so easily to is also so freaking grumpy and hostile against everyone else in their old age. Like...that's just another obvious demonstration of privilege--that they feel they shouldn't HAVE TO tolerate others, because they've never had to before! Privilege breeds entitlement, and the consequences of living in a world you have always controlled when you now have less control of it must be a bïtch. Incidentally, ALSO why so many white men go on crazy shooting sprees. Life isn't delivering on all the expected privilege and success they assumed they had. (I spent 7 years of my post-baccalaureate education and subsequent career studying spree killers, so this observation isn't random).
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Cornell Tramontana 2 years ago
Mae West once said, "It's not what you say, it's how you say it." Also, it's not what you do, it's how you do it. The wording is quite demeaning and should be better worded. Furthermore, this list is by no means original. Apparently, this legend in one's own mind was too lazy to do one. The timing is also cowardly, waiting until after the hire. The list should presented at interview time. It would the potential of screening out applicants and the applicants would have a chance to decide whether to work for this jerk. Back in the day when I was young, I was counseled when necessary, instead of being presented this mean-spirited garbage.
Ruby Serene 2 years ago (edited)
Reading this I thought that some things were good points, but the way that the employer did this is really hostile and unnecessary. Then the grammar errors started and I lost all remaining respect I might have had for the boss. Don't lecture other people if you can't even use spell check. It would probably take ten seconds to fix this.
Sarah 2 years ago
Wow, at least she found out on day one that her boss is a condescending power-tripper. This man sounds like he thinks he's her father and not a very nice one at that!
Essex Eagle 2 years ago
Cant see anything on here that isn't true. Maybe the employer has had enough of entitled babies crying every time they did something wrong and someone "told them off" how dare they. Sadly the real world isn't somewhere that most youngsters live in. Very soon they will discover that actually the noisy few are just that few and most people couldn't give a toss about hurting peoples feelings.
David Rayment 2 years ago
1- "life isn't fair, so don't even try" 2- "the world built before you does not care if you get screwed out of basic rights, livable wages, and fair working conditions, simply because we say so" 3-"you will not make 60k a year out of highschool, even though a majority of the 10 richest people in the us never graduated" 4-"you think your teacher is tough, just wait till we indoctrinate you into indentured servitude" 5-"your grandparents think flipping burgers is the net bottom of the job pool, so take it with dignity!" 6-"if you mess up, it's your fault the cards are stacked against you. For shame" 7-"before you were born your parents had dreams that had to be crushed by late stage capitalism, and we're blaming it on you" 8-"school, the place to practice, will give you opportunities to improve. Don't expect any leniency, because everything is your fault." ...
David Rayment 2 years ago
9-"life is not divided into semesters, except for those who can create their own schedule, like your boss. They're not interested in helping you find yourself, so don't ask about health care (shhh)" 10-"real life is not tv. But we'll treat you like you're a creditless extra anyway" 11-"I power trip easy"
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Rachel Gerstner 2 years ago
I would have quit on the spot, this manager is toxic and I wouldn't want to work under him. If it were my daughter, I'd call the manager, give him a piece of my mind and tell him that she will not be coming back.
Liu Woods 2 years ago
Holy f**k why do so many commenters think this is okay... I’ll give you my own rule of life. There’s always other jobs if you have a jerkwad of a boss who blames the toxicity of his workplace on life being unfair!
Klaatu Verrata (Cough) 2 years ago
Most are WASMs, or women married to WASMs. The names give them away immediately.
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Arc Panda 2 years ago
That is the least professional s**t I have ever read in my my life...and due to the pointlessness of it and the out of control tone ,I have to say I smell a sex predator with a slight grip on his self help agenda
Laura Jackson 2 years ago
Post #3- This man feels fully entitled to use and clearly abuse his employees to benefit himself. A good boss isn’t looking solely for what the employee can do for them but instead how they can grow together. They realize they have a just as much to learn from their associate as vice versa. If you know what you’re doing, you eliminate problem employees before they start with the interview process. A good boss wants to see their employee succeed as much as they have. This guy isn’t looking for longevity and his employees. He’s looking for the cheapest labor possible and people he can manipulate in order to continue to stay on top. On top of other people. Bosses in particular have an obligation to focus on making the world a better place through the people they employ. Support and understanding are how you get optimal performance out of employees. Not feeling superior to them and making them feel small.
Laura Jackson 2 years ago (edited)
Post #2 Continued from previous post. These bosses model the behavior they want to see and validate the positive actions of the associate. They compassionately correct behaviors that are ineffective but understand that this person is learning. They allow them to be their own person and find their own niche in doing their job. THIS is how you get the results you want. Not by berating the employee before they even start. This guy’s experiences were vastly different than what people experience now. This is the problem with baby boomers. They take no accountability in what their generation has done to the world and how this affects the new generations. This man is the type who is probably a millionaire and will still take Social Security benefits because he’s entitled to them. HE is the one with a skewed view of life and this type of thinking is why the world IS so difficult for kids trying to move up in it. I feel sorry for anyone working for him and more so for his own children.
Mary Davis 2 years ago
These are not rules. These are facts of life that I am thankful my parents taught me before I ever applied for my first job. They probably should've been delivered in a kinder, gentler way so as not to offend the faint hearted.
Cornell Tramontana 2 years ago
Did your parents present them in such a mean-spirited way?
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Ben LeCloux 2 years ago
I work with a lot of high schoolers. The ones that had good parents understand these things already. The ones that don't, are, difficult to work with. Don't cuddle children, but don't be an a*****e to them either, not till they deserve it at least.
Mimi Adams 2 years ago
I hope you mean "coddle." Cuddling children (at least your own) is a parental responsibility.
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Melinda Laczky 2 years ago
I see nothing wrong with this list. I actually think both parents and teachers should share this list in school.
B Burns 2 years ago
I've revised his list to avoid the TLDR response: 1. I am a frustrated, angry man who envies your youth. 2. I believe that everyone under 30 is a lazy, entitled whiner. 3. If you take this job, I will be contemptuous and abusive, then gaslight you by accusing you of being too fragile to handle the "truth." 4. I'm so lacking in creative and leadership skills that I had to plagiarize a 20-year-old internet list to bully you with. 5. Every time someone turns down the job, I will stew in my own sour funk and b***h to everyone within hearing distance about how kids these days are too precious to work for a living. This is the same kind of guy who complains that he can't get a date because he's a nice guy and women only want bad boys. No, dude. You're not a nice guy. You're a douche.
A Dasher Panda 2 years ago (edited)
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pusheen buttercup 2 years ago
Wow, this boss has some serious self esteem issues if they feel they have to make these kinds of assumptions about their employees and react condescendingly. Further... These aren't rules exactly, they're more advice from a singular perspective, and they don't appear to have anything to do with the job. Very unprofessional lack of boundaries.
Maggie Hood 2 years ago (edited)
This list is really condescending and pretentious. It has some good points and advice, but if I had gotten this on my first day, unprompted, I would be very annoyed and assume that my new employer already looks down on me just because I'm not an adult. Obviously the "real world" sucks and is hard, but that doesn't mean that you have to also suck. "If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you have a boss" is just stupid because bosses and teachers shouldn't be like that in the first place, and it seems like the employer would be fine with treating employees worse than a "mean teacher". The whole tone is just way off and is just like "you haven't been through anything bad ever, and I'm gonna make sure I'm your first bad experience".
Jeremy Smith 2 years ago
Is there anyone who made it to the age of 16 and didn't realize wasn't fair? By sixteen, I saw nautral disasters destroy people homes, lost relatives to disease, and had several classmates commit suicide by the time I was 16. How is 'Life is unfair' considered advice and not plainly obvious who spent anytime in reality? If I had to fix it, I would say "Life is unfair, but that doesn't give you or anyone else the right to be a d**k to others." Maybe just maybe if someone told this manager this. He wouldn't be exploiting minors and acting like he's doing them a favor.
Devan LePage 2 years ago
That boss would NOT be helpful for people like me with mental health problems. He/she would have just made it worse, especially since I also have ADHD
Laura Jackson 2 years ago
So my first degree was in Family studies and child development. First of all, what I will say is that I hope this guy doesn’t have children because THEY are the ones who are going to have a skewed outlook on life. This type of outlook on life is what “surprisingly” creates entitled workers and human beings in general. This boss’ ideas on the world are wildly ignorant. Like it or not, your child’s mistakes absolutely DO fall on you as a parent. This is due to the fact that modeling is the strongest form of teaching and children do what they have seen done their entire lives. Yes, everybody makes mistakes that they individually must learn from, but every person on this planet is a result of their childhood and every single moment of their lives thus far. A GOOD boss, understands that they have no idea what their employee has dealt within their lives resulting in how they see the world. Thoughts continued in next post…
rabbit 2 years ago
Federal minimum wage does not apply to most retail jobs if the state does not include them. Disgusting. Every job is worth at least the federal minimum wage, most of them are worth more. By the time the minimum wage gets to $15/hour, it should really be $25. It should be more than $15 right now.
Sark Aztik 2 years ago
Spoken like someone who thinks they're more important than they actually are.
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Carol Emory 2 years ago
Here's the first rule of communicating with teenagers...You can write all the list of rules you want...they're not going to believe it until they experience it. I understand that this boss wanted to give them a reality check...but they will learn about life soon enough. And the list he gave them is very condescending. It's speaks more of his arrogance and desire to abuse the system than it does of life's hardships. I would also encourage my kid to work elsewhere.
April Simkins 2 years ago
Doesn't matter which points are true , it is inappropriate to hand that to any worker at any job.
Jyndaru 2 years ago
My question to all adults: If you received this list from a new boss, how would you feel about it? This manager is making a lot of assumptions about their new employees. I think that's why the father was angry. And I agree with most of the list, although it could be worded better, but it shouldn't be a new hire handout. This isn't the way to motivate employees. It doesn't matter if they're teenagers or adults; it's offensive to assume anyone doesn't already know these basic truths about life. Managers should be focused on inspiring employees, teaching them how to do their job well, and constructively correcting mistakes. Parents, family, teachers, therapists, etc., should be teaching teenagers about life and how the world works.. Also, paying teens well below minimum wage is bullshít, especially if this happened in the US, where minimum wage is already unlivable.
Emmett O'Brian 2 years ago
I've been told far far worse by my bosses. Sometimes straight up illegal things. Probably means I won't be working there long, but I got bills to pay.
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Ellis Reed 2 years ago
Love the life-hating boomers in the comments, must suck to be so morose all the time
Brian Brunty 2 years ago
These may be truths, but they're only true because WE make them true. Change your perspective, change your view...and everything could be better. We need more empathy, less grubby. And if you can't do that, get out of the way of the rest of us proving you wrong
Sean M 2 years ago
To sum up the list: Stop thinking the real world is out to coddle & get to know you as a sparkly little diamond before you prove that you can even tough it out. To sum up many responses: This list doesn't take into account my special little sparkly diamondness! Why isn't it coddling me?
KenKen Douglas 2 years ago
To sum up the responses actually: "life isn't fair get used to me treating you poorly." Is used by abusers to make you complacent to abuse. I don't need special treatment, but if you think you can treat me like dirt on your shoe for minimum wage and I'm just gonna go "ah well, life's not fair, and anywhere I go will abuse me like this." You're sorely mistaken. People have worth. It may not be diamonds, but it's certainly more than "you mean absolutely nothing to me and if you won't let me abuse you I'll get someone who will."
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DMG! Red Fury 2 years ago
People who are mad about this list didn't teach their children these truths.
raven riley 2 years ago
Because deal with it isn't good advice did injustices get solved by everyone being like "oh well life isn't fair" And that's right life can be mean which means we as people can learn to be nicer to each other rather then expecting everyone else to deal with your entitlement
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Michael Thomson 2 years ago
Not a single thing here is wrong. Yes, clumsy as hell and stupidly dominating, but still true. By being clumsy he allows the millennial apologists to try to deflect the underlying truths but they are there. And always will be.
The Osean Federation 2 years ago (edited)
If I had a daughter and saw this, I would immediately assume that the manager wanted to r$$$ my daughter and get her out asap. Like, I will say that he isn't completely wrong, but that's not his responsibility, it goes to me as a parent and all the other parents. And getting paid way below the federal minimum wage, definitely getting her out.
Dina Hinckley 2 years ago
That guy sounds angry and bitter at the world. The fact that he feels the need to push kids around makes him a pathetic coward. The fact that he pays under minimum makes him a crook.
Michael Hearne 2 years ago
I agree with those rules 100%. Granted it's not the boss who should be pointing that out. It's the parents that should be telling things like that to their kids. I had to learn that stuff when I was growing up and I'm much better off now.
Kanga9ine 2 years ago
Having been an employee and a boos who ran her own business I can see both sides of this. It is extreme but the principles of some are right on. I worked with autistic and all kinds of kids the past 20 years and they have so much parents want for them because they know it’s tough out there. But here they are with parents doing their homework, not helping, doing. And these are gen ed kids. They were bringing their $95+ Zuka (sp?) backpacks and never made responsible for their actions. A great disservice when they leave for college and party and then face the job market, already in debt with student loans,, rent, only know how to cook ramen in the microwave, and never have used a washing machine. This guy sounds like he’s run into many of these kids who are thrown into the real wirld, just like the day they were born. It’s just they’ve had 18-25 years and are not just waiting to be fed, poop and sleep. A simple conversation would show more respect if there’s a problem with 1 or 2
Holley Moysenko 2 years ago
What a great learning opportunity! Teach the daughter to walk into her boss's office, and tell him to have fun wasting more of the company's money on hiring some other chump to work for such a piss poor manager. She's worth much more than that, and she shouldn't settle for less than a respectful workplace. That's how many companies manage to bully themselves to the top...employees let them.
heartbreakerninja 2 years ago
Lol I was told this list by an awesome coworker that was a very old school woman. She took crap from no one. But she had one other rule that she always repeated "you are not so good at your job that you can't be replaced with a jack Russell terrier" lol 😆
anthony moring 2 years ago
I have a rule for the manager: You pay teenagers to flip burgers, you aren't their life coach. If your rules have nothing to do with the day to day of working there it's pretty clear you just want to be king of the crap heap.
Michelle Mickle 2 years ago
I'm 43, not a boomer by any means, and while this list may come off as harsh I think the intent was to humble the young employees, not belittle them. I tell my own kids that life owes them nothing, that they must find their own way and own place in it . Why is advice from our elders such a bad thing these days? You don't necessarily have to follow it, but we didn't make it this far in life being idiots either. This young woman should have been wise enough to see the lesson in this list, instead of trying to ruin this guy online...but I guess that's why we still call kids that age children...
Doreen McKay 2 years ago
perhaps if the place paid a decent wage everyone would win, I think it shoukd be boycotted by workers and consumers, teach him all about his rules
Ophelia Payne 2 years ago
Weird af. Inappropriate for the workplace. He is very condescending to someone he doesn't know. Young people can be hard working and industrious (or why hire them). Old people can be lazy and entitled.
Rahul Pawa 2 years ago
Rule 8 doesn't make any sense based on my experience working in an office environment. When I make mistakes, I fix them. It would be silly for my boss to not let me fix my mistakes. A much more important lesson I would teach a young person is don't be afraid of making mistakes. When you make a mistake, own up to it and fix it (if possible). Even in food service, that's a silly rule. Imagine the manager of a pizza company who catches a mistake the cook made and sends it out anyway. That becomes the manager's fault. Of course the manager would give the cook another chance to get it right.
Laura Pantazis 2 years ago
This letter isn't productive. It is demeaning and disrespectful because it makes assumptions the person receiving the letter. Set rules in a respectful manner. If we all treated others how we wanted to be treated, this world would be a better place.
Mylfy Gamer 2 years ago (edited)
It's the s**t I tell me kids regularly. I don't see anything wrong with it. Maybe if we actually have children (teens are children) these facts we'd have less mass shootings, from certain groups of people. What do i know, lifes been real as f**k for me. I wish someone would have given me this when I aged out of foster care. Maybe I would have turned out better.
InvaderZim 2 years ago
I think the boss was a nerd who got bullied based off of that last rule
Lynne S 2 years ago
Doesn't matter that any of it is true. The tone is so patronizing no one given that list would appreciate it, esp given it was her first day and she hadn't even done anything wrong. And number one is just entirely self-serving. He's breaking the law by paying less than minimum wage. Yes, life IS unfair, which is why you shouldn't go around making it even more unfair. He's basically trying to head off any complaints about his illegal business practices.
Cassie Raef 2 years ago
Bitter, seems frustrated with dealing with teenagers. Some good points, but not appropriate. His job is not to express life lessons as he sees it. If he wants to help these kids then show them an example on how to manage a business. .
Tracy Penner 2 years ago
Why is her boss trying to teach her life lessons? Isn't teaching her to do the job he hired her for enough? Eesh, get a life.
Peter Sarubbi 2 years ago
Before you give someone a list of rules on life, learn how to spell and proofread. What is a Coffee Hsop? Did her boss mean a Coffee SHOP? That's a fail Mr. Boss... 😑
ravengirl3006 2 years ago
They are "LIFE RULES" not rules for work. Which means it should be left up to the parents to encode life values and morals as they grow up! This boss has no right to give this list to a new employee of any age! He needs to stay in his lane and stick to the training script for the workplace, safety, policies, procedures, and details specific to learning the position hired to fill! Also the Dad mentioned that they pay under the minimum wage? Will she be receiving tips? If so, then the set wage for servers or bartenders is much lower due to receiving tips. I would review the payment terms outlined when she was hired. There are different wages during training vs when you become an independent worker. However, if the terms still result in a business unlawfully paying under the required wage set by the state in reside in...then it should be reported to the State's employment office.
the chicken 2 years ago
Look I'm 16 too and i know that list did have truth to it but i don't need someone i barley know to tell me life's hard because i should learn that on my own, I've even been taught by my parents that life isn't easy and i know some kids don't understand that but they also don't need some old guy that they barely know to tell them that, I'm your employee not your child
Sara Magier 2 years ago
Its not the list that is the issue. If her Dad had given the list to her it may have been a conversation. It is that her boss took it upon himself to dictate his point of view as a list of rules that is the problem. Really inappropriate way to convey that a good work ethic is expected. So sad...
Lindsey Leigh Phillips 2 years ago
I especially love the smug, derivative lecture *combined* with the glaring typos. I can picture, with crystal clarity, the chump boss fairly f_cking salivating at the prospect of showing some newbie what's what. I bet the bastard grew a snidely whiplash moustache just for the occasion. But i guess this is to be expected when you're an absolute lackwit who peaked at the age of 19. What. A. Goddamn. Plonker. And while we're on the subject, can anyone finally explain to me why it's normalized to discriminate against minors as far as wages are concerned? Fine, some jobs pay less. But why have so many people taken, as gospel, the idiotic notion that people entering the workforce should expect to be lowballed or otherwise exploited?
TC Hicks 2 years ago
That list should go to someone who deserves to see it. Giving it to this kid seems like the boss wants her to feel as jaded, cheated and exhausted by life as he clearly does. Not a good move, boss man. Try inspiring the next Gen, not haze them into "get in line" submission.
Tony Woods 2 years ago
Just not convinced that this type of “life” advice should come from a teen’s first employer. Sounds like they read this somewhere and wanted to feel/sound more mature with tons of life experience… all while on an hourly retail shift leader salary likely living with his family and no real responsibility, no doubt. Kids today? 🎶Wear Sunscreen🎵 That’s where the real advice is!
Darlynne Downey 2 years ago
Great list, except it should be coming from the parents, not the boss. A parents job is to prepare their child for real life, so it doesn't come as a shock. Hard work, appreciation for being given an opportunity, and respect for those who have been there, done that are always appropriate to instill into the next generation. We Boomers whined just as much when our parents tried to teach us the same lessons. (And the boss is probably GenX or Millennial, so hope for the future is not lost!)
Ben LeCloux 2 years ago
What idiot let's their kid work at a place that doesn't pay the federal minimum wage?🤦🏼♂
Blur Davis 2 years ago (edited)
Yeah this is what happens when you either A refuse to accept the reality and prepare your kid/teen for the hard knocks of life B. Are super used to having your ears tickled that the truth of life took its first dump into your toilet bowl and you hated the plop noise it created and decided to be naive and ignore it all C. You're just insanely sensitive. So sensitive in fact, that you're not able to see the points made because how it was stated was a bit too critical. Regardless most of these rules are not inaccurate. This is just a blunt way of stating facts. No sugar coating.
Lloyd Brodnax 2 years ago
The list speaks truths but the messages/presentation is way off! It reminds me of that ole saying “ it’s not what one says but how it’s said!”
Mark Hunter II 2 years ago
Anyone who wants to cry about this list, needs to read it more carefully!
KenKen Douglas 2 years ago (edited)
I'm an abuse survivor who's abusers used "life isn't fair" as a way to say that what they were doing wasn't that bad. Mind you I had blood stains on my pillow from them busting my brothers face on the head board of MY bed. I came to school with bruises that I had to hide. I'm upset because this mentality is used to say "no one will ever treat you better so just accept the abuse. This is the way life is and you'll never NOT be abused." I'm "crying" about it because it's a disgusting way to tell people to just take abuse lying down. It's gross and not every kid needs "taught" or "reminded" some of us never knew anything but the abuse.
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Rusty Ratkowiak 2 years ago
Lol with all the misspelling on the bosses list, its really a wonder how he's really the boss. I'll bet anything that he blames his secretary for all his errors on his "real world list". It's good to be truthful in a world full of corruption and lies but there's a line that you shouldn't cross when you assume things. Family members should never be included in any rules of an employer. Maybe the boss is from the Boston area. They are some conceited individuals from the Boston area. The only 2 things they love are the patriots and themselves.
Annette Davis 2 years ago
I think it is great! Such a shame it had to be said....these rules used to be what they called 'common sense'.
A Dasher Panda 2 years ago (edited)
Walk into a Little Caesars or a Wingstop on a weekend especially, and you'll usually see just teenagers working. The attitude they already have is abysmally beneath contempt. I actually had one bítch girl at Wingstop tell me "Want me to pay you too?". I told her it was HER job as the merchant worker to fill the soda cup and seal it for my customer because that's what SHE gets paid to do. These punk kids nowadays work 4 hour shifts and they are straight lazy about it and want their $60 to basically do the minimal. My first job at 18, I was thankful for 6 hours a day during the summer and it was working at a very large and busy pep boys auto parts store. There was no time for sitting on one's ass. If I'd have told a customer go climb a ladder to get a part himself, I'd have been fired instantly.
Petaris 2 years ago
This list is old, I remember seeing it in the mid 90s. I suspect the boss got it from an email chain or somewhere on the internet rather than having written it themselves. That is why some of it sounds so dated. Honestly I don't disagree with it. A lot of kids just have very little work ethic or maturity at that age.
Ericka Hill 2 years ago
Personally I think the list is great! I think they are valid points that probably should come from parents or guardians...but children/adults of tomorrow need to hear these things! I can only WISH that someone would have shared the list with me! These new generation children need to know that NOTHING pays off WITHOUT hard work and dedication! Life is NOT easy, it's not what they see on these reality shows and music videos etc! Don't be in a rush to grow up because the world can be a cold place! They need to know that at some time in life you may be forced to work a job that you absolutely HATE, but you must sacrifice to be able to thrive and become self sufficient. Failure is another opportunity for you to try harder and get it right! Don't be afraid of failure...NEVER GIVE UP! Life is hard enough without proper guidance and advice, listen to the wisdom of others, we've been there and done that! Say NO to drugs and get your EDUCATION! Trust, it'll be greater later!
Keisha 2 years ago
Some of these I agree with but a good portion I don't. The problem I have with it is the boss is not their parents to be teaching them about the world as he see's it. Would I let my kid go back after receiving this list ? No because it's not the bosses place to be teaching them anything other than how to do their jobs while they were there. My children didn't work until they were done with high school. I told them they have the rest of their lives to work to support themselves once they are on their own. That they should enjoy their teen years as much as possible. I don't have party animals for kids so they basically had friends over,went to the skatepark and skated or hung out or my son who is a carbon copy of me just drove around in his car or truck listening to music most of the time by himself or with one friend or another. Then he started his own car club and became very active in it. My daughter it was all about music and music festivals. They grow up so quick no need to rush it.
Blink Ensu 2 years ago
The thing that gets me isn't about the list. Jobs that pay less than a minimum wage or hell, less than a living wage, have no justification to exist You can argue that teens don't need to make a living but you're missing the point. In socialism a person gets paid what they need. Welcome to capitalism, boss. Here you pay people what their labor is worth whether they are 16 or 60, barista or VP.
craig abram 2 years ago
Today's society can't handle reality... Even some parents... Probably a better list left in the break room to remind children they are entering the real world... The list forgot turn your phone off before you clock in... Your parents can reach you here by calling the business...
Bobby 2 years ago
As A Parent and An Employee, 1st, These are not rules, but advice about attitude, and should be coming from a parent. 2nd, from a Boss, pure harassment. These have nothing whatsoever to do with what is expected of the job. I would have said goodbye and left after recieving this list. WTF!
Laurel Mackereth 2 years ago
Weather or not you agree with the statements is not the point. This person clearly despises their employees. As an adult with choices if an employer spoke like this to me on the first day id walk right out the door.
Ann Harste 2 years ago
Someone should point out to the boss that proofreading is an important skill
Jake Wheeler 2 years ago
The part that says you made your parents boring is the cleanest clearest truth I have come across in a while. It's 100% accurate.
Nikhita Clement 2 years ago
Anyone else notice how coffee shop was spelled wrong, just a little embarrassing on the boss's part
Nikhita Clement 2 years ago
Imagine being so full of yourself to hand this out to your employees And you spell shop wrong
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Key Martin 2 years ago
You don't become an Olympic swimmer by having your coach douse you in blood and viscera, throwing you out of a helicopter into the ocean 20 km from shore, pointing at the over-the-horizon shore, and telling you to start swimming since sunset is in two hours. Life is rough, sure... but introductions like that will only breed contempt for any future employer.
Stephanie Conley 2 years ago
What would prompt this boss to hand a new employee they have met once this list? All they would or could do if she acted like that is fire the girl. Some kids know all this stuff. The reason we see so many self entitled brats is because they seek attention and validation because their parents didn't parent when they were young. It just seems kind of unnecessary to assume they all act like that. If you want to employ people but can't stand a certain age group stop hiring teenagers. They aren't even rules they are just facts of life . Discipline should come from parents and consequences come from outside of the home. Like you don't get disciplined by a cop for speeding, you face the consequences of your actions. It just seems this person has a hard on for (believing they are) crushing dreams.
John Crandall 2 years ago
Those aren't workplace rules. If this really happened, it was some young/inexperienced and/or poor manager finally feeling and charge and showing (poorly) that vast amount of his supposed experience. If true, not someone to work with/for and no reason for dad to go put him in his place. Just laugh at the poor fool and move on
Louise Platiel 2 years ago (edited)
This list is a fantastic insight into the person who wrote it, and nothing more. When someone expresses themselves you do not need to take that information on. It is helpful to read into it and discern what kind of person you are dealing with and how best to handle them. Don't be mad be curious; be thankful when someone shows you all their cards - you now have the advantage. In this case the toxic mentality would send me looking for a new job. No thanks.
Robin Roper 2 years ago
Agree with many of the comments here - many of these "rules" have some true and yet delivered in a condescending manner so the lessons will not be learned. He is not a good leader; a good leader is inspirational and is not condescending.
K Witmer 2 years ago
This is abuse mentality whether the points are true or not. This is setting kids up to take abuse and I'm sure sexual abuse as well. Oh I hurt your feelings oh I touched you wo consent oh you're a woman and get paid less oh you're crying and you think I care oh you're coughing up a lung better get over it. No one in the world cares about you. No one will believe you if you tell them I'm abusing you. Simply not true. There are laws that protect you and they are teens they still have parents that protect them. If they don't they already live these horrible cynical sad but only his abusive "truths" that's not his business to teach. I'd laugh at him and walk out. Teach him my truth which is no one has to put up w abuse.
Tiredofpayingforothers 2 years ago
How did you get from those facts of life to sexual abuse? You're a little over dramatic don't you think?
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Nadine Bamberger 2 years ago
He's not their parent, teacher or coach. He didn't do this to help them but to boost up his own ego, probably because people his own age and social standing are avoiding his condescending way.
Real Princess 2 years ago
Guy said he was Gen X and 19. I feel badly for the architects. Maybe he meant to give his birth year and forgot the last two digits? I sure as hell would not want to work with a 19-year-old project manager that doesn’t know what generation he was born in.
Jasmine Hufflepuff Henderson 2 years ago
I'm guessing typo considering z and x are right next to each other. It happens to the best of us.
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Deborah Rubin 1 year ago
So how is this boomer? And a lot of these make sense, but it's not the boss's place to say them.
Deborah George 1 year ago
I agree, at 58, I've had the misfortune to work with delusional younger people.
Ernie Puscher 1 year ago
Ernovan The arbitrary viewpoint seen in the list is not representative of real life. It makes the assumption that all kids are the same, and without values and value. There are a lot of great kids out there who do not fit the mold of this "down on life" loser boss. He may presume all kids are like he was at that age, and does not want to take a week or two to for evaluation. The rules could be presented after a short probation period. He could have two sets of rules; one for kids with already developed work ethics, and the other for the kids who need guidelines about the realities of employment "out in the world." For the latter group, the list should be reformulated to elicit positive growth, and not presented to make the bad worse. The good kids will possibly go on to be the best staff ever; the others can be let go shortly, if they don't do a good job. This "boss" needs to do a self evaluation and get his people skills aligned.
Pamela Blue 2 years ago (edited)
That was so unoriginal it made me yawn. That list has been around online for so many years that I can't believe EVERYONE ON THE PLANET hasn't seen it yet. LOL!
Awsomemom52 2 years ago
Technically, almost everything on the list is the harsh reality. However, I don't understand why a 16-year-old should be given such a list, on the first day of work for a job in a burger shop. Nothing against working in the fast food industry, I've worked there myself for a long time and it's hard work. A manager should motivate employees... not intimidate or try to educate them.
Janet Graham 2 years ago
It has come to a time when employers are teaching young employees the things that their parents should have taught them. Life is not fair and you do need to work for everything you get. It could have been said in a nicer way, but I get the feeling that this boss has had it up to here with entitled teenagers.
Craig Reynolds 2 years ago
I don't have a problem with the points made but I do have a problem with how they were made. It didn't have to be said with such pompousness.
Burgermeister 2 years ago
I've seen this before. The word "nerd" gives away the age of the document. Decades old.
Gary Harkins 2 years ago
I don't see the problem? That list is absolutely correct. People just hate hearing the truth and want to think all is great in the world when in reality it's not. Life is tough.
Mylfy Gamer 2 years ago
This is one of the softest group of adults I have ever witnessed in a comment section. F**k, no wonder we can't get this shitty country moving in the right direction.
Stephen R Hipp 2 years ago
My daughter was well aware of all of this. Then again I made it very clear my daughter does not recieve a participation trophy at any time for anything. I would guess the only ones who 'flipped out' would be those parents who did. That said my daughter would have not went back cause she can see toxic b******t when she sees it
Laura Lawson 2 years ago
The last comment in the article by xxNone....Yeah, sure, you're 19 years old and a 'project manager for an architecture firm'. Bahahahahahaha!! Sure you are. 🙄 I didn't know that's what they call the coffee gofer these days! A project manager is a senior position that requires years of working in architectural firms. They are the middle-man between the architect & the on-site builders & this is not something anyone would trust to a 19yo who is so full of himself he thinks his s**t smells like chocolate bars!
Jane Smith 2 years ago
I had gotten this list in an email in the early 00s as a clip of a graduation speech given by Bill Gates (don't remember if it was college or high school)
Stephanie Did It 2 years ago
Just proves that if you give some people an inch, they think they're a ruler. 🤴
Dorothy Cloud 2 years ago
That list is Life. A lot of teenagers feel entitled because of how their parents have raised them. Makes perfect sense to me.
Viv Hart 2 years ago
I see nothing wrong with this list - actually a list that the parents should have told her, these are good rules of life in adulthood, not really for a boss to do. Parents are too soft on their kids these days. NB - I'm not a Boomer, born in 1942 - I believe it's called The Silent Generation, you just accepted what you got, didn't whine about it.
Evelyn Haskins 2 years ago
I really suspect that people here who are talking indignantly, have NEVER had to deal with teenagers, except as teenagers themselves. I suggest hey read, and internally digest some of the other comments from adults.
Evelyn Haskins 2 years ago
I would not be furious. I would ask my daughter WHY the boss gave her this list. Having brought up four kids to adulthood, and worked as a secondary school teacher, you have NO IDEA how frequently a lot of teenager bleat 'It is not fair'. Personally I would have said something along the lines of "That's the way the cooky crumbles, m'dear!"
Mumof1 2 years ago
I acually thinnk it's brilliant - it's perhaps something her own father should have given her before she even left school. Kids need to be taight Life Lessons befre they leave school to prepare them for the cold harsh reality of Life, which is NOT a soap opera, or a reality TV show. nah - I think this boss absolutely nailed it.
Irma 2 years ago (edited)
This list isnt incorrect. But it is not a thing you can tell them and they will take it. These are all things that need to be experienced, not told. Yes a 16 year old needs to learn how to work. But cut them some slack they just started learning since the legal age often is 16. I have a 16 y o intern who is very slow and doesnt want to do cleaning tasks. Though luck cause thats part of the job so i make her do it or she can leave. I do it myself too there isn't a restaurant where you dont have to clean. But that is not something a list can resolve.
Wonderful 2 years ago (edited)
I remember something like this on the employee board at my first job at target in the late 90’s. Like most things it hasn’t aged well. The person who wrote this is also complaining about boys with long hair and girls wearing nail polish and dressing “sexy”. They’ve been complaining about the same thing for over 40 years.
Chico Martins 2 years ago
He's right, although he shouldn't made that list. Those harsh lessons must be taught by the parents or Life itself.
Faith Nicole 2 years ago
I agree with what is written here. But no, don't give this to anybody you have working for you. Maybe hang it up in the break room as a little reminder than as you get older, you will struggle, life isn't what you see on TV, an no, participation awards aren't given just for showing up to your job on time, or remembering to close the freezer behind you. Don't award stupidity, work hard but also enjoy life
Brent Hollett 2 years ago
Written in a different way, this list would have a lot of good points. The guy is an unempathic ass, but the majority of points are relevant to succeeding in life.
Claudia Lorenz 2 years ago
I can see how this list upsets people who have no clue of real life. There is truth in every point.
Celtic Pirate Queen 2 years ago
Sorry - but I completely agree with the employer. Maybe not the best way to get these ideas across, but I have seen far too many times that today's parents AREN'T making any effort to do so. Life is gonna slap some of these kids so hard in the face that I find it refreshing SOMEONE is willing to tell them the truth.
Cydney Golden 2 years ago
No where is the age of the boss listed. Why are we assuming it's a " boomer?" And by the way some of these ideas are true. But I wouldn't think they are appropriate to say to someone unless they demonstrated they needed to hear.
Gilda Farrell 2 years ago
What makes this offensive is that the employer gives this to a new employee who just arrived at the job. He knows nothing about her but presumes she is a privileged, spoiled brat. I've met adults who talk to teenagers like this. As if the kids are someone they have to keep in line even though no one is acting out of line. He is basically saying, 'don't complain about anything unfair that happens here, or how I abuse you, because that's life." No, that means he is an a*****e.
Public Citizen 2 years ago
Dads reaction demonstrates what a rotten job has been done of parenting. If "Daddy" [and Mommy] had done their job properly the daughter would have read the list, put a mental check mark by each item, and moved on, being fully cognizant of the truths being expressed in the list.
Public Citizen 2 years ago
For those expressing dislike of the way these Life Lessons are being expressed, Life Is Hard. You either learn the lessons by reading about them and comprehending or you get the School Of Hard Knocks version where you get metaphorically slammed upside the head until the lesson is grasped. - - - - The alternative is failure.
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mark jones 2 years ago
All those statements are true if you work for other people and make their dreams come true. Find your talents,passions and interests invest in yourself. You may have to work there a little while to create opportunities for yourself (financially). That is the voice of consumerism. We can find" balance" in this generation.
Stéphane Lussier Johnson 2 years ago
That list is plagiarised from 2 or 3 articles on Cracked . com, written by David Wong.
Lewis 2 years ago (edited)
The list is nothing more and nothing less than what was expected of us Boomers in order to even have a job! I see nothing wrong with it, except for typos. $60,000/year is about 4 times what the starting wage for burger flippers should be and about 10 times the minimum wage in the 1970s when many of us began our first job. So be thankful and get that chip off your shoulder! Be glad to even have a job! Some of us have lived through over a dozen recessions and come out of school straight into one!
Lisa Pockat Bork 2 years ago
So Dad is upset because the boss gave her a taste of reality? That's life. Deal with it. I wish more people would tell their kids these things.
Dawn L Daigle 2 years ago
I think everything he said is absolutely true. Now it's definitely not a very motivational speech, but it's free life lessons given to them probably for the very first time.
Deberra Engelke 2 years ago
Truthful list extremely poorly written delivered by a sad, stupid person with "big fish in a small pond syndrome." While I agree the list highlights pertinent issues, a wise man would never subject impressionable children in such a spiteful, unproductive way. A wise man leads by example with encouragement. I'd be willing to bet the "manager" loses his job sooner or later.
Curt Christensen 2 years ago
Sorry, but most young people need to learn that you have to EARN what you want. The world is not here to serve you.
Charles Rhoden 2 years ago
Taking offense and telling dad about it is all about number 6. The list has merit. It’s a bit self aggrandizing to share this with an employee as though the manager has their s**t worked out completely. If there is an open chance and the employee needs guidance, not a bad list. Feels like another useless article.
Marilyn ford bartfay 2 years ago
The girl's boss did NOT create this list! It's been around and widely spread for at least 20 years! It has been attributed to Bill Gates, when addressing high school kids. (Don't know if this is true) As a trainer, I copied and handed it out to a group of 20 head teachers I was training 16 years ago here in Stockholm. They loved it! And said they would share it with the pupils to hear their reaction. I think it has some very good points, and just right for generation x and Snowflakes, to help them prepare for "the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune" in their lives ahead.
Lisa Larson 2 years ago
EVERY kid should have to read these rules of life....they are all TRUE.
Jenny Jeffress 2 years ago
That list is dead on! It is something the parents should have, and used to teach their kids, before kids became the center of the universe.
Mike and Rhonda OShields 2 years ago
Every single item in that list is absolutely true. Many parents are too politically correct and afraid to tell their kids these truths. Thank God this guy has the courage to step in and fill the gaps in these kids lives.
Richard Maynard 2 years ago
I think the only real issue I have with this list is that it has nothing to do with the job. The only reason he gives out this list is to justify his own pathetic behavior. Specifically the not paying min wage because they are minors and rule 1. He's just saying I'm scum and I don't care to be better. That's it.
Luda Kris 2 years ago
This was a brilliant list!! Too much letting it go. I'm a teacher and everything is a pass. This is what kids expect to do nothing and get a pass. That's not the real world. I would have shook that boss' hand because it's parents like this father that is probably a jerk and doesn't prepare his kids. Children of the 80's and before would appreciate this more so than anything after. That's where and why every thing has gone down hill. Sorry to the reader that disagrees with me. It's a world where no one wants to hear the truth.
Bob Sanders 2 years ago
Oh please! I'm glad I didn't have her dad for a dad. So she quit because she can't handle the truth! Any person who already know those ideas are true will stay with with the job and be successful! The person who's been coddled all their life will be offended with a good chance they'll end up with career of living in their parents basement! The employer totally dodged a bullet on that one!
Scott Jackson 2 years ago
Everyone that thinks this list is bad is an idiot. Plain and simple. Everything on that list is exactly how life is if you don't understand the list you are either a welfarer...a silver spooner...or too young to understand. Why are there so many morons in this world....no wonder war never stops. And incase you're offended by the word moron, just so you know, at one time it was an actual scientific word that denoted a number on the IQ test. Most of you that are offended probabaly fit in that slot. Either that or your so worried about being nice or not offending anyone that your just stupid by default. Have a nice day
Sandra Lyle 2 years ago
I don't find anything wrong with this list. I.work with some young people most can't find their way out of a wet paper bag with a rip in it. If it is not a game or texting on their phone they can't function. When I grew up we didn't even have a phone. Today's kids don't even have common sence.
Yvonne Weber 2 years ago
There is nothing wrong with his list. Children today (most) have gone through life being entitled, even if they've seen there parents killing themselves with work and trying so hard to give their kids what they didn't have. They are all solid points. I am a strong woman from listening to my elders teach me as a child life isn't easy. It made me who I am. Because if your taught things in life come easy, you end up with mental anxiety and illness due to not working through problems and disappointing situations. Everyone needs a backbone and should learn this early in life.
Jaqi Hegland 2 years ago
Life is not fair, but people can choose to be fair or unfair. Someone who tells you, "life's not fair," without any particular reason to do so are usually using it to justify their choice to be unfair.
Scott Trosien 2 years ago
The dad is an idiot for being outraged, and a weak-spined fool for waiting till the daughter was out of that job to cry about it. The list clearly sets expectations that coddling of teenager wants and emotions are not part of doing the job. Parents who fail to show their children the real world and how to survive it, have failed them.
Aggie Sundstrom 2 years ago
1. The list pretty well covers the real world. In a lot of schools kid are given 2nd and 3rd chances to write correct answers. They are given extra time to turn in homework. Some get mouthy and downright disrespectful towards teachers. So they get sent home and nothing changes they come back bragging that they got to do what they wanted. Yes the wording could have been a lot better but then most kids ignore it anyway
Dr. Kenny Makit 2 years ago
The employer is right! The dad must be a sensitive little beta male…..quit being little wimps!
Blondieybat 2 years ago
Not that those ideas are completely out there. But handing out that list as though it is the new version of the 10 Commandments is what got me.
Julene Fisher 2 years ago
These rules are found in Charles Sykes' book "Dumbing Down America". Many times attributed to Bill Gates and usually appear with 11 rules but there are three more that the original author had written as well: Rule No. 12: Smoking does not make you look cool. It makes you look moronic. Next time you're out cruising, watch an 11-year-old with a butt in his mouth. That's what you look like to anyone over 20. Ditto for "expressing yourself" with purple hair and/or pierced body parts. Rule No. 13: You are not immortal. (See Rule No. 12.) If you are under the impression that living fast, dying young and leaving a beautiful corpse is romantic, you obviously haven't seen one of your peers at room temperature lately. Rule No. 14: Enjoy this while you can. Sure parents are a pain, school's a bother, and life is depressing. But someday you'll realize how wonderful it was to be a kid. Maybe you should start now. You're welcome.
Charles Brown 2 years ago
Well to me this is just all 100% honest. A little blunt for a 16yr old but the parents should have really told them all this to begin with.
Charles Brown 2 years ago
I guess I am one of the odd balls who see this list as reality. Yes its a hard wakeup call for a teenager but they need it usually. I knew all this when I got my first job at...get this...MCDONALDS. Though they wanted me to go into management, looking back I wish I had, I didn't though. Probably would be making more now but I am still in a manager position at a company that cares about its employees. This list doesn't say the boss does not care but lets the kid know you will have to bust you but to make something of your life as nothing will be given too you.
Michelle Hausmann 2 years ago
Wonder with #11, if this person is talking about themselves. This has some reality checks I have to say, are all too real. however it’s mostly dehumanizing and judgmental scolding of an employee before they even get started. This is in no way appropriate for the workplace and insanely demoralizing and disrespectful to assume they have the right to speak to employees this way. Knowing they are taking advantage of them already and getting away with it. This is abuse of power. Not a single employee can respond or defend themselves (or at least many may not know they have the option) this is their first job and this is what they are exposed to. Never in my 36 years have I ever been given such a (key board warrior like ) aggressive, soap box like reprimand. No matter if the few true points are made, it’s an abusive and pre shaming list designed to Make the young employee assume that it is appropriate for that type of abusive behavior as normalcy . I’m disgusted. Fauq this boss.
Scott Poling 2 years ago
This was part of a speech Bill Gates gave at his Alma Mater. It's not about hating anyone, it is about being ready for the real world that is not impressed with you just because you are impressed with yourself. Life is tough and you need to work for success.
Jay Prestidge 2 years ago
This is old!!!! We had the same thing posted up in our staff room 30 years go.
Jason Bedient 2 years ago
It could be shortened to two rules: 1. This is a job and there's going to be stuff you don't want to do. Do it anyways. 2. If you don't want to do it, there's the door
coffeegirl18 2 years ago (edited)
xxNone that commented on the OP probably isn't a Gen X unless they mistyped their age. I'm saying that as someone who was Gen X until they moved around the classication dates in the 2000s (I had a major project on GenX vs Gen Y and the teacher eventually just had us all add a paragraph explaining that at the end.). I was born in the mid 80s and considered a Gen Y/Millenial. (Was definitely exposed to more GenX stuff through my cousins though. ) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Generation_X
coffeegirl18 2 years ago (edited)
xxNone that commented on the OP probably isn't a Gen X unless they mistyped their age. I'm saying that as someone who was Gen X until they moved around the classication dates in the 2000s (I had a major project on GenX vs Gen Y and the teacher eventually just had us all add a paragraph explaining that at the end.). I was born in the mid 80s and considered a Gen Y/Millenial. (Was definitely exposed to more GenX stuff through my cousins though. )
Jazz Cook 2 years ago
Reminds me of my power tripping manager at Tim Horton's she'd literally give me crap for not being social enough and too social in the same day. I made min wage but they let us keep tips so it was about $12/hr inc the tips. It wasn't worth it for the shitty manager and mental stress...I make the same amount working PT for a retail shop and going to college PT.
Danielle Arnold 2 years ago (edited)
Alot of it is true...but a real boss would want to boost moral..it would be good for not only the employee but the business. So not intelligent to say it in such a ugly way. You can be honest but not like I don't have to do anything to make your work life easy or mentally better. You will lose many employees and if they aren't getting paid well to begin with young or old they won't care about your business and will do crap work..and to the idiot saying 60,000 a year is "low" middle class must seriously be 15. That's middle class income. Average people don't even make that much. There are people who go to school and only make that much. Also depending where you live, places like California I'm sure pay more then the same job description for someone in PA but they also have to pay alot more to live where they do..That comment def prob came from someone who is still in high school or barely works and thinks average people make 6 digits a year...and then making fun of him for running a fast food business, really...cuz when I was 16 I worked at dairy queen and my boss who owned it had alot of money..people don't know what they are talking about...now a manager of a fast food business would make less obviously but from how it sounds this paper came from a owner...I mean I only ever worked in that type of food industry once in my life..after DQ I personally wanted nothing to do with that type of work, I'd of picked retail over food..way to much running around being short staffed and customers being rude...which is the last people you want to be rude too is someone handling your food,, I've never ever been ugly to someone handling something I eat..cuz they will either make your food half ass or could do something disgusting which we have seen many times happen..i personally never did anything gross to someone's food but I wouldn't go out of my way for them if they were ugly to me, that's for sure. anyway the DQ owner was the one who did all the hiring.
Anny J 2 years ago (edited)
The list isn’t wrong - the world doesn’t owe you a living. Why sugar coat it? The real world shouldn’t be a big shock to young people when they have to fend for themselves. It sure was to me, and that was well over 40 years ago. Praise shouldn’t be given out every waking moment of a child’s life. Praise should be earned. The world doesn’t need anymore useless narcissists. Success is earned by hard work.
Lissette French 2 years ago
I di care about anyines self esteem, and I live way across the world from this child, why do I care? One way or another it affects someone and there is chain reaction, may take some time, but what happens there affects others. This boss must need counseling, he has very low esteem, her father and her need to offer help giving him address to phsychiatrist, he sounds very distressed.
Karin Bougie 2 years ago
Schools should be putting this list out to all kids 14 and up. A boss doing it is kind of weird though.
Michael Robertson 2 years ago
This isn't his list, he stole it from Bill Gates. I know, because one of our teachers in school gave us the exact same list. They're not even really rules, more like harsh truths. You can either prepare early, or learn them first hand one by one.
Lois Frith 2 years ago
This is an oldie thats done the rounds for years. I first saw it about 12 years ago. Ive also heard of High School teachers posting it on their walls. Weird to personally give it though, and to an employee. Its the type if thing that often goes on the back of a bathroom door 🤣. My friend has something very similar (less wordy) on bathroom door for her kids, and shes 29 and one who does 'un-schooling', so shes nothing like a boomer
Terry Lovelace 2 years ago
I am 64 and was not coddled. By 10 I knew life only sucked when you let it.
Christian Fuentes 2 years ago
This is so real that hurts, thats all, kinds should learn about this, specially the last one, is that real thing you know? Nerds can be very bad if they grow up being bullied
Jace Hawkins 2 years ago
The boss clearly hates his job and his life, but he isn't wrong. Those are basically the rules of work.
vglw 2 years ago (edited)
These 11 "rules" are from a list of 14 that appeared in a book in 1995 (Dumbing Down Our Kids: Why American Children Feel Good About Themselves But Can't Read, Write, Or Add Book by Charlie Sykes). The last three rules are often left out. The last one is - "Rule No. 14: Enjoy this while you can. Sure parents are a pain, school's a bother, and life is depressing. But someday you'll realize how wonderful it was to be a kid. Maybe you should start now. You're welcome." The list of "rules" is often attributed to Bill Gates - he used it in some commencement speech he gave some years ago (I don't know the exact year).
Sith Lord 2 years ago
It's certainly very telling of just how pervasive entitled attitudes have become that people are outraged by this. Everything in it is spot-on; once again, people are up in arms over something ridiculous because it hurt their oversensitive feelings. I almost feel sorry for this girl, having a drama queen dad bringing this to Twitter.
Lida's Kissners 2 years ago
Most teenagers need to hear that, because it's true... and our kids are living in a virtual world behind their cell phones, they need to wake up to the reality around them!! But I wouldn't send everyone new employee that list... I would make a large print and put it up at the work place!
Jim Johnson 2 years ago
I agree, it was wrong that he shared it as part of her "welcome to the team" message, however... for the most part they are the harsh reality. Wake up all you Xgen, next Generation and so forth, life is not a video game. There are real expectations with real consequences. If you think it's supposed to be easy, or that "everyone gets a trophy", think again. It isn't easy, it never has been and it never will be.
Ronald Callahan 2 years ago
This list is def not original. I love this list and I've told my 11 year old things from this list many times. It helps because he thinks he's so cool and cannot deal with others opinion of him. It crushes him so it helps him to see he's not the only one in this world with an opinion. I of course tell him we love him and think he's awesome but not everyone will. Truth sucks. The world will treat them like crap. Let them know and learn from this list
Jose Padilla 2 years ago
To be fair.. that boss wasn't lying. There are way too many little shits who think the world owes them something.. and that s**t is not cool
Dave 2 years ago
The employer has the right to set reasonable rules. Allot of the statements are just a reality check on life. Those who disagree and want their babies to be treated like mommy and daddy give yourself a reality check. If you dont live by those rules yourself shows why your lack of achievement does not match what you think you should have achieved. A job is about making your workplace successful and if you contribute to making it as such then you are a valuable employee and should be reqarded as such and if not move on to where you might be. To the original remark, life is not fair. Work hard obey the rules and success follows if the employer is intelligent if not move on.
DeAnn Trevathan 2 years ago
This list states the truth even if it is a little harsh. The younger generation is so self entitled that someone needs to do what their parents should do. Tell it like it is.
ThomasDena Mahan 2 years ago
it is perfect, kids these days think the world revolves around them and nothing else
Tami Bacon 2 years ago
OMG! Wow! Wasn't aware that people were so out of touch and delusional. This is exactly how life plays out. Maybe if the younger generations saw that - 20 years from now the "entitlement" attitude will have slowed down a bit.
Annette Wooten 2 years ago
I see nothing wrong with this. Most people know these things. They just freak out when they read it. Parents have taught this to their children for years.
Mark Smith 2 years ago
This list of rules is from a bill gates interview that he did years sgo. Fact check
Chris Ellis 2 years ago
These are not horrible, poorly phrased in some cases, but not horrible. Unfortunately at times, it falls upon other adults to educate future adults about these facts, because parents no longer do it. If an employer has a staff member, whether 16 or 60, who haven't learned the facts of life that employee cannot live up to the expectations put on them. I have three children and I have told them since they were old enough to understand, not to complain about things being unfair. No one promised you things would be fair and if they did - they were lying. Two of my children are grown and are considered the most reliable, conscientious and customer friendly employees at their companies. A good work ethic gets rewarded. A poor one should also have consequences. At least the manager let this girl know the expectations up front.
El Josey 2 years ago
It is not the bosses job to share his/her assumptuons about what the teens parent's may have experienced growing up. Regardless of how valid any of any these points may be, it is not his/her place to share these so called "rules" with anyone's young people, other than his own. No, my young people would not work for this person. He sounds like a predator sizing up potential prey.
Gail Cooke 2 years ago
These 11 'rules' are actually straight from a commencement speech given by none other than Bill Gates. https://medium.com/@sinrahim/11-rules-a-high-school-graduates-must-know-bill-gates-834f640c325b
Gail Cooke 2 years ago
These 11 'rules' were actually taken from a commencement speech given years ago by none other than Bill Gates. https://medium.com/@sinrahim/11-rules-a-high-school-graduates-must-know-bill-gates-834f640c325b
Richard scott Crandall 2 years ago
This list has been around for a long time, I think I read it when I was a young boy and that was 50 years ago. I think this list goes out to the sixteen-year-old that thinks within a week they know how to run the business better than the owner does! They think the only thing they need to do is just show up and get paid. It's funny how 16 and 17 year old kids are so much smarter than their parents and they know how the world's run and how everything works and they're so intelligent and yet when they get 40 or 50 or older they realize that they didn't know s**t! Just like the other day I was talking to my friend who's a military recruiter he said God I hate 17 year old kids called up and tell us how the military machine works! As if they know anything!
Mike McAllister 2 years ago
Maybe these "rules" aren't what an employer should be concerned about . I get that an employer wants a cooperative employee, but most of the points on this list are none of an employer's business . "Be nice to needs . Chances are you'll end up working for one ." ? Does the word "nerd" have any meaning, or is it just an excuse for a stuck -- up cheerleader for not going out with the boy she should be going our with ?
Chris Salvati 2 years ago
I remember this list, it's very dated, from the 90's. The coffee shop rule is referencing TV show Friends. Good list, but should be posted on board in break room, not handed out. That's condisending.
Klara Lorinczi 2 years ago
The only thing on the list that relates to work is “learn from your mistakes”. The rest is not his place to be preaching to young people - their parents should tell them those things. He’s out of line and should be in legal trouble for paying below minimum wage. He sounds like an egotistical a*****e.
JP Desrochers 2 years ago
Welcome to the real world little girl......you're never gonna make it
Ted Angell 2 years ago
Dad and all of those that think this is crap grow up this is basic work ethic. I taught my kids the same principles, not with the same words but same basic agenda keep focused work hard pay attention to detail. And as for E Ng opinion, a professor of equity and inclusion what kind of made up course of study is that. Way back when real people went to college there where courses like economics and engineering not woke ideology which qualities you as a professional complainer just like dad in the article.
Annette Blanks 2 years ago
I saw this year's ago. It's from a guests speech at a high school graduation
LucyGoosey 2 years ago
I would've been very discouraged and feeling more hopeless if I received this on my first day of my first job ever, but it's not far from the truth... and that's what hurts the most.
Calvin Curtis 2 years ago
I feel he is right on target. The kids now day are spoiled by their parents and expect the rest of the world to treat them the same. So if you want to go to work for this guy! Pull your big boy pants up and don't whine like her father is.
Benita Bylicki-Marzion 2 years ago
I could be mistaken but I believe Bill Gates wrote this. I am not fond of Bill gates, but raised my children with these principals and my children grew up to be hard working and responsible young men and ladies. The woke generation could learn a few things for sure!
Mimi Adams 2 years ago
I would have used it as a teaching moment and had my kid go through with a red pen and correct the typos, grammatical and spelling errors, then do a critique of the the content and style of the list, and give it a grade. I would also have them craft, revise and finalize a resignation letter. Then I would have them take the graded list to their employer, and have the resugnation letter in their pocket for the probability that said imployer would react like the AH they probably are.
Shelly Graham 2 years ago
The intended message most likely was lost on a 16 year old. The delivery method, age of the recipient may not have been the best. I don't believe any malice was intended. Most likely as an employer he was simply providing "Rules of Life"; rule's every adult adheres to in some manner. He was probably hoping to avoid hearing what every Boss hears when working with young employees. I cannot begin to count the number 16 to 25 year old employees who upon learning their schedule, duties, wage, benefit's, random drug testing said "That's NOT fair!" Using a tone of voice which can only be described as "painfully whiny"!
Michael Lengyel 2 years ago
Tone of list is negative but....Iearned all these lessons before turning 18 while working parttime jobs in underpaid seatings. I would have appreciated the list. It would have sped the process. Those who are indignent are looking at a hard road. My answer was self-employment. True the world is changing maybe even for the better but I doubt it. One more thing the fathers response was rediculous. Learning/teaching opportunity lost. He could have used the list to compare to his own experiences. Than the two could have written their own list and even shared it with employer. Who know they could have softened a heart a little in the process.
Lamar Breshears 2 years ago
Pretty sure that is a bill gates list from a high school graduation speech years ago
Michele McWilliams 2 years ago
This was from an address that Bill Gates made to a graduating class several years ago. The boss just gave a copy to this girl. Wonder if that changes anyone's opinion that slammed the boss. Personally, from what I've observed, kids these days definitely need to know these facts. They also need some lessons in respect, imo.
Artie B 2 years ago
As a teen myself, I would be pretty annoyed with this. There is nothing inherently wrong with most of the rules, but the fact that they are even rules is obnoxious. None of them actually apply to the job, maybe just your attitude towards it. It is not up to the workplace to enforce their own ideas onto you, only so far as to assist you with your job. If the boss worked on their delivery system and handed it to their employees when they we offering the job saying "hey, look these over, we think these points are important" then maybe it would be acceptable.
The One Who Knows 2 years ago
Better learn now...like John Wayne said: life is tough...it's tougher when you're stupid. We're living in a time of narcissistic, entitled, selfie-taking, self-important people who have NO concept of work, grace, and that there are those in this world who DON'T care about anything but being HUMAN. Dad's got a problem...HE needs to grow up. Oh, and as a BOOMER...I'm PROUD of the title. We instinctively knew that list...and made a damned good society.
Clay Tom 2 years ago
I'm pissed because someone told my child the truth of this world we are in!!! I told my child a spoon full of sugar makes the medicine go down and other Disney quotes! I told my kids to remember the movie Pollyanna that's the way the world is!! No not I told my kids the world is F&cked up and people are to blame the only way you get anything is to work hard NOTHING is going to be given to YOU!!! You even with a college education might have to start at the bottom! Yet the journey of a million miles started with that single step! I gave no disillusions to my children that life was fair or equal! Gave no disillusions about life at all! Told them you get back what you put into life! Why I have a son who is in the Army going to Jump school and Ranger school! Yet his job is being a hacker for the Army! Have a son who is 16 working fast food! He is learning people suck and most are a$$holes themselves! Showed my 16-year-old this list and he started. "Dad I know this!
Clay Tom 2 years ago
If I received this from my boss I'd tell them "No $hit!" What do you think I'm going to ask you for the world to work fast food when my Dad is a three-time combat Vet with a Purpleheart and he does not even get this much respect!? Love both of them because they learned what hard work is not from someone else but their parents! To the Dad on this, a real parent shows their child that school and the real world are different! They don't let the real world tell their child that! Fail as a parent on their part!
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Nick Fraser 2 years ago
Not really a list of rules but a list of assertions, meaning opinions. Just acknowledge receiving them and carry on
SK Bruning 2 years ago
It’s all true. So there’s no big deal about this whatsoever. Most employers feel that way. I can’t believe what crybabies people have become. Must be liberals protesting ~they can’t deal with reality.
Elizabeth Wilson 2 years ago
I work part time in retail, and I work with both minors & adults. I don't think anything on the list isn't the truth. Life is hard, and if your parents coddle you, you're in for a rude awakening upon adulthood. Kids needs to hear these things so that they have a more realistic view of how the real world works. Sorry if some people are offended by telling a teenager just how tough life can be & not sugar coating it. The real world is the same way.
KenKen Douglas 2 years ago
This is the mentality my abusive family has. "Life's unfair so let me abuse you to remind you of it. Life is hard and people aren't going to treat you nicely so get used to being abused." That's the mentality I grew up with from my parents. Not every kid needs reminded and anyone who feels the need to "knock a kid down a peg" before they've even seen their work ethic is abusive and wants to plant the idea that "life's hard and this isn't abusive it's just life." So you think there's nothing better. No one will treat you better. No one will treat you with human decency and respect your feelings. This is the mentality of abusers and if you see nothing wrong with it, you're the problem. (Oh btw this mentality is why I refuse to work a 9-5 coz apparently I'll get abused at any job and that's part of life but I've been abused my whole life and I think I deserve a break. I'd rather die on the street than let someone else abuse me. Especially people so blatant about it like this.)
Faith McGrew 2 years ago
Yeah while the general message might be true, that employer is a jerk. He's clearly just using these "rules" as a way to mistreat ,gaslight, and talk down to his employees and then disguise it as "good old fashioned values"
Bedlamite 2 years ago
I don't see anything wrong with it. To the generation that uses the term adulting as if it's something you do instead of something you are, reality is going to smack you in the face. Guess what? The world doesn't owe you anything. You are responsible for your own life, decisions, happiness, safety, and well-being. There's a reason for entry-level jobs, they help you gain experience while still most likely under your parents wing.
Nikki Savage 2 years ago
I don't agree with giving this list out on the 1st day. If an employee is exhibiting these attitudes and behaviors then give the individual the list. I also understand where he is coming from because I teach high school students. Majority are lazy and have no work ethic, entitled and expect someone to give them something for nothing, always complaining you're doing too much when you ask them to write a paragraph using correct capitalization and punctuation, believe success is going to drop in their lap, believe they have to respect no one but everyone better respect them or else, have no sense of consequences because even though I have called home 10 times to tell a parent about inappropriate behavior or tell them their student is failing because they do no work they still come in with brand new Jordans, Gucci,....etc clothing items, still have their airpods and phones and still are able to do what they want because my mom or dad isn't going to do anything. So yeah I completely get it.
Wolfshield Gutierrez 2 years ago
Not big of a deal. Sounds like the dad was raised by the tooth fairy as well to be this butt hurt.
Eileen Riverside 2 years ago
What? This has been circulating as a meme for years. Some guy just took it to heart and printed it off. Not even his ideas!
Joseph Miller 2 years ago
This should of been explained to the daughter by her parents. It’s the real world out there with a lot of bad bosses, companies and careless shareholders. But I would never blame the boomers, without them we would not be here freely expressing our opinion or whining —slicking wussy’s
Christopher Smith 2 years ago
Sounds like the 🌎 that I and many others love in. Those who felt it was wrong or demeaning are probably those who didn't live a life in the Mud. This place doesn't give two flying pigs about anything unless it benefits them if we lived in this utopian world that is an illusion to at least 3/4 of society then Yes maybe those rules are harsh but that's not the case.
Linda Hall 2 years ago
From a boomer I think these are realistic although they should not come from a boss.
Sumiko Saulson 2 years ago
I'm pretty sure that it would be illegal to give your employees a list like that over here, because this is not actually a set of rules governing behavior on the job. There are a lot of really personal statements on there, such as saying that the person's parents are boring. Employers do not have any right to govern employees behavior outside of the workplace. Rules for a job should only govern behavior in the workplace. These are not rules for a job at all and what this boss did was extremely unprofessional. I am surprised that there are so many people who are condoning such unprofessional behavior. I would also like to point out the fact that not everybody who works in fast food as a teenager. Seniors sometimes take these jobs to supplement the retirement income that they get because it's not enough to pay their bills.
William Roberts 2 years ago
The employer my have attempted to convey this in a mych kinder fashion at an earlier time but found a brutally written whack upside the head makes it sink in faster... this mans daughter may not have deserved this textual frying pan to the face. However if the Employer were to use his fair judgment in handling these lists out, then the poor snowflakes that would receive the list would b***h and moan about how embarrassing and unfair it was that they alone were singled out. Bottom line is pick the poison that hurts the least and he did.
Sara Sassone 2 years ago
Everything this guy said is true. People are just too soft to handle it
Lauree Klein 2 years ago
After working in juvenile detention I have to say that while harsh these are damn close to spot on. Kids nowadays have zero clues about how to handle real life..
Jody Whitmarsh 2 years ago
While I agree with most of these, there could be a less condescending delivery.
Lloyd Fitzgerald 2 years ago
That list is not an orginal, I have seen this list for for many years... and it might seem harsh to some people, but then again so is life. I think it is spot on. If that list hurts your feeling you have a hard life ahead of you, because that's just the tip of the iceberg.
Channo Sagara 2 years ago
Some of those points are not wrong. It's just... There are way better ways to say it.
Willow Gryphon 2 years ago
This list is both right and wrong. It has elements of truth, but the way its worded and perceived is overly harsh. It's like my boss telling us at a meeting one day "well most of you don't deserves a raise, but we're raising the starting pay and giving you a raise anyway. We only employ 1/3 of you because another 1/3 isn't doing their job up to par". There are more tactile ways to say that....
Mimi Adams 2 years ago
*tactful "Tactile" has a completely different meaning.
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Mr. Jones 2 years ago
My dad ran a fast food joint staffed by teenagers back in the 70s and 80s. They LOVED working for him. He empowered them, taught them how to manage money, taught them how to take and order inventory, some were learning how to clean for the first time, some were learning how to cook for the first time. The other thing he did was make sure they never missed something at school. To this day, my friends who worked for him say that he taught them their work ethic. One friend said working for my dad taught him the life skills his own parents weren't teaching him. He credits my dad with the fact that he now makes great money and he mentors teenagers. And to top it off, my dad is a Boomer. This guy is a d**k and this letter is awful. I wouldn't let me kid work for this guy.
Purple Orchid 2 years ago
And people wonder why kids are so f$!#:;& up?? THIS kind of crap is why. Idiots at the so called "top" getting off on power trips. I believe in instilling a solid work ethic, but this BS is NOT the way to do it...🙄
Sensei 2 years ago (edited)
Someone please explain what the inaccuracies(besides typos) in the list are. Having worked with quite a few young people, the list is something many parents did not teach their precious little entitled progeny. Which is why the father is probably so upset that his princess is getting her first exposure to REALITY. I read a story about some little entitled brat who started her first job at a restaurant. After the initial tour and introductions, she was taken to the kitchen where she was hired to work. The manager showed her the prep table and the dishwasher and explained her duties and how the dishwasher worked. She told her manager that she didn't do dishes. He said that was part of her job and a requirement. She told the manager "My daddy says I'm a princess, and princesses don't have to do dishes". The manager reiterated that it was a requirement and she pulled out her phone and called her daddy and told him. He came and picked her up!
Lovin' Life 2 years ago
Perhaps not good for one's first day on the job, but it states truths. The harshness may be a little much, but then again there's really no reason to sugarcoat the truth. Some people need it laid out bluntly in order to really grasp the concept.
Deborah Nicely 2 years ago
I could call total b******t on this one people! The daughter may have been handed that on her first day at work however her boss did not create that letter. That has been around for several years now trying to motivate young people to work hard get an education get a good job and don't sit on your ass. Dad needs to let his little princess live a little.
Brandon Karratti 2 years ago
This list is over 20 years old, from Charles Sykes' book Dumbing Down Our Kids. Owner just copied it down.
Jari Olavi Lipponen 2 years ago
This ain’t a list that a workplace boss should be handing out. But it is list that every parent should go through with their kids. Plus I know many PARENTS that could use this as a refresher for their own wordwievs.
Eddie L 2 years ago (edited)
This is a list that Bill Gates wrote years ago. The fact that he's not original enough to write his own rules that are applicable to this job, he's an idiot
Scott Snellen 2 years ago
It seems he felt this list WAS applicable to this job, hence why he used it. Most job applications look exactly the same, must they be reworded for each job? Old sayings are old because they apply.
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Dror Shannon 2 years ago
It is not actually a list of "rules" or even of behavioral guidelines. It really is a list of axioms or aphorisms or observations which are accurate, though some are expressed in social contexts that could bear updating. What is missing from this story, however, is the attitude of the manager who handed it out. Was it whimsical, or authoritarian? Was it aggressive and contrarian, or was it avuncular? Clearly, the teen's father took umbrage as if it were inimical, perhaps reflecting the teen's own emotional response. But perhaps both were mistakenly ignoring the possibility that this manager was actually engaging his employees as persons rather than as drones. Sometimes a common point of reference is a means to foster team spirit, regardless of any controversy it may generate.
Adia Smith 2 years ago
If some things worded differently it might be somewhat helpful, however, overall I think it's unnecessary and unprofessional...
Brock Kohl 2 years ago
This isn't a new list put out by this employer!! I have seen this since I entered the workforce in the late 70's or early 80's.
Scott Snellen 2 years ago
This list is absolutely true. There is nothing condescending in it. Life cannot be driven only by feelings. The reality of life is most employers don't care about how the employee is feeling, but rather will they be dependable. One of the reason this younger generation is being eaten and spit out by the 'lack of understanding' is because they haven't been prepared properly for the reality of life. I don't see anything demoralizing or discouraging in this list. I see someone who has a grip on reality and cares that the younger generation has the same. Dad and mom could learn from this list.
Linda Layne 2 years ago
Actually, the boss is kinda dead on. But delivery in a written format, POORLY DONE. School DOESN'T prepare our young people for life. So many of our children come from single parent homes, which may leave the workplace left to train their employees. Not the best of choices perhaps, but better than living on the streets or worse, IMHP.
Stephan van der Merwe 2 years ago
Bill Gates gave this list to a group of college students at their graduation ceremony, many years ago. And harsh as it seems, it is the truth. I feel that for a 16 year old, it is a good way to prepare for life as an adult, where you can't run to mom and dad to bail you out, only to get advice.
Linda Powder 2 years ago
Those teenagers have to learn that the world doesn't revolve around THEM
Sylvia Nolastname 2 years ago
I read this list somewhere, years ago. I get it. It's supposed to imply that life? Is not all fun and games and everything in between. It sums up the REALITY of what it may be, up ahead. I wouldn't be upset about this, if my kid came home with it. But maybe, irritated. At 16, you shouldn't be worried so much about the realities of life, just yet. Maybe a little. What should be your concern is; studying, getting good grades, enjoying life and your friends. Not worrying about something that hasn't happened yet.
Anna Royer 2 years ago
This is not original. It is old. I like some of the points but it came from the wrong source. It isn't something a boss should give out routinely to other people's kids.
Paul Cauchi 2 years ago
It wasn't a list. For that matter, looking at the fact that the narrater of this posting in fact unFAIRly labelled the list shows that this girl should listen and learn from that list. Point 1. Life isn't fair! There is a war going on in Ukraine. Is that fair? There are 250 million children under the age of 5 starving. Is that fair.
Salti Kitten 2 years ago
It's in my opinion,and I'm 34, not that bad of a list....just seems the author was/is a nerd with a bone to pick with every youngin'. They should pay attention to their own words "tv is not reality," and not base their whole manifesto on a generalized"tv" view of the younger generation.. Again, just my own two cents....
Hilaire Quinn 2 years ago
This list has been going around the internet for a while and you know what, aside from $$$ figures listed, most of it is true and the newer generations need to stop being babies. We worked shitty jobs at KMart, McDs, Grocery stores, etc. They were just jobs. You dont like it go somewhere else.
James Arvidson 2 years ago
The points are true. The details are dated. But it is not the best idea to slap a kid in the face with the reality. They need to figure things out themselves and in their own time. Not the appropriate time or place to dump it on a 16 year old. Not toxic or mean, just lacking in awareness and leadership ability as well as maturity. I'd expect this from a 20 year old first time manager. Maybe doing it for a power trip on legit trying to help. But again, not effectively. I'd let my kid work there if they chose. We'd just be discussing things as the job progressed. It is an opportunity to learn for the kid. I will not be there to protect them forever and they need to make their own mistakes. While I am there I can help them navigate and learn.
James Maass 2 years ago
Nothing on there is incorrect, it's a rather harsh presentation, but none of that is wrong.
Vee 2 years ago
Just gonna point out that the last agreeing comment said that they (are) 19, and were born in Gen X. Fun fact: Generation X began around 1965. Bet they don't work for s**t. Total cap.
Vee 2 years ago
Also, the comment who said something about a nerd on a power trip is the exact feeling I got from reading all this. I read the whole article first before reading the actual "rules" and I got that feeling when I real the last rule. Yeah, what he said is true, but it's unnecessarily condescending and just shows that the boss has no respect for his workers. There are better ways to teach your employees, other than being an unnecessarily condescending fuckwad. No one cares that the jocks gave you wedgies and swirlies and that the busty "peaking in highschool" cheerleaders wouldn't come close to 5 inches of your d**k. You leave that personal s**t at home. I've been bullied all my life and know to be better than those who bullied me. Those aren't even rules,they're just views from a power hungry nerd. Luckily the dad took her out of that predicament because he woulda caught a case against the boss, had he actually done something to his 16 year old, cause chances are he probably would have.
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SweetsEve 2 years ago (edited)
I always assume these posts are fake. With that being said I do.think its not appropriate for a boss to give this to an employee. It's not that these ideas are offensive, but it's not appropriate for a manager to start an employment relationship this way. I've supervised a lot of people. When it's a low wage job employees are hard to hold onto. Managing that issue falls on the boss. You have to find ways to motivate your staff, and as long as your wages are low expect to deal with people who don't feel like cooperating. You cultivate that employee. You build relationships. You tell the good ones if they go come back at any time. You staff your positions, and you train anyone willing to stay and keep showing up. This is the most cost effective way to support your company. Hiring over and over because you suck to work with is expensive. That's bad management. This list at day one is a sign of a very bad manager who is expensive to employ.
Rebecca Dixon 2 years ago
I think Bill Gates wrote that letter about hiring for his company. I remember reading it years ago.
Kate Johnson 2 years ago
How the hell is a nineteen year-old a project manager at an architectural firm, as well as 'Gen X'? (I'm Gen X, and nowhere near 19 anymore!) Oh, and how is this list "predatory"? She's got two girls, the eldest is 13, (Gen X?) and she says she's getting the creeps because 'there is just something really predatory about this'. I don't see that anywhere; do any of you?
Emmett O'Brian 2 years ago
The delivery is dismissing, if your boss is dismissive, they're more likely to be abusive. Not guaranteed, it just opens the door. I'd say it's not the message, it's how it was delivered.
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Krys Kraus 2 years ago
These are funny and mostly true. Only one I wouldn't agree with was #3. No one can tell you your worth. And yes young people can have a killer skill set or idea that can make them richer than you and faster. Please refer to Rule #1. I once quit a job in the middle of a discrimination battle I never spoke about. I went back to school and freelanced. Had a babe. Went splits with dad and found myself between jobs taking care of a 26 week preemie on disability, oxygen, developmental disabilities. Went to get assistance until my baby was well enough for daycare for me to return to work. Hell, I'd paid enough inti the system. I'd been getting rejected from places like zaxby's having a degree in Comp sci and the social worker told me to give up hope getting that next job making 40k a year or more. Even though my last job paid more than that. Honestly I would have if I got one. I just rolled my eyes and 3 weeks later I got a job making 70. Mediocre ppl will always tell you it's not your turn
Gloria Klassen 2 years ago
Why does this manager believe he is in a place to give "life lessons" to his young employees? That's overstepping boundaries in a really weird way. He's not their parent. As a manager, his job is to supervise and ensure his employees follow the protocols of the establishment. End of story. Also, it's pretty clear that his intentions aren't to impart "wisdom" but to vent and complain about young people and exercise some sort of power trip to make himself feel important.
Jimmy Lewis 2 years ago
This is basically the truth. He could have done it without being so condescending, but everything he listed, these kids will find out is true. Life is a b***h. And no one owes you a damn thing.
dsappersmama@aol.com 2 years ago
I believe Bill Gates was the author of that. I remember reading it several years ago.
ForeverSister Squad 2 years ago
I think it's a great list I've been here for 53 years I think kids need to hear these things saves time, helps to weed out the worthless, whining Bratz that are always on their phone instead of working. I do believe he should pay minimum wage though, you have to make the keepers happy.
Balice Thompson 2 years ago
Did he lie? This is what her father should have told her so her boss didn't have to.
Lynn Patrice Mahan 2 years ago
Perfectly acceptable.... if you haven't heard this from your parents yet... you can thank this boss. Reality people... life is tough. If you're up to it... it can be FANTASTIC!!❤
Meagan Shupe 2 years ago
It's worded poorly, but it's not wrong. I personally wouldn't be pissed about it, although the employer didn't need to hand it out. I'd be more concerned about a job paying below minimum. If they're in the US it's illegal. Dunno about anywhere else though.
Lori M.T.B 2 years ago
This list is nothing new. I saw it back when I was a teenager in 1993. People were offended back then so I don't see why people are making such a big deal.
Sam W Holder 2 years ago
Sounds like things alot of 30 and under should have been told yrs ago 🤔. Man was being factual!!!
D. Dos Santos 2 years ago
Most of the stuff is true,but those phrases sound more like a parent talking to their teen. Not a boss to employee kind of thing.
Jennifer Ann 2 years ago
It’s actually from a speech that Bill Gates gave at a high school quite a few years back and it is all very true and relevant . The fact this dad was so outraged by it in my opinion is confirmation that it is on point simply for the fact that parents don’t teach their children the reality of life outside their family home. Kids these days are soft and clueless to what the world is really like and it doesn’t hurt them at all to hear these things as they are accurate. This parent and his outrage over something harmless and possibly beneficial is the reason why speeches like this need to happen more often than they do. Get over it. Be an example for your child not part of the problem
Susan Denney 2 years ago
These aren't harsh. They are realistic. A dose of reality to a 16 y/o may be jarring but the boss is not wrong. Life is tough- wear a helmet or grow a pair.
Armando Lopez 2 years ago
This list has been around since 1996. Ot was attributed to Bill Gates and later Kurt Vonnegut. Incorrectly on both. It was actually written by Charles Sykes. The list has been featured on Paul Harvey and Ann Launders. Every "rule" is true. You might not like the wording, but the boss didn't write it. All of you in an uproar are proving the point. All of you bringing up sexual assault and pedophilia. Nothing this boss did had any sexual undertones. Those are your issues and may require you to look at why it struck that chord in you. SMH.
Jeanne Davis 2 years ago
My dad gave me a similar list, same ideas, different words. Result: I was never arrested. I worked at the same place for 36 years. I'm retired with a decent monthly retirement check. I outlived 95% of my friends. But during all these years, I made plenty of mistakes that I learned from. The list prevented me from making big mistakes. My dad can rest in peace knowing I turned out ok. I think this boss actually likes teenagers and probably has a lot more of wisdom. If these teens can't deal with that list, don't bother enlisting in the military they'd fail boot camp.
Frank Stapleton 2 years ago
Seems like the list was better needed for the "dad" my father would read that s**t and be like "spot on"
Shaun Colby 2 years ago
"which pays 16 year olds well under the minimum wage" that is illegal is, I don't care how old you are you can't get paid under minimum wage
Hannah Parker 2 years ago
I think this list is very generic and really doesn't reflect much about the company other than using a list of "rules" in circulation like 20 years ago.
J Sanders 2 years ago
A few years ago my husband was involved in short films, he was in charge of auditions. Most of these "kids" were over 18. He would call them and tell them that the auditions started at 9 am. The responses were mind boggling. Two of them asked him if he could give them a ride to the audition. 4 of them asked if he could change the time because it was to early for them. Another asked him if he could stay late because he didn't get up before 10 am as he was in a band. This is the new work ethic. If it doesn't make me comfortable YOU have to change for my benefit. I was appauled at the responses and deleted their emails and contact information. How unrealistic can these kids be? We are talking about acting, a job that has hundreds of applicants for one role. My God what happened to work ethics. I agree with this man and believe that he endured many applicants with the same attitude that we experienced. Zero motivation to excel. Guess the boss has no right to expect excellence.
Iseefractals 2 years ago
There's not a thing on that list that is offensive or incorrect, and 20 years ago everyone would have understood them to be a given, either through direct experience or by having half way decent parents. That's not how things work anymore. Everyone gets a trophy for showing up, kids aren't given failing grades anymore, everyone expects that they have a right to never be offended, which means they think they have a right to never be confronted with a differing opinion to their own. Two generations of kids being sold this snake oil dream of "you can be anything as long as you TRY" while being completely sheltered from reality, only to find once they get out in the real world that no one gives a damn about you, or your feelings, or hopes and dreams, nor does your idea of what you're worth have any bearing on what someone else is willing to provide you. The sad thing is that there are now enough of these entitled idiots that they're actualizing this f****d up reality.
Superninjatiger 2 years ago
It's written in a mean way, had the person written it differently I wouldnt have seen a problem with it, except for number 7. That one is just cruel, they have no idea what the home situation is for the employee and shouldn't make such statements.
Kevin J. Henning 2 years ago
I saw this list well over 10 years ago. At the time it was credited to Bill Gates. Don't crap on all of it though.
Vira 2 years ago
Holy wow. Very disappointed that commenters think this list is okay. Maybe you're all very very bitter people, with a serious lack of mathematics skills (aka you don't even know income averages, pedagogy methodolgy statistics, nor statistics on toxic work environments.) Yikes x1000!
Vincent Belisle 2 years ago
Oh hey. It's almost a complete copy paste of the 11 rules of life from Bill Gates. Dunno when those got published, but you can find traces of it on Google starting in the early 2000. So... Yeah. Memories. But also old news.
Rahul Pawa 2 years ago (edited)
That's a mis-attribution. It was originally from a radio show host and author, Charles Sykes.
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Paul Greer 2 years ago
Wow nothing wrong with list. I wish I gotten it when I was a teenager still I learned it all took me till 50 years and still learning.
MFB 2 years ago
This is not a set of rules but a listing of facts having less to do with boomers than the failure of many parents to realistically prepare their children for life. Good things do not come to those who wait. Good things come to those who work their a s s e s off. That hard work should be a solid source of pride and security. Like it or not, truth cannot be built upon a scaffold of lies. To become accomplished at anything takes time and effort. To be excellent, one must progress from beginner to the point of actually excelling. Set your own standard high and reach it through your own efforts. Fathers, don't be furious if you fail to instill realistic expectations. Life is a buffet and no one will enjoy every dish.
Fangtagion 2 years ago
Also you all wonder why your not the next American Idol or the next big movie star. Wake up and follow these rules. It will save your life if you still have any left after all those drugs you all do.
Fangtagion 2 years ago
It is a list of real life facts that were not needed to say back then. Now everyone forgotten these facts and wonder why the world is delusional and screwed up. You all wonder why your all in high debt. This is the best list ever and everyone needs to wake up and live by these.
Fangtagion 2 years ago
It's the best list in the world! Everyone should live by these rules and more importantly, this list is a list of real life facts. All you delusionals wonder why your in high debt and can never accomplish anything!
Shane Oettinger 2 years ago
These rules are absolute truth. Anybody who disagrees are entitled and need to shut off Disney.
Jess 2 years ago (edited)
This is an old list that I have seen before. I agree with these statements as the younger generation have been coddled & given things that we had to work for. I've interviewed and hired many 18-24 year olds in the private sector & the Government. While working for the Gov't, I was training a new Secretary. She would waste time chatting with anyone she'd see. I would walk by, trying to give her a visual hint to get back to work. I went back by 20 min later and asked her if she could get back to her desk (she had been gone an hour by this point). When she returned I took her aside and told her that she needed to be at her desk to do her work. She replied "This is a hostile workplace"! I asked her why as I was only asking her to do some work and that it required her to be at her desk. I told her that I didn't mind if she took a break here or there but to limit it to 5 - 10 minutes. She left the job within a week. I have plenty of these stories and can go on & on.
Donnis Sullivan 2 years ago
I saw the title to this story and was curious as to what was on this list that would outrage a parent. As I read the first rule, 2nd rule and on I didn't see what outraged the parent. Does he not feel she is special enough to get some good life pointers that could help navigate her journey through life? It shouldn't be a boss that gives her these (tips) but rather a parent or family member. It is reality
Judy Borngraber 2 years ago
The List, isn't rules, but lessons you should have learned before the job. So, grow up, suck it up if your parents didn't enlighten you on the facts of life.
Melissa Greene 2 years ago
I LOVE this list!! I believe that it is 100% correct, and sound advice that should be given to every high school senior. Welcome to adulthood
Carla Dampman 2 years ago
I was expecting to see something shocking. If dad doesn’t like the rules then he can help his daughter find a nice cushy job so her little feelings don’t get hurt. Or maybe he should just keep her home until she’s 40. Life isn’t fair, life is tough , better she find out now.
Ann Marie Ducey 2 years ago
Well...I threw a lot of these at my daughter when she was 16. I think I am a reasonable fun boomer but my kid wouldn't get up or face up unless someone else was going to miraculously do it for her. Now? She's a health hero. Total transition. I wouldn't be furious with a boss handing this to her, but it was my job. Nobody died from it. But there are so many ways to look at it....I can see why some think it's horrible. Like.....well you won't like working here so be it. Not very inviting.
Melissa Gonzalez 2 years ago (edited)
This is not a list of opinions or the bosses own 1 sided views. These are the truth of reality and the way I see it is, anyone who is offended by something like this or upset that their kids was given something like this most likely comes from a very privileged background and doesn't understand that the majority of people start off at the bottom and work their way up. Otherwise, why have such a big reaction about a piece of paper that basically just calls attention to, { what our grandfathers generation would consider to be~} nothing more than a few common sense ideas. Ultimately what it boils down to is that it doesn't matter how you feel about the message the list was trying to convey ; Truth doesn't become fiction because you don't like how it's worded or who those words are being written for; Pressure makes Diamonds, Not Hugs... Try hugging a piece of coal and see what you get: You get a dirty shirt! ~Chris Rock~ "Tamborine" this guy should watch it because it's filled with some much needed life's lessons just like this one!
Martin Bragwell 2 years ago
It is a fantastic list and one sorely needed in our weak minded participation trophy society
Michael Meier 2 years ago
I'm 36 years old. Father of a 17 year old son and work in a trade. If you think that list was harsh, you're right, life is, reality is. And from personal experience it's all true and most 16 kids don't realize it and need a reality check. Just because you're offended doesn't mean you are right. World ain't lolly pops and rainbows.
xFex_Yuna 0906 2 years ago
And you're just ignorant if you think that's over the top, just like the girl totally childish
xFex_Yuna 0906 2 years ago
It's all true, I don't know what the problem is from you guys. Life just isn't fair, he's totally right and i'm 17 btw not a boomer
Nicole Herron 2 years ago
I don't think it's necessary for him to have done that but from the fact that she quit and daddy went nuclear, he is a piss poor parent and he's going to be lifelong roomies with his spoiled little princess who runs away from the real world. I would have been driven back to the store by both parents to beg for my job back.
Ann Sloane 2 years ago
I think the intent of this manager is offering the new employee a reality check. It was a warning and only wanted the new employees to do better than he did. I'm an old boomer and I see the dilliama and I will contend that hard work is where you get anywhere and to be resilient, respectful, and to realize that money has to be be earned. Don't criticize , learn!!!!
Katie Sheets 2 years ago
I'm dying 😂😂😂 this is amazing and I want to shake the hand of the man who wrote this list. Some of it yes is condescending but I dont mind it because it is 100% TRUTH and frankly all 16 yr olds are clueless to the real world for working adults. Its not pretty, its hard, its disheartening at times, its demanding(whether youre at your best or not), and anyone who is in any way offended by this list needs a wake up call themselves. I pity the daughter for having a father that feels SO strongly about keeping her from reality. My father would have fallen over laughing at this, handed it back to me and said yep thats about right! People IN REAL LIFE, bosses, coworkers, supposed friends, enemies, etc. are going to insult you/test you and challenge you to rise up and be better. The question is, can you handle it?? THATS ADULTHOOD! Is 16 yrs old too soon? Maybe...but still hilarious 😂❤
Derek Rose 2 years ago
Good list very accurate, I appreciate the honest assessment and approve, kids should be made aware of this in schools, maybe starting in grade 9.
Irving BigDaddy Eskenazi 2 years ago
A bit harsh but for the most part true, I'm about to be 53 does that make me a boomer? He's the manager not the all being omnipotence cynical yes truthful absolutely perhaps poorly worded, probably but the world is a cold harsh place that will eat you up and spit you out, so this may actually be some sage advice.
Heather Warner 2 years ago
As someone who worked and trained a lot of teenagers. The list is pretty spot on. My biggest one I trained...if you aren't prepared to show up, work hard and have fun...there is the door. When your here it's about the job not what is outside those doors so don't bring your drama in with you. I worked in retail for over 20 years from the age of 15. It is a completely thankless job but put me through college as it had my daughters.
Heritageposey Tucson 2 years ago
I have the same list on a cork board above my desk, I read them all the time and should say most are very true and if they offend you, you never had to live up to them and your parents didn't do a very good job.
Lullabybecca 2 years ago
I have no problem with this list, and appreciate the wry humour. It's not much different than what is posted on staffroom walls around the world reminding workers that "Your mom doesn't work here, DIY" etc. How do we expect children to learn about life if nobody teaches them? Parents are not experts on children simply by having them. Experts are people who continually study and work professionally in an evolving industry. Yes, teachers and administrators, pediatricians, ECEs, special needs workers etc - those are your experts of children. Spending your entire days surrounded by hundreds of them teaches you far more than seeing one or two at the dinner table for a few years. And I expect those who have years of experience working with youth are among the last ones to jump on this boss.
Jenna Lind 2 years ago
I feel like the list states truth. Each bullet point is real life. The thing i feel should change is the method of presentation. Dont pass it out to the teens and tell them to get with the program. There are ways to drive these truths home while giving them inspiration to thrive because you give them a way to see they are as great as anyone else if they want to be. You provide an environment that they can thrive in as much as one can flipping burgers and help them up and on to the next great thing. Its important that people see these things are reality though. Not necessarily that each individual will be presented with each or any of them. They should be aware. I helped a number of teens see the world and pick themselves up. I did one thing to help and that was present them with the good, the bad, and everything in between. Let them make educated decisions! Out of 36, only 2 made some poor choices and even then, one learned and grew but the other was a lost cause. Give them knowledge!
Peter Johnson 2 years ago
I can remember every trophy I receive growing up,Four;I worked very hard for each one...
Jamie MacNeil 2 years ago
Pretty sure those are quotes from Bill Gates and maybe Lou Holtz. I cheer with great support. Kids today are soft, winning, cry babies. We live in society were a person's feelings trump science facts and reality. That list should be posted in the employee lounge. I can't remember any business that kept the lights on by excepting feelings as a source of revenue. It's clear to me why China is crushing Amwlerica,. You losers are all so soft caring about being feelings and being offended. Hope all
Penny Nash 2 years ago
Welcome to the real world !! Unfortunately, life is not all butterflies and bubble gum....if the 16 yr.old girl was upset about that, she's not mature enough to be in the work force. Babykin's needs to get thicker skin. The world doesn't coddle!
Lawrence Tate 2 years ago
There is absolutely nothing wrong with this list of opinions. Why an employer would give an employee this list is questionable and stupid (that is MY OPINION). I think I would find another job, but, there is nothing wrong with opinions that one might disagree with. The only reason it's an issue is because of the insane censorship rabid world we live in. Get over it.
Daisy Tirado 2 years ago
There is absolutely nothing wrong with this list of rules. I read it when I was a teenager and the only thing it did for me was make me better understand the world I was entering into. Everyone is so easily offended. I learned if it hurts your feelings it's probably because it's true.
Shawn Fischer 2 years ago
It's a list her parents and evert parent should give their crotch goblins. If this makes you angry you are the problem.
steve talley 2 years ago
The list is not wrong ... he could have worded it a tad differently... but he is not wrong. The dad shouldn't be angry and use it as an opportunity to teach his daughter that life isn't fair in the REAL world.
Nicole Devlin 2 years ago
I don't think that he should've given this to a teenage employee but I do think that most employers are fed up with the way kids act these days & their PARENTS should be teaching them these things but definitely not in this manner. Just shows how screwed up people are anymore.
Sparky 2 years ago
I've seen that list before somewhere. Its not original. If these things were taught from an earlier age by PARENTS thru discipline and guidance, then our younger generations wouldn't have been or be so soft. But honestly America has been breeding a bunch of pussies for a long time. So f**k it.
Tracy Bargas 2 years ago
I see nothing wrong with this. This is all great advice. She doesn’t have to heed to the advice. She can just take it all with a grain of sand. And why is dad outraged? Is it because his toes got stepped on or is his daughter the one outraged and he wants “brownie points”?
Scott Burd 2 years ago
Welcome to the real world. If that list of truths hurt you that easily, then you're probably not going to make it very far.
Kathy Cathcart 2 years ago
While giving a list like this as a boss seems a little bit wrong I think EVERY parent should instil the majority of these ideas into their children from day one. The ideals being in a "list" is not the most effective way to get their message across but the ideals there need to be reinforced. Children need to realize that life is hard and you should not get (and don't deserve) something for nothing. I had 11 brothers and sisters, worked since I was 13 and paid for all my own clothes and school books etc.all through high school. Without these ideals being instilled in me ,I would not have been an honor student and a reliable employee. All you whiners need to quite coddling the younger generations and teach them pride and accomplishment in hard work.
P Webb 2 years ago
This dad needs to chill. These aren't "work rules" Meant to be followed at any place of business. It's a joke. This was at one time supposed to be a silly tongue-in-cheek meme. Circulated via email around 2002-2005. Not to be taken too seriously, just noting some differences in mindset between the differing generations.
Nate Jones 2 years ago
The list is actyally very true. The tone and lack of empathy is all wrong. Ironically, the employer is showing their poor leadership by handling it this way. In fact, a good manager checks their own training and tools they've provided an employee and reviews communication and expectations before coming in anything remotely resembling this. Even then, the whole tone is way wrong.
Rachel Betancort 2 years ago
It's all pretty much true... alot of parents nowadays coddle their kids so maybe it's really not such a bad idea to get a reality check on your first day of work. Maybe he figures if they quit after seeing the list, he saved them both time and a headache.
Amanda T 2 years ago
If I was handed this list I would be greatful for the reality check. I teach my kid most of these things. To keep your morals in check, integrity, and hard work. Always give 110% and don't allow people to hurt your feelings when you do you best, but be respectful and learn how to do the job better next time. My daughter loves rainbows and unicorns, but she doesn't live in a world surrounded by them. She has to earn her trophies.
Zara Assiri 2 years ago
But the points are true though right? I wish someone had told me that when I was 18
kirara2516 2 years ago
I see only truth in those rules. The way they're worded probably comes from boss's experience in dealing with entitled teenagers who didn't take the job seriously. The real world sucks sometimes, and not everyone is going to be nice. He would have been a real jerk not to give them the reality check now, vs years later when they've got a decade's worth of regrets.
Terri Thompson 2 years ago (edited)
That's an old list. I can imagine parents of hippies being all about it. 😆 However It seems like nowadays we are so easily offended because we don't look at the intent....
aquarius4120 2 years ago
The list is harsh but real. Outside of your loved ones nobody gives a crap about a whiny brat who thinks they should be entitled to the spoils of success without putting in the blood sweat and tears
TayloredArt 01 2 years ago
Excellent list. These are truths. The man didn't say you couldn't be a vice president or make 60k directly out of school, he said you'd have to earn it. Imagine all the kids who apply, get the job and then work as if literally none of the things on the list could even be a possibility. This would be a conversation for me to have with my son about how he interprets what's being said vs what's being said, whereas this wouldn't be a conversation to be had were it his twin sister who would receive it at face value.
Curry on... 2 years ago
Hmm...the delivery might be off, but most of what's written is practical.
Queenbee 2 years ago
Well, I work in an environment full of self entitles 20 , 30 and 40 somethings. A few are hard workers the rest feel entitled to numerous restroom. Phone, music and gossip breaks ALL DAY LONG. They have no concept of hard work or a work ethic. So this list is mostly spot on though some parts are idiotic. I know of no one who expects to be a VP out of high-school and I know quite a few nerdy losers. By the same token lifevis not fair and the world will not coddle or treat you like your parents do.
Dianna Montgomery 2 years ago
Such a true list! While it may not have been appropriate for a boss to give it to an employee, he did her a favor. I've been working for 30 years and this list is so true of the adult life.
Alexa Saltz 2 years ago
The list is nothing new. Harsh? Yes. Valid? Mostly. Appropriate from a boss to a young employee upon first day on the job? Nope. Something to complain about in public? Sure, why not? Almost everyone else does... Personally, this is no big deal for me. If a parent has an issue with something like this, use the opportunity to help guide your child navigate their way to becoming an adult. I would refer to "Rule Number 1"... Suck it up, Buttercup.
Rob Bert 2 years ago
The idea is spot on, but the delivery method not so much. He couldn't be more right kids are completely coddled now everybody's got a therapist we all get a trophy losing is okay it's wonderful you don't have to work for a living, it's all quite pathetic and why our country has turned in to an oversensitive bunch of wimps.
Tony Berna 2 years ago
This list has been around for a long time. The boss didn't write it, but everything on it is true.
Patricia Long 2 years ago
Well, he is telling it like it really is, but he should wait and see what kind of worker she is. Just hand it to the kids who really need the advice. What should be added is kindness goes a long way.
Sonja Nash 2 years ago
I believe this list has even on internet for years. While some of the points you can learn from, you don't give this to young people who are new to the work force and it does not encourage at all. I would look at this as a joke.
Rene Simmons 2 years ago
I've actually seen this list many times over the last 5 or 6 years. Some say a highschool teacher wrote it, some say a college professor. It was supposedly written as a joke, yet a somewhat passive aggressive joke, maybe? I mean it's just a harsh way of telling the truth, but with a ha ha at the end. I actually take no offense to it, but I'm sure it could be sugar coated and say the same things but make it sound sweet and offend no one. And maybe give a participation trophy with to make sure.
Bethany Heller 2 years ago
Gonna be honest here, this is something people should know. Even if it is harsh/extreme/assholery phrased, as a college student, I'm kinda perversely glad that at least the kid is being tipped off early that 1. It's a toxic workplace and 2. highschool/college students are definitely an exploited group. Desperate for money for college, low experience, and (usually) low self esteem don't make a really shiny combo. I hate that it happens, but at least this person got to pick up on it fast.
Jonathan K 2 years ago
Was that the list of the things the parent wishes they said or something. Did I miss the real list people are complaining about? Was it some kind of joke article? I'd certainly let my kids work somewhere that let's them know what's expected of them.
Mary Rowsell 2 years ago
I think more people should be honest about this stuff, GREAT boss! Sugar voating things doesn't help, honesty does. We have raised our kids telling them these very things, the majority of people now days have gotten too soft!
Tricia Krause 2 years ago
I am shocked that no one here, including the author, mentions that the list you have shown is from a speech Bill Gates gave to a high school in 2019(?), I believe.
Jen inostroza 2 years ago
First the list has been in circulation for at least 16 years.... when I started teaching HS I had it posted in my classroom and we discussed what each one meant... still do it today. I teach juniors and seniors and some have jobs and understand, some are clueless and think they are just going to live with their parents until they "make it big" and do not have to work. They are very much spoon fed things in school and the spoon seems to get bigger and bigger each year... teaching just over 20 years, that spoon is pretty big.
Lori Hutchings 2 years ago
I’m Gen X and those younger than me need to know these things because that is the reality and they’ve been coddled too much.
actionjksn 2 years ago
Wait until the teens and 20 somethings who think this list is unrealistic, ridiculous and offensive find out that it's all pretty much true. Hahaha. And wait until the helicopter parents find out that no they really can't shield them from the world after they really enter it. Oh well maybe they'll stay with Mom and Dad indefinitely and not ever have to worry about it or face it. I'm actually hearing stories of parents literally attending their kids job interviews. I didn't believe it at first, I said there is no way there are such losers in any real numbers, I thought it was the same story being told over and over again about some crazy person. but I was proven wrong.
Angela Alcorn 2 years ago
Nothing but good sense. It says a lot about the sad truth that the younger generation s are entitled and selfish, even lazy. Life simply doesn't give you anything for free, and anything worth having is earned and worth working for.
Brian Miller 2 years ago
Spare me. This is a list of basic truths. You millennial pussies are getting all bent out of shape because life won't kiss your asses. Suck it up you dickless, spineless little bitches.
Scott Seeger 2 years ago
Still remember my first scent sensitivity policy in Ford Hall at the University of Minnesota. Please make these rules required at all jobs
No you can't have my name 2 years ago
Is it true? Yes. Does that magically make it not a total d**k move power trip from an egotistical dumbass? No. Also, idk what batch of rich kids that commenter is dealing with but that's the same logic Boomers use on millennials and they're always wrong so.
Christine Suber 2 years ago
As a mother of 6 children, I say preach! If your 16 yo is working, they should know the absolute truth. Life is gonna kick ya in the teeth.....GOOD LUCK
Glenn BlakeLobb 2 years ago
I don’t see a problem with this list. Kids today have always gotten a trophy for just playing. Never got a good swat on the butt for doing stuff they shouldn’t have. Teachers gave them better grades to just push them on to the next grade. Sorry but the boss is just telling these kids what school and their parents should have done years ago. JMO
Sabrina Messenger 2 years ago
The list is harsh but still it's the truth. Parents should be teaching a good work ethic so bosses won't feel like they have to give such lists.
Marie Youllneverknow 2 years ago
That dude is SO sick of 16 year old kids. He's failing at life. But all of that is 100% true and more kids need to hear more of it. Obviously the participation trophy kids have 16 year olds now. Lord help us all.
Penni J LaBeau 2 years ago
I personally feel the boss is not using these as rules, more like facts of life..I don't see him to be to serious being he can't spell..
Michele Boone 2 years ago
Ok, so... There are so many different thoughts I have about this. First ,it is inappropriate for any boss to give such a list to a 16 y.o kid on Thier first day of work. Second, as Harsh as the "lessons/rules" are...let's face it they are beyond true, and a Harsh reality that many kids today are over protected from. Kids today are so coddled and protected from the normal every day "horrors" of life. I mean I agree that kids need to know how harsh and hard life really is...but maybe this wasn't the best way of going about trying to make that point. I'm kind of a harsh a**hole myself, and probably would have come back with a list of rude, not so nice rules for the boss. Ya know just to make a point .
Charles Danner 2 years ago
Parents should have made all this obvious to any child before they turn 16. Life isn't sunshine and rainbows this is what produces "Karen's"
Mike Johnson 2 years ago
I support this list 100 percent. It's something the parents should teach their children from day one. I for one would love for my kids to have a boss like this. I'll guarantee if you work hard for him he will take care of his employees. To many people dont want to be offended a d feeling hurt now. This guy just told it the way is is.
Douglas Irlandi 2 years ago
To all the rose colored glasses wearers, that list sums it rather perfectly.
Wendy Usher 2 years ago
This list is exactly what should be shared and should have been posted in every workplace all along. Part of this list addresses a lot of the younger generation who are somehow magically managers within 3 months. They have no idea what they're doing and they're horrible because they were not taught these things by my generation because we were trying to go against our parents' generation.
Sark Aztik 2 years ago
This list won't help anyone become a better manager and a young worker who got promoted and is unqualified won't become less inept from reading it. The fact that you think this list will make someone a better worker is hilarious. A person has to APPLY the things on this list. Even then that doesn't make you a good manager or worker. The list isn't a personality. Imagine the solution to this proposed problem being something as simple as... I don't know, training the workers better and placing blame on those giving these positions to workers who are unfit for the position?
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Silja Hare 2 years ago
Total BS. That list, attributed to any one of a number of people including Bill Gates, has been around for as long as I've been on the internet and I remember before there was the internet! This entire story is a crock.
Bruce Leibee 2 years ago
I believe MANY people negatively critiquing this list tells us everything we need to know. Required reading for EVERY student.
Philenzortia 2 years ago
I do agree with number 6 but the others are just a sad person writing what happened with his own life. Why crush someone else’s dreams? Of course we all are not going to be super rich but there are the dreamers that don’t need this type of crap. Life doesn’t have an order and life doesn’t have to be awful and hard. Yes! We all have very low and bad times but they aren’t the rule. And if these are the rules for a job please RUN!!!!!!
Jennifer Rietze 2 years ago
I 100% agree with everything. It could have been done A LOT nicer, that being g said most teenagers are devastated and distraught when they start working and realize that showing up wasn't enough. It is brutal being a boss to teenagers. Parents are biased period.
James Edleman 2 years ago
I’ve seen that rule list before, like 20 yrs ago. 1. It’s not original & that “boss” didn’t write it 2. Most of those things are true 3. The fact that the girl quit her job makes the “boss” right 4. Those rules are things parents need to teach kids, not bosses. Her dad is not a very good one & I wouldn’t be surprised if his princess is still living at home when she is 30
Patty Villeneuve 2 years ago
Nobody is forcing her to take this job. Is it a little obnoxious, yes. Are the points wrong, NO. Daddy mind your own business. If she cant handle it she can try to find a different job. Good luck if shes a crybaby and runs to daddy when her little feelings get hurt.
Patty Villeneuve 2 years ago
If you dont like it then dont take the job. Life is all about choices and decisions. So make some. And daddy needs to mind his own business
Robert Wyner 2 years ago
Well, apparently, even though this girl has gotten herself a first job, her dad still thinks he should get involved. That's another rule: your parents are not in charge of the workplace. Also apparently, this dad never did let his daughter know about these real rules of life. The fact that he's outraged by common Sense comments tells me this child is in for some more rude awakenings.
Diana 2 years ago
I personally see this as an example to the fact that 1)life isn't fair. I would keep a close eye. This guy is probably tired of the growing number of kids who have zero work ethic. Let her prove herself under a close watch and she can overcome or might actually prove him wrong. Kids are not the same. It's very sad to say.
Lynne Richardson 2 years ago
Sometimes truth hurts! Everything about this 'list' screams, "TRUTH!." And yes, please, stop whining...
Jason Hill 2 years ago
is it not amusing the comments screaming of the injustice of these rules (which are not a bad set of guidelines for ALL to keep in mind) but the ones who get the loudest more prominent comments are the children who feel entitled … to comments of sound experience are those who are responsible adults… like real parents, who pay for all of your tears! i just think its funny how the media plays this card!
Dan Jackowitz 2 years ago
I mean, in general what he says is true. Says he hires teenagers a lot. I’m not a boomer but I have a friend in HR and she says parents will follow up on jobs their college graduate kid applied for. He could be taking the drill Sargent approach, scare them at first and then they’re relieved when things aren’t that bad.
Dream Chaser the wolfchild 2 years ago
I'm barely an adult, but I can't tell you how many of my peers growing up needed (and some still need) to hear this. I'm not angry with this man for giving it to his employees, however, it is a little sad that he felt the need to write it in the first place. And if this doesn't apply to you, just ignore it.
tori Ohno 2 years ago
Everything on that list is the truth. But handing it out? That's going too far. It should be on the break room wall with people wondering if it's a joke or not. This guy is obviously burnt out after working for so long with entitled teenage brats. They're not all bad, only some of them. I know, we've fired quite a few where I work.
Jeff Marek 2 years ago
The boss is right, too many kid's today think they are entitled to everything right out of the gate. The kids need to be brought back into the real world.
Craig Forester 2 years ago
That list is harsh? lol. Sorry my coddled, overly sensitive, little darlings; but that's reality. Everything that guy said is true in the real world. All he is doing is giving you a tiny little dose of what the real world is. Something I am sorry to say most of the schools, or your parents no longer teach.
Emmett O'Brian 2 years ago
I liked the heading "imagine working for someone that thinks like that". Ha! This person is a creampuff compared to the people I worked for. Imagine moving 2 tons of rock ten feet over just to be told to move it back when you're done. If you think this is abuse, well, let's just say I've had some bosses that would probably make your brain bleed. I think the delivery is lousy but the concepts are mostly true.
Tamala Bradshaw 2 years ago
I think he was absolutely right for this. Kids these days are weak. They whine about everything. The Bible Saud today's generation would be weaker and wiser. Wise because info about any and everything is easily accessed nowadays. Weaker because they want e everything handed to them on silver platters no knowing the value of hard work or responsibility
Lijo Kim 2 years ago
In my opinion this list isn't that bad. It includes many true things but I still feel like handing something like this out is making fun of all teens. The boss didn't even know what their new employee was gonna be like but assumed they were gonna be a brat just because of their age... Again, I don't necessarily think the list is bad but handing it out for no reason isn't the right thing to do
Derrick Stapleton 2 years ago
This guy just did more parenting then any of you or your parents have done in your lifes. Your all ragging on a man who gave you a helpful paper of what he has learned in his life. He just says in a very descriptive fashion. Lifes hard and you have to work for it hand outs are not common.. But almost all common ppl could use a hand out so if you want something odds are your gonna have to work for it... His post is not for the privileged people who doesnt understand living paycheck to paycheck. But i do not know this man he could be a di*# but the letter that was posted was nothing but how he saw the world which is in fact more important then how you see him. He is talking life experience and your all talking about him personally go get a life live it then you can make your own list of how life is rainbows and sunshine and if you go to college you will fart sparkles.... Not have a bunch of student loans!!!!
Marc McLaren 2 years ago
Those are all common sense points about reality. Certainly nothing to get upset about.
BRICK THRONE 2 years ago
I noticed a lor of the negative responses from the list were from younger readers "Boomer". Hahaha
Jack Merica 2 years ago (edited)
Sounds like daughter and dad got a rude bucket of cold water thrown on their springtime and roses life. Big deal.
Sherry DeBrock 2 years ago
I can appreciate the truth in this. I don't sugarcoat b******t for anyone, not my employees, friends nor family. This boss told the absolute truth to this 16 year old. She probably cannot appreciate it at this age, nonetheless the boss did not lie to her. Welcome to the real world of working earning money and paying bills. Makes Mama and Daddy's place not look so bad doesn't it? It's important to not raise a bunch of soft pussies and then toss them into the real world and expect them to act normal. Don't sugar coat this mean old world just because you think it's something that might hurt their feelings because their feelings are going to get hurt. This was not a mean letter it wasn't cruel it was the absolute truth of the real world. Get used to it. If you're a grown adult that's worked in the real world you've already gotten used to it. You want to work in a grown up world then you're going to have to act like a grown up.. if you don't someone else will take home that paycheck!
Sark Aztik 2 years ago
It's funny that you equate "being a grownup" to being a b***h. I remember when being a grownup wasn't acting like a shitty, tantrum-throwing a*****e and was about being responsible for yourself and your family. None of this requiring you to be miserable to be around. What you're describing isn't "being an adult", it's "being an adult that never grew the hell up."
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James Steverding 2 years ago
The majority of those are accurate when it comes to life. These rules could be applied to most generations. Today's teens have no clue has to what their going to deal with in the real world. Better to hear it now than later or never.
ramada rose 2 years ago
Some of these rules are true, but this is definitely not the way to implement them. I keep hearing J. Lee Ermey screaming this out!!
Ashton Sudenga Legg 2 years ago
Yeah, a few of these points are good. But funny thing about the "real world". There are people who grow up, and people who don't. Age doesn't mean jack @#$&. I'm 21 and I can't count the number of times I've had to tell someone old enough to be my dad to get off their ass. You can't lord over your age unless you've actually learned something over those years, otherwise you're just thinking you're better than anyone younger because you'll die sooner, and that's some grade A entitlement right there.
Sydney Carton 2 years ago
Get over it Dad and stay in your lane. It's what life is, and no, theres nothing in this thats off. Who isn't tired of these self indulgent spoiled kids who think the world owes them something. Learn some tough lessons now and grow up to be something more than a self absorbing, self serving brat.
Pedro Dudeson 2 years ago
If anyone thinks this list is bad I hope they never enlist in the military. They won't like it.
Wendy Jo 2 years ago
This f*****g idiot must have been the high school loser who got bullied and treated like crap... Well a realife lesson is to treat people how you want to be treated...don't use the past that everyone but your loser brain done forgot about...you should have learned how to be empathetic instead of being s complete f*****g d**k to the future people running this world long after your pathetic life and pathetic high school bullies and the ghosts of the past in your brain...I sincerely hope that you get a psychiatrist and awesome therapist that takes all the money that these kids deserve and you still live in the past...evidently you didn't learn a damn thing crying in your locker everyday.you would think you would know better than to treat people like s**t...knowing how it feels...you need to learn how to respect your fellow humans and spread love not more hate..Good luck w/that
Sandi Aguirre 2 years ago
Lol I see why people are upset! In this offended society people hate the truth. Almost every rule on this list I've said to my own children it's better the know now then find out the truth later.! I think this list is awesome
Steve Scarantino 2 years ago
We need to get back to these basics ! The woke population are a bunch of entitled whiners who think everyone owes them and they don’t have to earn respect ! It could be worded differently, but the message is 100% correct. Anyone who disagrees needs to re-read my second sentence!!
Helene Aldenberg 2 years ago
It's a good list for anyone. Why not call the shots like he sees them? People need to get a grip. It's totally generic and it's real information
Charlie Hatfield 2 years ago
The post is about as close to REALITY as most of the SPOILED kids will get to REALITY!!!!
Meiko Harris 2 years ago
This is the best list ever made and it needs to be distributed to everyone 30 and under so they can get a reality check. It is these weak parents like him that are appalled that we are stuck with these useless and shiftless employees now.
paco diablo 2 years ago
Middle class 16 yr olds never hear rules these, in their world everybody’s a winner, everyone gets an award. This knocks them down a few pegs and believe me they need it. Teens have a highly unrealistic view of the world and how they fit into it. I especially like rule no. 10
Donna Jarrett 2 years ago
I love it,,, its right on target !!!! Unfortunately, that's not the world we we live in any longer. Our workforce now is SO ENTITLED, And getting worse everyday 🙄😒
Arc Bolo 2 years ago
What in the world is wrong with this list? Is it simply condescending to suggest that someone might not know this stuff? It's like saying, "my boss told me to eat vegetables instead of sweets, so I quit my job!". And, I'm not actually asking. Anyone who disagrees with this stuff I don't really want to listen to anyway.
Tammy Nixon-Wood 2 years ago
Well, I'm one of those cynical boomers. But hey, look at the cancel culture left leaning non parents jumping to the rescue! DON'T TALK TO MY KIDS LIKE THAT! We work hard to raise unemployed, disrespectful, entitled POS. A World where the kids are our equals! And THEY run the show..No one knows who anybody is anymore. For the love of all that's Holy, People, Adults, take back your authority, you ARE NOT helping your kids, you're absolutely crippling them from being any kind of positive part of society. Be careful not to hurt their little feelings in the process.
Melinda Hall 2 years ago
Oh come on people. Coddling kids instead of giving a dose of reality like this is why the world has gone to hell. All of these kids get summer or entry level positions and expect to be praised and petted every 5 minutes. They also expect to make $15 an hour right out of the blocks. I'm sorry but I didn't start making $15 an hour till I worked in a particular business and learned and worked my way up. All I can say is buckle up butter cup. Whether you like it or not life ain't fair. Put on your big girl panties and learn to do your job properly. If you do it right and learn everything you can the money will come.
Pamela Blue 2 years ago
I am absolutely amazed that no-one has mentioned that this boss didn't make this list up. This is part of a speech that Bill Gates gave to a bunch of students at their graduation. I happen to agree with it, myself, but I think it's hilarious that a boss of 16 year olds would use it to terrorize his employees. LOL!
Himory TheDreamer 2 years ago
No. In real life the nerd ends up jobless because good grades won't cure his mental disabilities, and you end up with a job because even you can't write you are able to talk. Things aren't fair.
John Baker 2 years ago
Idiots like these are why employers need to hand out lists like this. Untitled-6...40d3aa.jpg 
Chance Spoiler 2 years ago
This list was written by none other than Microsofts Bill Gates. Words to live by absolutely. There's no error in what's written and it's a no Brainer for someone starting out. This list was part of a commencement speech that Bill Gates gave to our graduating class.
Hermione 2 years ago
Are you sure? I read in Quora: This quote is often attributed to Bill Gates but it was actually written by Charles J. Sykes...
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John Baker 2 years ago
The first rule of the Dunning-Kruger Club is you don't know you're in it. You apparently don't know.
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Duke Silver 2 years ago
looks like someone didn't have birthday celebrations when they were growing up!
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William Teach 2 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 2 years ago
Unfortunately though most parents don't/won't discuss these things with their kids.
Load More Replies... Steve 2 years ago
A good chunk of these are truthful, but they're worded in a very jerk manner.
Stacey Lu 2 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... Mjskywalk 2 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 2 years ago
That "below minimum wage" line was definitely one of the first whiffs of b******t in the story.
Load More Replies... Brandon Marlowe 2 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 2 years ago
Yeah, but would you want to be handed that on your first day of work?
Load More Replies... T'Mar of Vulcan 2 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.
Erlend Sørli 2 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 2 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... Vicky Zar 2 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 2 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... Sage Gusano 2 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) 2 years ago (edited)
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... zovjraar me 2 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 2 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... Tobin Kern 2 years ago
I love this. Too many 10 ply kids out in the world coddled by parents. They grow up to be the worst people and the worst employees as well. I have trouble filling roles even at $15 an hour because young people want to only work minimum skill roles for C-level benefits. I usually have a hard time not bursting out laughing in interviews when they request 4 weeks of vacation on top of the benefits I already give. I even give gas allowance to all my employees and some baby faced 19 year old wants 4 weeks of vacation? GTFO and go back to nursing on your momma's tit.
Klaatu Verrata (Cough) 2 years ago
I hate to tell you, but I have 30-year old shits with law degrees I have to regularly fire. Entitlement crosses all socioeconomic lines. I provide all my employees benefits that NO ONE in our large metro area provides (we pay 100% of medical/dental/vision insurance premiums, give 3+ weeks of vacation a year (and offer chances to gain more for performance), provide lots of incentive bonuses, life and disability insurance at 4x their salaries, fitness credits, etc. I don't give myself anything I don't also offer my people. We also do extensive training and offer tons of productivity tools and shortcuts. It's actually easier to figure out who to fire because of all of this--if anyone underperforms or tries to push for more, I IMMEDIATELYsend them packing, because that just means they are super-entitled prigs. Having been in the military, I don't have time for ANYONE'S entitlement--not even from gifted attorneys.
Load More Replies... Kevin Henderson 2 years ago
This author of the list is very persupmtuous about the personality of the people it is intended for. The list works on the premise of an overused trope that all teenagers and young adults are lazy and entitled. It is very far from the truth. If anything this generation faces a far more uncertain and competitive future in the workplace than previous generations. Also, life is not fair get used to it is a very subtle way telling people that they should not seek equity in the work place. It is very hazardous attitude for women and minorities because in previous generations white males were paid more, more likely to be promoted and less likely to face harrassment in the work place. They didn't have to deal with quid pro quo sexual harrassment. I'll admit it is a bit of a slippery slope fallacy to suggest "life is not fair" leads to sexual assault and sexual harrassment or discrimination but this message manufacture the appropriate environment for that to occur.
Klaatu Verrata (Cough) 2 years ago
This comment needs to be etched into gold.
Load More Replies... tonya glenn 2 years ago
I'm 49 and a gen xer. When I was 16, I worked maybe 2 or 3 weeks or months, get tired of the job and quit for a month or 2. Very irresponsible. I really didn't care about work. Back then, minimum wage was 3.25 an hour. Yes it sucked. I'm the type of person now, after MUCH life experience, that can say most of this list is absolutely true. 💯 Maybe not worded for this pansy generation. My advice, get thick skin, work hard in school and APPRECIATE all you have! I'm a nurse now and I work over 60 hours a week.
Klaatu Verrata (Cough) 2 years ago
I'm same age, so I get the work environments we grew up with. But I don't assume every younger worker is going to suck. Yeah, some do, but so do a lot of older employees. But as a COO of a large company, there's something to be said about the culture a business sets through its leadership. I can't expect anyone to last long if I go at them head on with disrespect from GO. That's just bad business. It's like making a kindergartener's first week of school horrible. You set them up to want to never go to school before they even get started. That's not how loyalty is cultivated. And workers who feel disrespected by their employers are never going to be loyal or perform well. So...whether you feel these "rules" are good or not, that employer merely demonstrated how completely stupid he is. Because when you put workers on hard defense on Day 1, you're wasting company time, resources, & funds training them, because they are only thinking about leaving ASAP.
Load More Replies... Annie Ukekwe 2 years ago
😂😂😂 I am in tears because that was absolutely hilarious and spot on. I know you can’t “keep it real” because you’ll hurt many feelings but he hit life on the head. And that part about the teacher vs the boss so true😂
Tiredofpayingforothers 2 years ago
These aren't rules, they are facts of life. The problem is many people just want to view the world through rose colored glasses instead of facing the truth.
Pebble Flintstone 2 years ago
This is not a new list. Has had a number of publications. Including Bill Gates using this list as part of a school presentation. A lot of teenagers still need these wake up calls.
Marco Conti 2 years ago
It doesn't matter if some of the rules are true or not. Nor it matters that some are not even rules but opinions and grievances. What matters is that someone thought giving this condescending, obnoxious flyer out on the first day of work, to someone they don't really know, is an OK idea. There is absolutely no way whoever wrote that could be a good boss.
Emmett O'Brian 2 years ago
I've had way worse. Doesn't mean it's right, but I think they'll survive. That is, unless the boss is actually a serial killer, which they might be.
Load More Replies... Jes.the.Mess 2 years ago
It's extremely disturbing me that there, as usual, is no middle of the road analysis in the main article. The list is written in an extremely condescending tone, dripping with disdain for teenagers, and so giving this list out on the first day, before they can prove themselves, seems to hint at a toxic work environment. However, as others pointed out, it's not 100% wrong as far as life lessons go. You do have to work hard for what you want, also status and respect do need to be earned over time, a long with a couple other good points (said badly) The whole list is a mess BECAUSE of the fact that it was some actual wisdom, but presented in a way that make the writer sound like the kind of narcissistic jerk no young person is can take seriously. The rest of the advice is flawed. It's the perfect way to think if you do not value your mental health at all and want to die young from high blood pressure Things aren't all good or all bad, or even a neat 50/50
Klaatu Verrata (Cough) 2 years ago
Woah. A voice of reason in this equation? Perhaps you took the wrong exit, Jess, with your highly astute, fair-minded, and uniquely enlightened observation. 😊. THIS is the comment thread where people just jump into rash conclusions and interject every ageist and classist personal bias they ever had without any forethought or introspective reflection. 😂😂
Load More Replies... Mark Green 2 years ago
My 12yr. Old daughter reas though this list and had absolutely no problem with any of it. She took the list as motivation, which , in my opinion, most should.
Animalsrgreat 2 years ago
Absolutely correct. So many kids, and I'm a parent and teacher, have an unrealistic sense of reality.
Duke Silver 2 years ago
yeah but you wouldn't give it to your employee. this person can quit in a second.
Load More Replies... Bill Allen 2 years ago
It’s not something I would feel comfortable doing if I were such a manager. But I do wonder if the list is a result of years of dealing with too many entitled teenagers while sorting through to get to the ones who will actually work. I really have a problem with any company paying less than minimum wage. Even minimum wage has been too low for any job for a long time.
Klaatu Verrata (Cough) 2 years ago
We deal with old workers who are worthless, too. They are just usually the ones who point out the youngins not working to distract from the fact they aren't doing shït, either.
Load More Replies... Klaatu Verrata (Cough) 2 years ago (edited)
Yeah, NO. This is rife with Boomer büllshït. I take issue with the work ethics of MANY people in America, in general (the "money for nothing" mentality is so hard to avoid in employees these days--of all generations!). Still, as a GenX who's watched how Boomers have all but destroyed the planet and strived to prevent subsequent generations from prospering, this makes me sick. And this systematic stripping of resources & opportunity, combined with simultaneous condescension (all while refusing to cede control over ANYTHING so that younger generations can fix it), has made their terrible intergenerational reign all the more tragic. They made this bed for the rest of us, & now they want to prevent us from even lying in it. I work 80 hours a week running a law firm owned by Boomer men, & it took me THREE years as COO to finally get them to see other generations (& women) CAN KNOW & DO better. Our country is being run into the ground by the same privileged people who wrote THIS crap.
Charlie Birkner 2 years ago (edited)
I only employ teenagers. Funny thing; earlier today I wrote them pretty much the exact opposite of this list. I stand by it 100%. I'm also a parent so I'd be a hypocrite if I didn't. But it does share one important lesson: some people behave like jerks. I feel sorry for the person who wrote this list, someone stuck in retail isn't going to be treated great anyway. It pretty much amounts to bullying. That's why they pass this sort of crap on to their employees.
Casey McAlister 2 years ago
"Life isn't fair" Oh my god, what a revelation! Nobody's totally ever thought about it before! Rule 12: Regurgitating centuries-old platitudes doesn't make you sound smart.
Leodavinci 2 years ago
Reality isn't a "platitude"... and it appears from many replies/reactions, that it is a lesson many haven't learned... or refuse to accept.
Load More Replies... Mimi Adams 2 years ago
My dad's in the Boomer age cohort. He worked his way through college and grad school as a custodian. He rolls his eyes at these rules, and ecourages my son not to take abuse and crap from bosses. Work hard, do your best, and don't take abuse, mistreatment, or lower than deserved pay.
Load More Replies... Alisha R. 2 years ago (edited)
This is crossing the line...he/she/they are completely out of line to say this to any child.This person was definitely the nerd in the last rule. These things maybe true but. NOT the place of a boss to tell a teenager they don't even know.
Mimi Adams 2 years ago
There is no way this ignorant buffoon who doesn't proofread and fix typos and errors before handing out a lust to their employees is a nerd. Be nice to nerds is probably the only truly valuable advice on this list, even if it is for the wrong reason.
Load More Replies... Stacey Lu 2 years ago
My mom had that hanging on our fridge when i was growing up, or something very similar to it. Stuff the parents should have already taught her and will learn the hard way if not. Minimum wage is there for a reason, turn the company if they're not paying it, but don't get mad at them for being brutally honest and doing what everyone else is afraid to.
Colin L 2 years ago
I've shown this list to people, and even at the time I noted that some of it is outdated. It does have a "stop complaining and get to work" tone that isn't good, and I *love* the push-back I've seen about out-of-touch employers and prioritizing a work/life balance. Rule 1, 2, and 6 have proven themselves over and over. Rule 5 and 7 are despicable dodges for people to justify their self-righteousness. 8 and 9make me laugh: I'm a teacher.
Amer Hodzic 2 years ago
Just as one of those comments said. These aren't rules. They're boomer commandments. Just because they're miserable and hate their lives - they want to make everyone else is just as miserable.
Klaatu Verrata (Cough) 2 years ago
I've always marveled in the reality of how the generation that, hands down, had it the easiest and everything came so easily to is also so freaking grumpy and hostile against everyone else in their old age. Like...that's just another obvious demonstration of privilege--that they feel they shouldn't HAVE TO tolerate others, because they've never had to before! Privilege breeds entitlement, and the consequences of living in a world you have always controlled when you now have less control of it must be a bïtch. Incidentally, ALSO why so many white men go on crazy shooting sprees. Life isn't delivering on all the expected privilege and success they assumed they had. (I spent 7 years of my post-baccalaureate education and subsequent career studying spree killers, so this observation isn't random).
Load More Replies... Cornell Tramontana 2 years ago
Mae West once said, "It's not what you say, it's how you say it." Also, it's not what you do, it's how you do it. The wording is quite demeaning and should be better worded. Furthermore, this list is by no means original. Apparently, this legend in one's own mind was too lazy to do one. The timing is also cowardly, waiting until after the hire. The list should presented at interview time. It would the potential of screening out applicants and the applicants would have a chance to decide whether to work for this jerk. Back in the day when I was young, I was counseled when necessary, instead of being presented this mean-spirited garbage.
Ruby Serene 2 years ago (edited)
Reading this I thought that some things were good points, but the way that the employer did this is really hostile and unnecessary. Then the grammar errors started and I lost all remaining respect I might have had for the boss. Don't lecture other people if you can't even use spell check. It would probably take ten seconds to fix this.
Sarah 2 years ago
Wow, at least she found out on day one that her boss is a condescending power-tripper. This man sounds like he thinks he's her father and not a very nice one at that!
Essex Eagle 2 years ago
Cant see anything on here that isn't true. Maybe the employer has had enough of entitled babies crying every time they did something wrong and someone "told them off" how dare they. Sadly the real world isn't somewhere that most youngsters live in. Very soon they will discover that actually the noisy few are just that few and most people couldn't give a toss about hurting peoples feelings.
David Rayment 2 years ago
1- "life isn't fair, so don't even try" 2- "the world built before you does not care if you get screwed out of basic rights, livable wages, and fair working conditions, simply because we say so" 3-"you will not make 60k a year out of highschool, even though a majority of the 10 richest people in the us never graduated" 4-"you think your teacher is tough, just wait till we indoctrinate you into indentured servitude" 5-"your grandparents think flipping burgers is the net bottom of the job pool, so take it with dignity!" 6-"if you mess up, it's your fault the cards are stacked against you. For shame" 7-"before you were born your parents had dreams that had to be crushed by late stage capitalism, and we're blaming it on you" 8-"school, the place to practice, will give you opportunities to improve. Don't expect any leniency, because everything is your fault." ...
David Rayment 2 years ago
9-"life is not divided into semesters, except for those who can create their own schedule, like your boss. They're not interested in helping you find yourself, so don't ask about health care (shhh)" 10-"real life is not tv. But we'll treat you like you're a creditless extra anyway" 11-"I power trip easy"
Load More Replies... Rachel Gerstner 2 years ago
I would have quit on the spot, this manager is toxic and I wouldn't want to work under him. If it were my daughter, I'd call the manager, give him a piece of my mind and tell him that she will not be coming back.
Liu Woods 2 years ago
Holy f**k why do so many commenters think this is okay... I’ll give you my own rule of life. There’s always other jobs if you have a jerkwad of a boss who blames the toxicity of his workplace on life being unfair!
Klaatu Verrata (Cough) 2 years ago
Most are WASMs, or women married to WASMs. The names give them away immediately.
Load More Replies... Arc Panda 2 years ago
That is the least professional s**t I have ever read in my my life...and due to the pointlessness of it and the out of control tone ,I have to say I smell a sex predator with a slight grip on his self help agenda
Laura Jackson 2 years ago
Post #3- This man feels fully entitled to use and clearly abuse his employees to benefit himself. A good boss isn’t looking solely for what the employee can do for them but instead how they can grow together. They realize they have a just as much to learn from their associate as vice versa. If you know what you’re doing, you eliminate problem employees before they start with the interview process. A good boss wants to see their employee succeed as much as they have. This guy isn’t looking for longevity and his employees. He’s looking for the cheapest labor possible and people he can manipulate in order to continue to stay on top. On top of other people. Bosses in particular have an obligation to focus on making the world a better place through the people they employ. Support and understanding are how you get optimal performance out of employees. Not feeling superior to them and making them feel small.
Laura Jackson 2 years ago (edited)
Post #2 Continued from previous post. These bosses model the behavior they want to see and validate the positive actions of the associate. They compassionately correct behaviors that are ineffective but understand that this person is learning. They allow them to be their own person and find their own niche in doing their job. THIS is how you get the results you want. Not by berating the employee before they even start. This guy’s experiences were vastly different than what people experience now. This is the problem with baby boomers. They take no accountability in what their generation has done to the world and how this affects the new generations. This man is the type who is probably a millionaire and will still take Social Security benefits because he’s entitled to them. HE is the one with a skewed view of life and this type of thinking is why the world IS so difficult for kids trying to move up in it. I feel sorry for anyone working for him and more so for his own children.
Mary Davis 2 years ago
These are not rules. These are facts of life that I am thankful my parents taught me before I ever applied for my first job. They probably should've been delivered in a kinder, gentler way so as not to offend the faint hearted.
Cornell Tramontana 2 years ago
Did your parents present them in such a mean-spirited way?
Load More Replies... Ben LeCloux 2 years ago
I work with a lot of high schoolers. The ones that had good parents understand these things already. The ones that don't, are, difficult to work with. Don't cuddle children, but don't be an a*****e to them either, not till they deserve it at least.
Mimi Adams 2 years ago
I hope you mean "coddle." Cuddling children (at least your own) is a parental responsibility.
Load More Replies... Melinda Laczky 2 years ago
I see nothing wrong with this list. I actually think both parents and teachers should share this list in school.
B Burns 2 years ago
I've revised his list to avoid the TLDR response: 1. I am a frustrated, angry man who envies your youth. 2. I believe that everyone under 30 is a lazy, entitled whiner. 3. If you take this job, I will be contemptuous and abusive, then gaslight you by accusing you of being too fragile to handle the "truth." 4. I'm so lacking in creative and leadership skills that I had to plagiarize a 20-year-old internet list to bully you with. 5. Every time someone turns down the job, I will stew in my own sour funk and b***h to everyone within hearing distance about how kids these days are too precious to work for a living. This is the same kind of guy who complains that he can't get a date because he's a nice guy and women only want bad boys. No, dude. You're not a nice guy. You're a douche.
A Dasher Panda 2 years ago (edited)
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Load More Replies... pusheen buttercup 2 years ago
Wow, this boss has some serious self esteem issues if they feel they have to make these kinds of assumptions about their employees and react condescendingly. Further... These aren't rules exactly, they're more advice from a singular perspective, and they don't appear to have anything to do with the job. Very unprofessional lack of boundaries.
Maggie Hood 2 years ago (edited)
This list is really condescending and pretentious. It has some good points and advice, but if I had gotten this on my first day, unprompted, I would be very annoyed and assume that my new employer already looks down on me just because I'm not an adult. Obviously the "real world" sucks and is hard, but that doesn't mean that you have to also suck. "If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you have a boss" is just stupid because bosses and teachers shouldn't be like that in the first place, and it seems like the employer would be fine with treating employees worse than a "mean teacher". The whole tone is just way off and is just like "you haven't been through anything bad ever, and I'm gonna make sure I'm your first bad experience".
Jeremy Smith 2 years ago
Is there anyone who made it to the age of 16 and didn't realize wasn't fair? By sixteen, I saw nautral disasters destroy people homes, lost relatives to disease, and had several classmates commit suicide by the time I was 16. How is 'Life is unfair' considered advice and not plainly obvious who spent anytime in reality? If I had to fix it, I would say "Life is unfair, but that doesn't give you or anyone else the right to be a d**k to others." Maybe just maybe if someone told this manager this. He wouldn't be exploiting minors and acting like he's doing them a favor.
Devan LePage 2 years ago
That boss would NOT be helpful for people like me with mental health problems. He/she would have just made it worse, especially since I also have ADHD
Laura Jackson 2 years ago
So my first degree was in Family studies and child development. First of all, what I will say is that I hope this guy doesn’t have children because THEY are the ones who are going to have a skewed outlook on life. This type of outlook on life is what “surprisingly” creates entitled workers and human beings in general. This boss’ ideas on the world are wildly ignorant. Like it or not, your child’s mistakes absolutely DO fall on you as a parent. This is due to the fact that modeling is the strongest form of teaching and children do what they have seen done their entire lives. Yes, everybody makes mistakes that they individually must learn from, but every person on this planet is a result of their childhood and every single moment of their lives thus far. A GOOD boss, understands that they have no idea what their employee has dealt within their lives resulting in how they see the world. Thoughts continued in next post…
rabbit 2 years ago
Federal minimum wage does not apply to most retail jobs if the state does not include them. Disgusting. Every job is worth at least the federal minimum wage, most of them are worth more. By the time the minimum wage gets to $15/hour, it should really be $25. It should be more than $15 right now.
Sark Aztik 2 years ago
Spoken like someone who thinks they're more important than they actually are.
Load More Replies... Carol Emory 2 years ago
Here's the first rule of communicating with teenagers...You can write all the list of rules you want...they're not going to believe it until they experience it. I understand that this boss wanted to give them a reality check...but they will learn about life soon enough. And the list he gave them is very condescending. It's speaks more of his arrogance and desire to abuse the system than it does of life's hardships. I would also encourage my kid to work elsewhere.
April Simkins 2 years ago
Doesn't matter which points are true , it is inappropriate to hand that to any worker at any job.
Jyndaru 2 years ago
My question to all adults: If you received this list from a new boss, how would you feel about it? This manager is making a lot of assumptions about their new employees. I think that's why the father was angry. And I agree with most of the list, although it could be worded better, but it shouldn't be a new hire handout. This isn't the way to motivate employees. It doesn't matter if they're teenagers or adults; it's offensive to assume anyone doesn't already know these basic truths about life. Managers should be focused on inspiring employees, teaching them how to do their job well, and constructively correcting mistakes. Parents, family, teachers, therapists, etc., should be teaching teenagers about life and how the world works.. Also, paying teens well below minimum wage is bullshít, especially if this happened in the US, where minimum wage is already unlivable.
Emmett O'Brian 2 years ago
I've been told far far worse by my bosses. Sometimes straight up illegal things. Probably means I won't be working there long, but I got bills to pay.
Load More Replies... Ellis Reed 2 years ago
Love the life-hating boomers in the comments, must suck to be so morose all the time
Brian Brunty 2 years ago
These may be truths, but they're only true because WE make them true. Change your perspective, change your view...and everything could be better. We need more empathy, less grubby. And if you can't do that, get out of the way of the rest of us proving you wrong
Sean M 2 years ago
To sum up the list: Stop thinking the real world is out to coddle & get to know you as a sparkly little diamond before you prove that you can even tough it out. To sum up many responses: This list doesn't take into account my special little sparkly diamondness! Why isn't it coddling me?
KenKen Douglas 2 years ago
To sum up the responses actually: "life isn't fair get used to me treating you poorly." Is used by abusers to make you complacent to abuse. I don't need special treatment, but if you think you can treat me like dirt on your shoe for minimum wage and I'm just gonna go "ah well, life's not fair, and anywhere I go will abuse me like this." You're sorely mistaken. People have worth. It may not be diamonds, but it's certainly more than "you mean absolutely nothing to me and if you won't let me abuse you I'll get someone who will."
Load More Replies... DMG! Red Fury 2 years ago
People who are mad about this list didn't teach their children these truths.
raven riley 2 years ago
Because deal with it isn't good advice did injustices get solved by everyone being like "oh well life isn't fair" And that's right life can be mean which means we as people can learn to be nicer to each other rather then expecting everyone else to deal with your entitlement
Load More Replies... Michael Thomson 2 years ago
Not a single thing here is wrong. Yes, clumsy as hell and stupidly dominating, but still true. By being clumsy he allows the millennial apologists to try to deflect the underlying truths but they are there. And always will be.
The Osean Federation 2 years ago (edited)
If I had a daughter and saw this, I would immediately assume that the manager wanted to r$$$ my daughter and get her out asap. Like, I will say that he isn't completely wrong, but that's not his responsibility, it goes to me as a parent and all the other parents. And getting paid way below the federal minimum wage, definitely getting her out.
Dina Hinckley 2 years ago
That guy sounds angry and bitter at the world. The fact that he feels the need to push kids around makes him a pathetic coward. The fact that he pays under minimum makes him a crook.
Michael Hearne 2 years ago
I agree with those rules 100%. Granted it's not the boss who should be pointing that out. It's the parents that should be telling things like that to their kids. I had to learn that stuff when I was growing up and I'm much better off now.
Kanga9ine 2 years ago
Having been an employee and a boos who ran her own business I can see both sides of this. It is extreme but the principles of some are right on. I worked with autistic and all kinds of kids the past 20 years and they have so much parents want for them because they know it’s tough out there. But here they are with parents doing their homework, not helping, doing. And these are gen ed kids. They were bringing their $95+ Zuka (sp?) backpacks and never made responsible for their actions. A great disservice when they leave for college and party and then face the job market, already in debt with student loans,, rent, only know how to cook ramen in the microwave, and never have used a washing machine. This guy sounds like he’s run into many of these kids who are thrown into the real wirld, just like the day they were born. It’s just they’ve had 18-25 years and are not just waiting to be fed, poop and sleep. A simple conversation would show more respect if there’s a problem with 1 or 2
Holley Moysenko 2 years ago
What a great learning opportunity! Teach the daughter to walk into her boss's office, and tell him to have fun wasting more of the company's money on hiring some other chump to work for such a piss poor manager. She's worth much more than that, and she shouldn't settle for less than a respectful workplace. That's how many companies manage to bully themselves to the top...employees let them.
heartbreakerninja 2 years ago
Lol I was told this list by an awesome coworker that was a very old school woman. She took crap from no one. But she had one other rule that she always repeated "you are not so good at your job that you can't be replaced with a jack Russell terrier" lol 😆
anthony moring 2 years ago
I have a rule for the manager: You pay teenagers to flip burgers, you aren't their life coach. If your rules have nothing to do with the day to day of working there it's pretty clear you just want to be king of the crap heap.
Michelle Mickle 2 years ago
I'm 43, not a boomer by any means, and while this list may come off as harsh I think the intent was to humble the young employees, not belittle them. I tell my own kids that life owes them nothing, that they must find their own way and own place in it . Why is advice from our elders such a bad thing these days? You don't necessarily have to follow it, but we didn't make it this far in life being idiots either. This young woman should have been wise enough to see the lesson in this list, instead of trying to ruin this guy online...but I guess that's why we still call kids that age children...
Doreen McKay 2 years ago
perhaps if the place paid a decent wage everyone would win, I think it shoukd be boycotted by workers and consumers, teach him all about his rules
Ophelia Payne 2 years ago
Weird af. Inappropriate for the workplace. He is very condescending to someone he doesn't know. Young people can be hard working and industrious (or why hire them). Old people can be lazy and entitled.
Rahul Pawa 2 years ago
Rule 8 doesn't make any sense based on my experience working in an office environment. When I make mistakes, I fix them. It would be silly for my boss to not let me fix my mistakes. A much more important lesson I would teach a young person is don't be afraid of making mistakes. When you make a mistake, own up to it and fix it (if possible). Even in food service, that's a silly rule. Imagine the manager of a pizza company who catches a mistake the cook made and sends it out anyway. That becomes the manager's fault. Of course the manager would give the cook another chance to get it right.
Laura Pantazis 2 years ago
This letter isn't productive. It is demeaning and disrespectful because it makes assumptions the person receiving the letter. Set rules in a respectful manner. If we all treated others how we wanted to be treated, this world would be a better place.
Mylfy Gamer 2 years ago (edited)
It's the s**t I tell me kids regularly. I don't see anything wrong with it. Maybe if we actually have children (teens are children) these facts we'd have less mass shootings, from certain groups of people. What do i know, lifes been real as f**k for me. I wish someone would have given me this when I aged out of foster care. Maybe I would have turned out better.
InvaderZim 2 years ago
I think the boss was a nerd who got bullied based off of that last rule
Lynne S 2 years ago
Doesn't matter that any of it is true. The tone is so patronizing no one given that list would appreciate it, esp given it was her first day and she hadn't even done anything wrong. And number one is just entirely self-serving. He's breaking the law by paying less than minimum wage. Yes, life IS unfair, which is why you shouldn't go around making it even more unfair. He's basically trying to head off any complaints about his illegal business practices.
Cassie Raef 2 years ago
Bitter, seems frustrated with dealing with teenagers. Some good points, but not appropriate. His job is not to express life lessons as he sees it. If he wants to help these kids then show them an example on how to manage a business. .
Tracy Penner 2 years ago
Why is her boss trying to teach her life lessons? Isn't teaching her to do the job he hired her for enough? Eesh, get a life.
Peter Sarubbi 2 years ago
Before you give someone a list of rules on life, learn how to spell and proofread. What is a Coffee Hsop? Did her boss mean a Coffee SHOP? That's a fail Mr. Boss... 😑
ravengirl3006 2 years ago
They are "LIFE RULES" not rules for work. Which means it should be left up to the parents to encode life values and morals as they grow up! This boss has no right to give this list to a new employee of any age! He needs to stay in his lane and stick to the training script for the workplace, safety, policies, procedures, and details specific to learning the position hired to fill! Also the Dad mentioned that they pay under the minimum wage? Will she be receiving tips? If so, then the set wage for servers or bartenders is much lower due to receiving tips. I would review the payment terms outlined when she was hired. There are different wages during training vs when you become an independent worker. However, if the terms still result in a business unlawfully paying under the required wage set by the state in reside in...then it should be reported to the State's employment office.
the chicken 2 years ago
Look I'm 16 too and i know that list did have truth to it but i don't need someone i barley know to tell me life's hard because i should learn that on my own, I've even been taught by my parents that life isn't easy and i know some kids don't understand that but they also don't need some old guy that they barely know to tell them that, I'm your employee not your child
Sara Magier 2 years ago
Its not the list that is the issue. If her Dad had given the list to her it may have been a conversation. It is that her boss took it upon himself to dictate his point of view as a list of rules that is the problem. Really inappropriate way to convey that a good work ethic is expected. So sad...
Lindsey Leigh Phillips 2 years ago
I especially love the smug, derivative lecture *combined* with the glaring typos. I can picture, with crystal clarity, the chump boss fairly f_cking salivating at the prospect of showing some newbie what's what. I bet the bastard grew a snidely whiplash moustache just for the occasion. But i guess this is to be expected when you're an absolute lackwit who peaked at the age of 19. What. A. Goddamn. Plonker. And while we're on the subject, can anyone finally explain to me why it's normalized to discriminate against minors as far as wages are concerned? Fine, some jobs pay less. But why have so many people taken, as gospel, the idiotic notion that people entering the workforce should expect to be lowballed or otherwise exploited?
TC Hicks 2 years ago
That list should go to someone who deserves to see it. Giving it to this kid seems like the boss wants her to feel as jaded, cheated and exhausted by life as he clearly does. Not a good move, boss man. Try inspiring the next Gen, not haze them into "get in line" submission.
Tony Woods 2 years ago
Just not convinced that this type of “life” advice should come from a teen’s first employer. Sounds like they read this somewhere and wanted to feel/sound more mature with tons of life experience… all while on an hourly retail shift leader salary likely living with his family and no real responsibility, no doubt. Kids today? 🎶Wear Sunscreen🎵 That’s where the real advice is!
Darlynne Downey 2 years ago
Great list, except it should be coming from the parents, not the boss. A parents job is to prepare their child for real life, so it doesn't come as a shock. Hard work, appreciation for being given an opportunity, and respect for those who have been there, done that are always appropriate to instill into the next generation. We Boomers whined just as much when our parents tried to teach us the same lessons. (And the boss is probably GenX or Millennial, so hope for the future is not lost!)
Ben LeCloux 2 years ago
What idiot let's their kid work at a place that doesn't pay the federal minimum wage?🤦🏼♂
Blur Davis 2 years ago (edited)
Yeah this is what happens when you either A refuse to accept the reality and prepare your kid/teen for the hard knocks of life B. Are super used to having your ears tickled that the truth of life took its first dump into your toilet bowl and you hated the plop noise it created and decided to be naive and ignore it all C. You're just insanely sensitive. So sensitive in fact, that you're not able to see the points made because how it was stated was a bit too critical. Regardless most of these rules are not inaccurate. This is just a blunt way of stating facts. No sugar coating.
Lloyd Brodnax 2 years ago
The list speaks truths but the messages/presentation is way off! It reminds me of that ole saying “ it’s not what one says but how it’s said!”
Mark Hunter II 2 years ago
Anyone who wants to cry about this list, needs to read it more carefully!
KenKen Douglas 2 years ago (edited)
I'm an abuse survivor who's abusers used "life isn't fair" as a way to say that what they were doing wasn't that bad. Mind you I had blood stains on my pillow from them busting my brothers face on the head board of MY bed. I came to school with bruises that I had to hide. I'm upset because this mentality is used to say "no one will ever treat you better so just accept the abuse. This is the way life is and you'll never NOT be abused." I'm "crying" about it because it's a disgusting way to tell people to just take abuse lying down. It's gross and not every kid needs "taught" or "reminded" some of us never knew anything but the abuse.
Load More Replies... Rusty Ratkowiak 2 years ago
Lol with all the misspelling on the bosses list, its really a wonder how he's really the boss. I'll bet anything that he blames his secretary for all his errors on his "real world list". It's good to be truthful in a world full of corruption and lies but there's a line that you shouldn't cross when you assume things. Family members should never be included in any rules of an employer. Maybe the boss is from the Boston area. They are some conceited individuals from the Boston area. The only 2 things they love are the patriots and themselves.
Annette Davis 2 years ago
I think it is great! Such a shame it had to be said....these rules used to be what they called 'common sense'.
A Dasher Panda 2 years ago (edited)
Walk into a Little Caesars or a Wingstop on a weekend especially, and you'll usually see just teenagers working. The attitude they already have is abysmally beneath contempt. I actually had one bítch girl at Wingstop tell me "Want me to pay you too?". I told her it was HER job as the merchant worker to fill the soda cup and seal it for my customer because that's what SHE gets paid to do. These punk kids nowadays work 4 hour shifts and they are straight lazy about it and want their $60 to basically do the minimal. My first job at 18, I was thankful for 6 hours a day during the summer and it was working at a very large and busy pep boys auto parts store. There was no time for sitting on one's ass. If I'd have told a customer go climb a ladder to get a part himself, I'd have been fired instantly.
Petaris 2 years ago
This list is old, I remember seeing it in the mid 90s. I suspect the boss got it from an email chain or somewhere on the internet rather than having written it themselves. That is why some of it sounds so dated. Honestly I don't disagree with it. A lot of kids just have very little work ethic or maturity at that age.
Ericka Hill 2 years ago
Personally I think the list is great! I think they are valid points that probably should come from parents or guardians...but children/adults of tomorrow need to hear these things! I can only WISH that someone would have shared the list with me! These new generation children need to know that NOTHING pays off WITHOUT hard work and dedication! Life is NOT easy, it's not what they see on these reality shows and music videos etc! Don't be in a rush to grow up because the world can be a cold place! They need to know that at some time in life you may be forced to work a job that you absolutely HATE, but you must sacrifice to be able to thrive and become self sufficient. Failure is another opportunity for you to try harder and get it right! Don't be afraid of failure...NEVER GIVE UP! Life is hard enough without proper guidance and advice, listen to the wisdom of others, we've been there and done that! Say NO to drugs and get your EDUCATION! Trust, it'll be greater later!
Keisha 2 years ago
Some of these I agree with but a good portion I don't. The problem I have with it is the boss is not their parents to be teaching them about the world as he see's it. Would I let my kid go back after receiving this list ? No because it's not the bosses place to be teaching them anything other than how to do their jobs while they were there. My children didn't work until they were done with high school. I told them they have the rest of their lives to work to support themselves once they are on their own. That they should enjoy their teen years as much as possible. I don't have party animals for kids so they basically had friends over,went to the skatepark and skated or hung out or my son who is a carbon copy of me just drove around in his car or truck listening to music most of the time by himself or with one friend or another. Then he started his own car club and became very active in it. My daughter it was all about music and music festivals. They grow up so quick no need to rush it.
Blink Ensu 2 years ago
The thing that gets me isn't about the list. Jobs that pay less than a minimum wage or hell, less than a living wage, have no justification to exist You can argue that teens don't need to make a living but you're missing the point. In socialism a person gets paid what they need. Welcome to capitalism, boss. Here you pay people what their labor is worth whether they are 16 or 60, barista or VP.
craig abram 2 years ago
Today's society can't handle reality... Even some parents... Probably a better list left in the break room to remind children they are entering the real world... The list forgot turn your phone off before you clock in... Your parents can reach you here by calling the business...
Bobby 2 years ago
As A Parent and An Employee, 1st, These are not rules, but advice about attitude, and should be coming from a parent. 2nd, from a Boss, pure harassment. These have nothing whatsoever to do with what is expected of the job. I would have said goodbye and left after recieving this list. WTF!
Laurel Mackereth 2 years ago
Weather or not you agree with the statements is not the point. This person clearly despises their employees. As an adult with choices if an employer spoke like this to me on the first day id walk right out the door.
Ann Harste 2 years ago
Someone should point out to the boss that proofreading is an important skill
Jake Wheeler 2 years ago
The part that says you made your parents boring is the cleanest clearest truth I have come across in a while. It's 100% accurate.
Nikhita Clement 2 years ago
Anyone else notice how coffee shop was spelled wrong, just a little embarrassing on the boss's part
Nikhita Clement 2 years ago
Imagine being so full of yourself to hand this out to your employees And you spell shop wrong
Load More Replies... Key Martin 2 years ago
You don't become an Olympic swimmer by having your coach douse you in blood and viscera, throwing you out of a helicopter into the ocean 20 km from shore, pointing at the over-the-horizon shore, and telling you to start swimming since sunset is in two hours. Life is rough, sure... but introductions like that will only breed contempt for any future employer.
Stephanie Conley 2 years ago
What would prompt this boss to hand a new employee they have met once this list? All they would or could do if she acted like that is fire the girl. Some kids know all this stuff. The reason we see so many self entitled brats is because they seek attention and validation because their parents didn't parent when they were young. It just seems kind of unnecessary to assume they all act like that. If you want to employ people but can't stand a certain age group stop hiring teenagers. They aren't even rules they are just facts of life . Discipline should come from parents and consequences come from outside of the home. Like you don't get disciplined by a cop for speeding, you face the consequences of your actions. It just seems this person has a hard on for (believing they are) crushing dreams.
John Crandall 2 years ago
Those aren't workplace rules. If this really happened, it was some young/inexperienced and/or poor manager finally feeling and charge and showing (poorly) that vast amount of his supposed experience. If true, not someone to work with/for and no reason for dad to go put him in his place. Just laugh at the poor fool and move on
Louise Platiel 2 years ago (edited)
This list is a fantastic insight into the person who wrote it, and nothing more. When someone expresses themselves you do not need to take that information on. It is helpful to read into it and discern what kind of person you are dealing with and how best to handle them. Don't be mad be curious; be thankful when someone shows you all their cards - you now have the advantage. In this case the toxic mentality would send me looking for a new job. No thanks.
Robin Roper 2 years ago
Agree with many of the comments here - many of these "rules" have some true and yet delivered in a condescending manner so the lessons will not be learned. He is not a good leader; a good leader is inspirational and is not condescending.
K Witmer 2 years ago
This is abuse mentality whether the points are true or not. This is setting kids up to take abuse and I'm sure sexual abuse as well. Oh I hurt your feelings oh I touched you wo consent oh you're a woman and get paid less oh you're crying and you think I care oh you're coughing up a lung better get over it. No one in the world cares about you. No one will believe you if you tell them I'm abusing you. Simply not true. There are laws that protect you and they are teens they still have parents that protect them. If they don't they already live these horrible cynical sad but only his abusive "truths" that's not his business to teach. I'd laugh at him and walk out. Teach him my truth which is no one has to put up w abuse.
Tiredofpayingforothers 2 years ago
How did you get from those facts of life to sexual abuse? You're a little over dramatic don't you think?
Load More Replies... Nadine Bamberger 2 years ago
He's not their parent, teacher or coach. He didn't do this to help them but to boost up his own ego, probably because people his own age and social standing are avoiding his condescending way.
Real Princess 2 years ago
Guy said he was Gen X and 19. I feel badly for the architects. Maybe he meant to give his birth year and forgot the last two digits? I sure as hell would not want to work with a 19-year-old project manager that doesn’t know what generation he was born in.
Jasmine Hufflepuff Henderson 2 years ago
I'm guessing typo considering z and x are right next to each other. It happens to the best of us.
Load More Replies... Deborah Rubin 1 year ago
So how is this boomer? And a lot of these make sense, but it's not the boss's place to say them.
Deborah George 1 year ago
I agree, at 58, I've had the misfortune to work with delusional younger people.
Ernie Puscher 1 year ago
Ernovan The arbitrary viewpoint seen in the list is not representative of real life. It makes the assumption that all kids are the same, and without values and value. There are a lot of great kids out there who do not fit the mold of this "down on life" loser boss. He may presume all kids are like he was at that age, and does not want to take a week or two to for evaluation. The rules could be presented after a short probation period. He could have two sets of rules; one for kids with already developed work ethics, and the other for the kids who need guidelines about the realities of employment "out in the world." For the latter group, the list should be reformulated to elicit positive growth, and not presented to make the bad worse. The good kids will possibly go on to be the best staff ever; the others can be let go shortly, if they don't do a good job. This "boss" needs to do a self evaluation and get his people skills aligned.
Pamela Blue 2 years ago (edited)
That was so unoriginal it made me yawn. That list has been around online for so many years that I can't believe EVERYONE ON THE PLANET hasn't seen it yet. LOL!
Awsomemom52 2 years ago
Technically, almost everything on the list is the harsh reality. However, I don't understand why a 16-year-old should be given such a list, on the first day of work for a job in a burger shop. Nothing against working in the fast food industry, I've worked there myself for a long time and it's hard work. A manager should motivate employees... not intimidate or try to educate them.
Janet Graham 2 years ago
It has come to a time when employers are teaching young employees the things that their parents should have taught them. Life is not fair and you do need to work for everything you get. It could have been said in a nicer way, but I get the feeling that this boss has had it up to here with entitled teenagers.
Craig Reynolds 2 years ago
I don't have a problem with the points made but I do have a problem with how they were made. It didn't have to be said with such pompousness.
Burgermeister 2 years ago
I've seen this before. The word "nerd" gives away the age of the document. Decades old.
Gary Harkins 2 years ago
I don't see the problem? That list is absolutely correct. People just hate hearing the truth and want to think all is great in the world when in reality it's not. Life is tough.
Mylfy Gamer 2 years ago
This is one of the softest group of adults I have ever witnessed in a comment section. F**k, no wonder we can't get this shitty country moving in the right direction.
Stephen R Hipp 2 years ago
My daughter was well aware of all of this. Then again I made it very clear my daughter does not recieve a participation trophy at any time for anything. I would guess the only ones who 'flipped out' would be those parents who did. That said my daughter would have not went back cause she can see toxic b******t when she sees it
Laura Lawson 2 years ago
The last comment in the article by xxNone....Yeah, sure, you're 19 years old and a 'project manager for an architecture firm'. Bahahahahahaha!! Sure you are. 🙄 I didn't know that's what they call the coffee gofer these days! A project manager is a senior position that requires years of working in architectural firms. They are the middle-man between the architect & the on-site builders & this is not something anyone would trust to a 19yo who is so full of himself he thinks his s**t smells like chocolate bars!
Jane Smith 2 years ago
I had gotten this list in an email in the early 00s as a clip of a graduation speech given by Bill Gates (don't remember if it was college or high school)
Stephanie Did It 2 years ago
Just proves that if you give some people an inch, they think they're a ruler. 🤴
Dorothy Cloud 2 years ago
That list is Life. A lot of teenagers feel entitled because of how their parents have raised them. Makes perfect sense to me.
Viv Hart 2 years ago
I see nothing wrong with this list - actually a list that the parents should have told her, these are good rules of life in adulthood, not really for a boss to do. Parents are too soft on their kids these days. NB - I'm not a Boomer, born in 1942 - I believe it's called The Silent Generation, you just accepted what you got, didn't whine about it.
Evelyn Haskins 2 years ago
I really suspect that people here who are talking indignantly, have NEVER had to deal with teenagers, except as teenagers themselves. I suggest hey read, and internally digest some of the other comments from adults.
Evelyn Haskins 2 years ago
I would not be furious. I would ask my daughter WHY the boss gave her this list. Having brought up four kids to adulthood, and worked as a secondary school teacher, you have NO IDEA how frequently a lot of teenager bleat 'It is not fair'. Personally I would have said something along the lines of "That's the way the cooky crumbles, m'dear!"
Mumof1 2 years ago
I acually thinnk it's brilliant - it's perhaps something her own father should have given her before she even left school. Kids need to be taight Life Lessons befre they leave school to prepare them for the cold harsh reality of Life, which is NOT a soap opera, or a reality TV show. nah - I think this boss absolutely nailed it.
Irma 2 years ago (edited)
This list isnt incorrect. But it is not a thing you can tell them and they will take it. These are all things that need to be experienced, not told. Yes a 16 year old needs to learn how to work. But cut them some slack they just started learning since the legal age often is 16. I have a 16 y o intern who is very slow and doesnt want to do cleaning tasks. Though luck cause thats part of the job so i make her do it or she can leave. I do it myself too there isn't a restaurant where you dont have to clean. But that is not something a list can resolve.
Wonderful 2 years ago (edited)
I remember something like this on the employee board at my first job at target in the late 90’s. Like most things it hasn’t aged well. The person who wrote this is also complaining about boys with long hair and girls wearing nail polish and dressing “sexy”. They’ve been complaining about the same thing for over 40 years.
Chico Martins 2 years ago
He's right, although he shouldn't made that list. Those harsh lessons must be taught by the parents or Life itself.
Faith Nicole 2 years ago
I agree with what is written here. But no, don't give this to anybody you have working for you. Maybe hang it up in the break room as a little reminder than as you get older, you will struggle, life isn't what you see on TV, an no, participation awards aren't given just for showing up to your job on time, or remembering to close the freezer behind you. Don't award stupidity, work hard but also enjoy life
Brent Hollett 2 years ago
Written in a different way, this list would have a lot of good points. The guy is an unempathic ass, but the majority of points are relevant to succeeding in life.
Claudia Lorenz 2 years ago
I can see how this list upsets people who have no clue of real life. There is truth in every point.
Celtic Pirate Queen 2 years ago
Sorry - but I completely agree with the employer. Maybe not the best way to get these ideas across, but I have seen far too many times that today's parents AREN'T making any effort to do so. Life is gonna slap some of these kids so hard in the face that I find it refreshing SOMEONE is willing to tell them the truth.
Cydney Golden 2 years ago
No where is the age of the boss listed. Why are we assuming it's a " boomer?" And by the way some of these ideas are true. But I wouldn't think they are appropriate to say to someone unless they demonstrated they needed to hear.
Gilda Farrell 2 years ago
What makes this offensive is that the employer gives this to a new employee who just arrived at the job. He knows nothing about her but presumes she is a privileged, spoiled brat. I've met adults who talk to teenagers like this. As if the kids are someone they have to keep in line even though no one is acting out of line. He is basically saying, 'don't complain about anything unfair that happens here, or how I abuse you, because that's life." No, that means he is an a*****e.
Public Citizen 2 years ago
Dads reaction demonstrates what a rotten job has been done of parenting. If "Daddy" [and Mommy] had done their job properly the daughter would have read the list, put a mental check mark by each item, and moved on, being fully cognizant of the truths being expressed in the list.
Public Citizen 2 years ago
For those expressing dislike of the way these Life Lessons are being expressed, Life Is Hard. You either learn the lessons by reading about them and comprehending or you get the School Of Hard Knocks version where you get metaphorically slammed upside the head until the lesson is grasped. - - - - The alternative is failure.
Load More Replies... mark jones 2 years ago
All those statements are true if you work for other people and make their dreams come true. Find your talents,passions and interests invest in yourself. You may have to work there a little while to create opportunities for yourself (financially). That is the voice of consumerism. We can find" balance" in this generation.
Stéphane Lussier Johnson 2 years ago
That list is plagiarised from 2 or 3 articles on Cracked . com, written by David Wong.
Lewis 2 years ago (edited)
The list is nothing more and nothing less than what was expected of us Boomers in order to even have a job! I see nothing wrong with it, except for typos. $60,000/year is about 4 times what the starting wage for burger flippers should be and about 10 times the minimum wage in the 1970s when many of us began our first job. So be thankful and get that chip off your shoulder! Be glad to even have a job! Some of us have lived through over a dozen recessions and come out of school straight into one!
Lisa Pockat Bork 2 years ago
So Dad is upset because the boss gave her a taste of reality? That's life. Deal with it. I wish more people would tell their kids these things.
Dawn L Daigle 2 years ago
I think everything he said is absolutely true. Now it's definitely not a very motivational speech, but it's free life lessons given to them probably for the very first time.
Deberra Engelke 2 years ago
Truthful list extremely poorly written delivered by a sad, stupid person with "big fish in a small pond syndrome." While I agree the list highlights pertinent issues, a wise man would never subject impressionable children in such a spiteful, unproductive way. A wise man leads by example with encouragement. I'd be willing to bet the "manager" loses his job sooner or later.
Curt Christensen 2 years ago
Sorry, but most young people need to learn that you have to EARN what you want. The world is not here to serve you.
Charles Rhoden 2 years ago
Taking offense and telling dad about it is all about number 6. The list has merit. It’s a bit self aggrandizing to share this with an employee as though the manager has their s**t worked out completely. If there is an open chance and the employee needs guidance, not a bad list. Feels like another useless article.
Marilyn ford bartfay 2 years ago
The girl's boss did NOT create this list! It's been around and widely spread for at least 20 years! It has been attributed to Bill Gates, when addressing high school kids. (Don't know if this is true) As a trainer, I copied and handed it out to a group of 20 head teachers I was training 16 years ago here in Stockholm. They loved it! And said they would share it with the pupils to hear their reaction. I think it has some very good points, and just right for generation x and Snowflakes, to help them prepare for "the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune" in their lives ahead.
Lisa Larson 2 years ago
EVERY kid should have to read these rules of life....they are all TRUE.
Jenny Jeffress 2 years ago
That list is dead on! It is something the parents should have, and used to teach their kids, before kids became the center of the universe.
Mike and Rhonda OShields 2 years ago
Every single item in that list is absolutely true. Many parents are too politically correct and afraid to tell their kids these truths. Thank God this guy has the courage to step in and fill the gaps in these kids lives.
Richard Maynard 2 years ago
I think the only real issue I have with this list is that it has nothing to do with the job. The only reason he gives out this list is to justify his own pathetic behavior. Specifically the not paying min wage because they are minors and rule 1. He's just saying I'm scum and I don't care to be better. That's it.
Luda Kris 2 years ago
This was a brilliant list!! Too much letting it go. I'm a teacher and everything is a pass. This is what kids expect to do nothing and get a pass. That's not the real world. I would have shook that boss' hand because it's parents like this father that is probably a jerk and doesn't prepare his kids. Children of the 80's and before would appreciate this more so than anything after. That's where and why every thing has gone down hill. Sorry to the reader that disagrees with me. It's a world where no one wants to hear the truth.
Bob Sanders 2 years ago
Oh please! I'm glad I didn't have her dad for a dad. So she quit because she can't handle the truth! Any person who already know those ideas are true will stay with with the job and be successful! The person who's been coddled all their life will be offended with a good chance they'll end up with career of living in their parents basement! The employer totally dodged a bullet on that one!
Scott Jackson 2 years ago
Everyone that thinks this list is bad is an idiot. Plain and simple. Everything on that list is exactly how life is if you don't understand the list you are either a welfarer...a silver spooner...or too young to understand. Why are there so many morons in this world....no wonder war never stops. And incase you're offended by the word moron, just so you know, at one time it was an actual scientific word that denoted a number on the IQ test. Most of you that are offended probabaly fit in that slot. Either that or your so worried about being nice or not offending anyone that your just stupid by default. Have a nice day
Sandra Lyle 2 years ago
I don't find anything wrong with this list. I.work with some young people most can't find their way out of a wet paper bag with a rip in it. If it is not a game or texting on their phone they can't function. When I grew up we didn't even have a phone. Today's kids don't even have common sence.
Yvonne Weber 2 years ago
There is nothing wrong with his list. Children today (most) have gone through life being entitled, even if they've seen there parents killing themselves with work and trying so hard to give their kids what they didn't have. They are all solid points. I am a strong woman from listening to my elders teach me as a child life isn't easy. It made me who I am. Because if your taught things in life come easy, you end up with mental anxiety and illness due to not working through problems and disappointing situations. Everyone needs a backbone and should learn this early in life.
Jaqi Hegland 2 years ago
Life is not fair, but people can choose to be fair or unfair. Someone who tells you, "life's not fair," without any particular reason to do so are usually using it to justify their choice to be unfair.
Scott Trosien 2 years ago
The dad is an idiot for being outraged, and a weak-spined fool for waiting till the daughter was out of that job to cry about it. The list clearly sets expectations that coddling of teenager wants and emotions are not part of doing the job. Parents who fail to show their children the real world and how to survive it, have failed them.
Aggie Sundstrom 2 years ago
1. The list pretty well covers the real world. In a lot of schools kid are given 2nd and 3rd chances to write correct answers. They are given extra time to turn in homework. Some get mouthy and downright disrespectful towards teachers. So they get sent home and nothing changes they come back bragging that they got to do what they wanted. Yes the wording could have been a lot better but then most kids ignore it anyway
Dr. Kenny Makit 2 years ago
The employer is right! The dad must be a sensitive little beta male…..quit being little wimps!
Blondieybat 2 years ago
Not that those ideas are completely out there. But handing out that list as though it is the new version of the 10 Commandments is what got me.
Julene Fisher 2 years ago
These rules are found in Charles Sykes' book "Dumbing Down America". Many times attributed to Bill Gates and usually appear with 11 rules but there are three more that the original author had written as well: Rule No. 12: Smoking does not make you look cool. It makes you look moronic. Next time you're out cruising, watch an 11-year-old with a butt in his mouth. That's what you look like to anyone over 20. Ditto for "expressing yourself" with purple hair and/or pierced body parts. Rule No. 13: You are not immortal. (See Rule No. 12.) If you are under the impression that living fast, dying young and leaving a beautiful corpse is romantic, you obviously haven't seen one of your peers at room temperature lately. Rule No. 14: Enjoy this while you can. Sure parents are a pain, school's a bother, and life is depressing. But someday you'll realize how wonderful it was to be a kid. Maybe you should start now. You're welcome.
Charles Brown 2 years ago
Well to me this is just all 100% honest. A little blunt for a 16yr old but the parents should have really told them all this to begin with.
Charles Brown 2 years ago
I guess I am one of the odd balls who see this list as reality. Yes its a hard wakeup call for a teenager but they need it usually. I knew all this when I got my first job at...get this...MCDONALDS. Though they wanted me to go into management, looking back I wish I had, I didn't though. Probably would be making more now but I am still in a manager position at a company that cares about its employees. This list doesn't say the boss does not care but lets the kid know you will have to bust you but to make something of your life as nothing will be given too you.
Michelle Hausmann 2 years ago
Wonder with #11, if this person is talking about themselves. This has some reality checks I have to say, are all too real. however it’s mostly dehumanizing and judgmental scolding of an employee before they even get started. This is in no way appropriate for the workplace and insanely demoralizing and disrespectful to assume they have the right to speak to employees this way. Knowing they are taking advantage of them already and getting away with it. This is abuse of power. Not a single employee can respond or defend themselves (or at least many may not know they have the option) this is their first job and this is what they are exposed to. Never in my 36 years have I ever been given such a (key board warrior like ) aggressive, soap box like reprimand. No matter if the few true points are made, it’s an abusive and pre shaming list designed to Make the young employee assume that it is appropriate for that type of abusive behavior as normalcy . I’m disgusted. Fauq this boss.
Scott Poling 2 years ago
This was part of a speech Bill Gates gave at his Alma Mater. It's not about hating anyone, it is about being ready for the real world that is not impressed with you just because you are impressed with yourself. Life is tough and you need to work for success.
Jay Prestidge 2 years ago
This is old!!!! We had the same thing posted up in our staff room 30 years go.
Jason Bedient 2 years ago
It could be shortened to two rules: 1. This is a job and there's going to be stuff you don't want to do. Do it anyways. 2. If you don't want to do it, there's the door
coffeegirl18 2 years ago (edited)
xxNone that commented on the OP probably isn't a Gen X unless they mistyped their age. I'm saying that as someone who was Gen X until they moved around the classication dates in the 2000s (I had a major project on GenX vs Gen Y and the teacher eventually just had us all add a paragraph explaining that at the end.). I was born in the mid 80s and considered a Gen Y/Millenial. (Was definitely exposed to more GenX stuff through my cousins though. ) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Generation_X
coffeegirl18 2 years ago (edited)
xxNone that commented on the OP probably isn't a Gen X unless they mistyped their age. I'm saying that as someone who was Gen X until they moved around the classication dates in the 2000s (I had a major project on GenX vs Gen Y and the teacher eventually just had us all add a paragraph explaining that at the end.). I was born in the mid 80s and considered a Gen Y/Millenial. (Was definitely exposed to more GenX stuff through my cousins though. )
Jazz Cook 2 years ago
Reminds me of my power tripping manager at Tim Horton's she'd literally give me crap for not being social enough and too social in the same day. I made min wage but they let us keep tips so it was about $12/hr inc the tips. It wasn't worth it for the shitty manager and mental stress...I make the same amount working PT for a retail shop and going to college PT.
Danielle Arnold 2 years ago (edited)
Alot of it is true...but a real boss would want to boost moral..it would be good for not only the employee but the business. So not intelligent to say it in such a ugly way. You can be honest but not like I don't have to do anything to make your work life easy or mentally better. You will lose many employees and if they aren't getting paid well to begin with young or old they won't care about your business and will do crap work..and to the idiot saying 60,000 a year is "low" middle class must seriously be 15. That's middle class income. Average people don't even make that much. There are people who go to school and only make that much. Also depending where you live, places like California I'm sure pay more then the same job description for someone in PA but they also have to pay alot more to live where they do..That comment def prob came from someone who is still in high school or barely works and thinks average people make 6 digits a year...and then making fun of him for running a fast food business, really...cuz when I was 16 I worked at dairy queen and my boss who owned it had alot of money..people don't know what they are talking about...now a manager of a fast food business would make less obviously but from how it sounds this paper came from a owner...I mean I only ever worked in that type of food industry once in my life..after DQ I personally wanted nothing to do with that type of work, I'd of picked retail over food..way to much running around being short staffed and customers being rude...which is the last people you want to be rude too is someone handling your food,, I've never ever been ugly to someone handling something I eat..cuz they will either make your food half ass or could do something disgusting which we have seen many times happen..i personally never did anything gross to someone's food but I wouldn't go out of my way for them if they were ugly to me, that's for sure. anyway the DQ owner was the one who did all the hiring.
Anny J 2 years ago (edited)
The list isn’t wrong - the world doesn’t owe you a living. Why sugar coat it? The real world shouldn’t be a big shock to young people when they have to fend for themselves. It sure was to me, and that was well over 40 years ago. Praise shouldn’t be given out every waking moment of a child’s life. Praise should be earned. The world doesn’t need anymore useless narcissists. Success is earned by hard work.
Lissette French 2 years ago
I di care about anyines self esteem, and I live way across the world from this child, why do I care? One way or another it affects someone and there is chain reaction, may take some time, but what happens there affects others. This boss must need counseling, he has very low esteem, her father and her need to offer help giving him address to phsychiatrist, he sounds very distressed.
Karin Bougie 2 years ago
Schools should be putting this list out to all kids 14 and up. A boss doing it is kind of weird though.
Michael Robertson 2 years ago
This isn't his list, he stole it from Bill Gates. I know, because one of our teachers in school gave us the exact same list. They're not even really rules, more like harsh truths. You can either prepare early, or learn them first hand one by one.
Lois Frith 2 years ago
This is an oldie thats done the rounds for years. I first saw it about 12 years ago. Ive also heard of High School teachers posting it on their walls. Weird to personally give it though, and to an employee. Its the type if thing that often goes on the back of a bathroom door 🤣. My friend has something very similar (less wordy) on bathroom door for her kids, and shes 29 and one who does 'un-schooling', so shes nothing like a boomer
Terry Lovelace 2 years ago
I am 64 and was not coddled. By 10 I knew life only sucked when you let it.
Christian Fuentes 2 years ago
This is so real that hurts, thats all, kinds should learn about this, specially the last one, is that real thing you know? Nerds can be very bad if they grow up being bullied
Jace Hawkins 2 years ago
The boss clearly hates his job and his life, but he isn't wrong. Those are basically the rules of work.
vglw 2 years ago (edited)
These 11 "rules" are from a list of 14 that appeared in a book in 1995 (Dumbing Down Our Kids: Why American Children Feel Good About Themselves But Can't Read, Write, Or Add Book by Charlie Sykes). The last three rules are often left out. The last one is - "Rule No. 14: Enjoy this while you can. Sure parents are a pain, school's a bother, and life is depressing. But someday you'll realize how wonderful it was to be a kid. Maybe you should start now. You're welcome." The list of "rules" is often attributed to Bill Gates - he used it in some commencement speech he gave some years ago (I don't know the exact year).
Sith Lord 2 years ago
It's certainly very telling of just how pervasive entitled attitudes have become that people are outraged by this. Everything in it is spot-on; once again, people are up in arms over something ridiculous because it hurt their oversensitive feelings. I almost feel sorry for this girl, having a drama queen dad bringing this to Twitter.
Lida's Kissners 2 years ago
Most teenagers need to hear that, because it's true... and our kids are living in a virtual world behind their cell phones, they need to wake up to the reality around them!! But I wouldn't send everyone new employee that list... I would make a large print and put it up at the work place!
Jim Johnson 2 years ago
I agree, it was wrong that he shared it as part of her "welcome to the team" message, however... for the most part they are the harsh reality. Wake up all you Xgen, next Generation and so forth, life is not a video game. There are real expectations with real consequences. If you think it's supposed to be easy, or that "everyone gets a trophy", think again. It isn't easy, it never has been and it never will be.
Ronald Callahan 2 years ago
This list is def not original. I love this list and I've told my 11 year old things from this list many times. It helps because he thinks he's so cool and cannot deal with others opinion of him. It crushes him so it helps him to see he's not the only one in this world with an opinion. I of course tell him we love him and think he's awesome but not everyone will. Truth sucks. The world will treat them like crap. Let them know and learn from this list
Jose Padilla 2 years ago
To be fair.. that boss wasn't lying. There are way too many little shits who think the world owes them something.. and that s**t is not cool
Dave 2 years ago
The employer has the right to set reasonable rules. Allot of the statements are just a reality check on life. Those who disagree and want their babies to be treated like mommy and daddy give yourself a reality check. If you dont live by those rules yourself shows why your lack of achievement does not match what you think you should have achieved. A job is about making your workplace successful and if you contribute to making it as such then you are a valuable employee and should be reqarded as such and if not move on to where you might be. To the original remark, life is not fair. Work hard obey the rules and success follows if the employer is intelligent if not move on.
DeAnn Trevathan 2 years ago
This list states the truth even if it is a little harsh. The younger generation is so self entitled that someone needs to do what their parents should do. Tell it like it is.
ThomasDena Mahan 2 years ago
it is perfect, kids these days think the world revolves around them and nothing else
Tami Bacon 2 years ago
OMG! Wow! Wasn't aware that people were so out of touch and delusional. This is exactly how life plays out. Maybe if the younger generations saw that - 20 years from now the "entitlement" attitude will have slowed down a bit.
Annette Wooten 2 years ago
I see nothing wrong with this. Most people know these things. They just freak out when they read it. Parents have taught this to their children for years.
Mark Smith 2 years ago
This list of rules is from a bill gates interview that he did years sgo. Fact check
Chris Ellis 2 years ago
These are not horrible, poorly phrased in some cases, but not horrible. Unfortunately at times, it falls upon other adults to educate future adults about these facts, because parents no longer do it. If an employer has a staff member, whether 16 or 60, who haven't learned the facts of life that employee cannot live up to the expectations put on them. I have three children and I have told them since they were old enough to understand, not to complain about things being unfair. No one promised you things would be fair and if they did - they were lying. Two of my children are grown and are considered the most reliable, conscientious and customer friendly employees at their companies. A good work ethic gets rewarded. A poor one should also have consequences. At least the manager let this girl know the expectations up front.
El Josey 2 years ago
It is not the bosses job to share his/her assumptuons about what the teens parent's may have experienced growing up. Regardless of how valid any of any these points may be, it is not his/her place to share these so called "rules" with anyone's young people, other than his own. No, my young people would not work for this person. He sounds like a predator sizing up potential prey.
Gail Cooke 2 years ago
These 11 'rules' are actually straight from a commencement speech given by none other than Bill Gates. https://medium.com/@sinrahim/11-rules-a-high-school-graduates-must-know-bill-gates-834f640c325b
Gail Cooke 2 years ago
These 11 'rules' were actually taken from a commencement speech given years ago by none other than Bill Gates. https://medium.com/@sinrahim/11-rules-a-high-school-graduates-must-know-bill-gates-834f640c325b
Richard scott Crandall 2 years ago
This list has been around for a long time, I think I read it when I was a young boy and that was 50 years ago. I think this list goes out to the sixteen-year-old that thinks within a week they know how to run the business better than the owner does! They think the only thing they need to do is just show up and get paid. It's funny how 16 and 17 year old kids are so much smarter than their parents and they know how the world's run and how everything works and they're so intelligent and yet when they get 40 or 50 or older they realize that they didn't know s**t! Just like the other day I was talking to my friend who's a military recruiter he said God I hate 17 year old kids called up and tell us how the military machine works! As if they know anything!
Mike McAllister 2 years ago
Maybe these "rules" aren't what an employer should be concerned about . I get that an employer wants a cooperative employee, but most of the points on this list are none of an employer's business . "Be nice to needs . Chances are you'll end up working for one ." ? Does the word "nerd" have any meaning, or is it just an excuse for a stuck -- up cheerleader for not going out with the boy she should be going our with ?
Chris Salvati 2 years ago
I remember this list, it's very dated, from the 90's. The coffee shop rule is referencing TV show Friends. Good list, but should be posted on board in break room, not handed out. That's condisending.
Klara Lorinczi 2 years ago
The only thing on the list that relates to work is “learn from your mistakes”. The rest is not his place to be preaching to young people - their parents should tell them those things. He’s out of line and should be in legal trouble for paying below minimum wage. He sounds like an egotistical a*****e.
JP Desrochers 2 years ago
Welcome to the real world little girl......you're never gonna make it
Ted Angell 2 years ago
Dad and all of those that think this is crap grow up this is basic work ethic. I taught my kids the same principles, not with the same words but same basic agenda keep focused work hard pay attention to detail. And as for E Ng opinion, a professor of equity and inclusion what kind of made up course of study is that. Way back when real people went to college there where courses like economics and engineering not woke ideology which qualities you as a professional complainer just like dad in the article.
Annette Blanks 2 years ago
I saw this year's ago. It's from a guests speech at a high school graduation
LucyGoosey 2 years ago
I would've been very discouraged and feeling more hopeless if I received this on my first day of my first job ever, but it's not far from the truth... and that's what hurts the most.
Calvin Curtis 2 years ago
I feel he is right on target. The kids now day are spoiled by their parents and expect the rest of the world to treat them the same. So if you want to go to work for this guy! Pull your big boy pants up and don't whine like her father is.
Benita Bylicki-Marzion 2 years ago
I could be mistaken but I believe Bill Gates wrote this. I am not fond of Bill gates, but raised my children with these principals and my children grew up to be hard working and responsible young men and ladies. The woke generation could learn a few things for sure!
Mimi Adams 2 years ago
I would have used it as a teaching moment and had my kid go through with a red pen and correct the typos, grammatical and spelling errors, then do a critique of the the content and style of the list, and give it a grade. I would also have them craft, revise and finalize a resignation letter. Then I would have them take the graded list to their employer, and have the resugnation letter in their pocket for the probability that said imployer would react like the AH they probably are.
Shelly Graham 2 years ago
The intended message most likely was lost on a 16 year old. The delivery method, age of the recipient may not have been the best. I don't believe any malice was intended. Most likely as an employer he was simply providing "Rules of Life"; rule's every adult adheres to in some manner. He was probably hoping to avoid hearing what every Boss hears when working with young employees. I cannot begin to count the number 16 to 25 year old employees who upon learning their schedule, duties, wage, benefit's, random drug testing said "That's NOT fair!" Using a tone of voice which can only be described as "painfully whiny"!
Michael Lengyel 2 years ago
Tone of list is negative but....Iearned all these lessons before turning 18 while working parttime jobs in underpaid seatings. I would have appreciated the list. It would have sped the process. Those who are indignent are looking at a hard road. My answer was self-employment. True the world is changing maybe even for the better but I doubt it. One more thing the fathers response was rediculous. Learning/teaching opportunity lost. He could have used the list to compare to his own experiences. Than the two could have written their own list and even shared it with employer. Who know they could have softened a heart a little in the process.
Lamar Breshears 2 years ago
Pretty sure that is a bill gates list from a high school graduation speech years ago
Michele McWilliams 2 years ago
This was from an address that Bill Gates made to a graduating class several years ago. The boss just gave a copy to this girl. Wonder if that changes anyone's opinion that slammed the boss. Personally, from what I've observed, kids these days definitely need to know these facts. They also need some lessons in respect, imo.
Artie B 2 years ago
As a teen myself, I would be pretty annoyed with this. There is nothing inherently wrong with most of the rules, but the fact that they are even rules is obnoxious. None of them actually apply to the job, maybe just your attitude towards it. It is not up to the workplace to enforce their own ideas onto you, only so far as to assist you with your job. If the boss worked on their delivery system and handed it to their employees when they we offering the job saying "hey, look these over, we think these points are important" then maybe it would be acceptable.
The One Who Knows 2 years ago
Better learn now...like John Wayne said: life is tough...it's tougher when you're stupid. We're living in a time of narcissistic, entitled, selfie-taking, self-important people who have NO concept of work, grace, and that there are those in this world who DON'T care about anything but being HUMAN. Dad's got a problem...HE needs to grow up. Oh, and as a BOOMER...I'm PROUD of the title. We instinctively knew that list...and made a damned good society.
Clay Tom 2 years ago
I'm pissed because someone told my child the truth of this world we are in!!! I told my child a spoon full of sugar makes the medicine go down and other Disney quotes! I told my kids to remember the movie Pollyanna that's the way the world is!! No not I told my kids the world is F&cked up and people are to blame the only way you get anything is to work hard NOTHING is going to be given to YOU!!! You even with a college education might have to start at the bottom! Yet the journey of a million miles started with that single step! I gave no disillusions to my children that life was fair or equal! Gave no disillusions about life at all! Told them you get back what you put into life! Why I have a son who is in the Army going to Jump school and Ranger school! Yet his job is being a hacker for the Army! Have a son who is 16 working fast food! He is learning people suck and most are a$$holes themselves! Showed my 16-year-old this list and he started. "Dad I know this!
Clay Tom 2 years ago
If I received this from my boss I'd tell them "No $hit!" What do you think I'm going to ask you for the world to work fast food when my Dad is a three-time combat Vet with a Purpleheart and he does not even get this much respect!? Love both of them because they learned what hard work is not from someone else but their parents! To the Dad on this, a real parent shows their child that school and the real world are different! They don't let the real world tell their child that! Fail as a parent on their part!
Load More Replies... Nick Fraser 2 years ago
Not really a list of rules but a list of assertions, meaning opinions. Just acknowledge receiving them and carry on
SK Bruning 2 years ago
It’s all true. So there’s no big deal about this whatsoever. Most employers feel that way. I can’t believe what crybabies people have become. Must be liberals protesting ~they can’t deal with reality.
Elizabeth Wilson 2 years ago
I work part time in retail, and I work with both minors & adults. I don't think anything on the list isn't the truth. Life is hard, and if your parents coddle you, you're in for a rude awakening upon adulthood. Kids needs to hear these things so that they have a more realistic view of how the real world works. Sorry if some people are offended by telling a teenager just how tough life can be & not sugar coating it. The real world is the same way.
KenKen Douglas 2 years ago
This is the mentality my abusive family has. "Life's unfair so let me abuse you to remind you of it. Life is hard and people aren't going to treat you nicely so get used to being abused." That's the mentality I grew up with from my parents. Not every kid needs reminded and anyone who feels the need to "knock a kid down a peg" before they've even seen their work ethic is abusive and wants to plant the idea that "life's hard and this isn't abusive it's just life." So you think there's nothing better. No one will treat you better. No one will treat you with human decency and respect your feelings. This is the mentality of abusers and if you see nothing wrong with it, you're the problem. (Oh btw this mentality is why I refuse to work a 9-5 coz apparently I'll get abused at any job and that's part of life but I've been abused my whole life and I think I deserve a break. I'd rather die on the street than let someone else abuse me. Especially people so blatant about it like this.)
Faith McGrew 2 years ago
Yeah while the general message might be true, that employer is a jerk. He's clearly just using these "rules" as a way to mistreat ,gaslight, and talk down to his employees and then disguise it as "good old fashioned values"
Bedlamite 2 years ago
I don't see anything wrong with it. To the generation that uses the term adulting as if it's something you do instead of something you are, reality is going to smack you in the face. Guess what? The world doesn't owe you anything. You are responsible for your own life, decisions, happiness, safety, and well-being. There's a reason for entry-level jobs, they help you gain experience while still most likely under your parents wing.
Nikki Savage 2 years ago
I don't agree with giving this list out on the 1st day. If an employee is exhibiting these attitudes and behaviors then give the individual the list. I also understand where he is coming from because I teach high school students. Majority are lazy and have no work ethic, entitled and expect someone to give them something for nothing, always complaining you're doing too much when you ask them to write a paragraph using correct capitalization and punctuation, believe success is going to drop in their lap, believe they have to respect no one but everyone better respect them or else, have no sense of consequences because even though I have called home 10 times to tell a parent about inappropriate behavior or tell them their student is failing because they do no work they still come in with brand new Jordans, Gucci,....etc clothing items, still have their airpods and phones and still are able to do what they want because my mom or dad isn't going to do anything. So yeah I completely get it.
Wolfshield Gutierrez 2 years ago
Not big of a deal. Sounds like the dad was raised by the tooth fairy as well to be this butt hurt.
Eileen Riverside 2 years ago
What? This has been circulating as a meme for years. Some guy just took it to heart and printed it off. Not even his ideas!
Joseph Miller 2 years ago
This should of been explained to the daughter by her parents. It’s the real world out there with a lot of bad bosses, companies and careless shareholders. But I would never blame the boomers, without them we would not be here freely expressing our opinion or whining —slicking wussy’s
Christopher Smith 2 years ago
Sounds like the 🌎 that I and many others love in. Those who felt it was wrong or demeaning are probably those who didn't live a life in the Mud. This place doesn't give two flying pigs about anything unless it benefits them if we lived in this utopian world that is an illusion to at least 3/4 of society then Yes maybe those rules are harsh but that's not the case.
Linda Hall 2 years ago
From a boomer I think these are realistic although they should not come from a boss.
Sumiko Saulson 2 years ago
I'm pretty sure that it would be illegal to give your employees a list like that over here, because this is not actually a set of rules governing behavior on the job. There are a lot of really personal statements on there, such as saying that the person's parents are boring. Employers do not have any right to govern employees behavior outside of the workplace. Rules for a job should only govern behavior in the workplace. These are not rules for a job at all and what this boss did was extremely unprofessional. I am surprised that there are so many people who are condoning such unprofessional behavior. I would also like to point out the fact that not everybody who works in fast food as a teenager. Seniors sometimes take these jobs to supplement the retirement income that they get because it's not enough to pay their bills.
William Roberts 2 years ago
The employer my have attempted to convey this in a mych kinder fashion at an earlier time but found a brutally written whack upside the head makes it sink in faster... this mans daughter may not have deserved this textual frying pan to the face. However if the Employer were to use his fair judgment in handling these lists out, then the poor snowflakes that would receive the list would b***h and moan about how embarrassing and unfair it was that they alone were singled out. Bottom line is pick the poison that hurts the least and he did.
Sara Sassone 2 years ago
Everything this guy said is true. People are just too soft to handle it
Lauree Klein 2 years ago
After working in juvenile detention I have to say that while harsh these are damn close to spot on. Kids nowadays have zero clues about how to handle real life..
Jody Whitmarsh 2 years ago
While I agree with most of these, there could be a less condescending delivery.
Lloyd Fitzgerald 2 years ago
That list is not an orginal, I have seen this list for for many years... and it might seem harsh to some people, but then again so is life. I think it is spot on. If that list hurts your feeling you have a hard life ahead of you, because that's just the tip of the iceberg.
Channo Sagara 2 years ago
Some of those points are not wrong. It's just... There are way better ways to say it.
Willow Gryphon 2 years ago
This list is both right and wrong. It has elements of truth, but the way its worded and perceived is overly harsh. It's like my boss telling us at a meeting one day "well most of you don't deserves a raise, but we're raising the starting pay and giving you a raise anyway. We only employ 1/3 of you because another 1/3 isn't doing their job up to par". There are more tactile ways to say that....
Mimi Adams 2 years ago
*tactful "Tactile" has a completely different meaning.
Load More Replies... Mr. Jones 2 years ago
My dad ran a fast food joint staffed by teenagers back in the 70s and 80s. They LOVED working for him. He empowered them, taught them how to manage money, taught them how to take and order inventory, some were learning how to clean for the first time, some were learning how to cook for the first time. The other thing he did was make sure they never missed something at school. To this day, my friends who worked for him say that he taught them their work ethic. One friend said working for my dad taught him the life skills his own parents weren't teaching him. He credits my dad with the fact that he now makes great money and he mentors teenagers. And to top it off, my dad is a Boomer. This guy is a d**k and this letter is awful. I wouldn't let me kid work for this guy.
Purple Orchid 2 years ago
And people wonder why kids are so f$!#:;& up?? THIS kind of crap is why. Idiots at the so called "top" getting off on power trips. I believe in instilling a solid work ethic, but this BS is NOT the way to do it...🙄
Sensei 2 years ago (edited)
Someone please explain what the inaccuracies(besides typos) in the list are. Having worked with quite a few young people, the list is something many parents did not teach their precious little entitled progeny. Which is why the father is probably so upset that his princess is getting her first exposure to REALITY. I read a story about some little entitled brat who started her first job at a restaurant. After the initial tour and introductions, she was taken to the kitchen where she was hired to work. The manager showed her the prep table and the dishwasher and explained her duties and how the dishwasher worked. She told her manager that she didn't do dishes. He said that was part of her job and a requirement. She told the manager "My daddy says I'm a princess, and princesses don't have to do dishes". The manager reiterated that it was a requirement and she pulled out her phone and called her daddy and told him. He came and picked her up!
Lovin' Life 2 years ago
Perhaps not good for one's first day on the job, but it states truths. The harshness may be a little much, but then again there's really no reason to sugarcoat the truth. Some people need it laid out bluntly in order to really grasp the concept.
Deborah Nicely 2 years ago
I could call total b******t on this one people! The daughter may have been handed that on her first day at work however her boss did not create that letter. That has been around for several years now trying to motivate young people to work hard get an education get a good job and don't sit on your ass. Dad needs to let his little princess live a little.
Brandon Karratti 2 years ago
This list is over 20 years old, from Charles Sykes' book Dumbing Down Our Kids. Owner just copied it down.
Jari Olavi Lipponen 2 years ago
This ain’t a list that a workplace boss should be handing out. But it is list that every parent should go through with their kids. Plus I know many PARENTS that could use this as a refresher for their own wordwievs.
Eddie L 2 years ago (edited)
This is a list that Bill Gates wrote years ago. The fact that he's not original enough to write his own rules that are applicable to this job, he's an idiot
Scott Snellen 2 years ago
It seems he felt this list WAS applicable to this job, hence why he used it. Most job applications look exactly the same, must they be reworded for each job? Old sayings are old because they apply.
Load More Replies... Dror Shannon 2 years ago
It is not actually a list of "rules" or even of behavioral guidelines. It really is a list of axioms or aphorisms or observations which are accurate, though some are expressed in social contexts that could bear updating. What is missing from this story, however, is the attitude of the manager who handed it out. Was it whimsical, or authoritarian? Was it aggressive and contrarian, or was it avuncular? Clearly, the teen's father took umbrage as if it were inimical, perhaps reflecting the teen's own emotional response. But perhaps both were mistakenly ignoring the possibility that this manager was actually engaging his employees as persons rather than as drones. Sometimes a common point of reference is a means to foster team spirit, regardless of any controversy it may generate.
Adia Smith 2 years ago
If some things worded differently it might be somewhat helpful, however, overall I think it's unnecessary and unprofessional...
Brock Kohl 2 years ago
This isn't a new list put out by this employer!! I have seen this since I entered the workforce in the late 70's or early 80's.
Scott Snellen 2 years ago
This list is absolutely true. There is nothing condescending in it. Life cannot be driven only by feelings. The reality of life is most employers don't care about how the employee is feeling, but rather will they be dependable. One of the reason this younger generation is being eaten and spit out by the 'lack of understanding' is because they haven't been prepared properly for the reality of life. I don't see anything demoralizing or discouraging in this list. I see someone who has a grip on reality and cares that the younger generation has the same. Dad and mom could learn from this list.
Linda Layne 2 years ago
Actually, the boss is kinda dead on. But delivery in a written format, POORLY DONE. School DOESN'T prepare our young people for life. So many of our children come from single parent homes, which may leave the workplace left to train their employees. Not the best of choices perhaps, but better than living on the streets or worse, IMHP.
Stephan van der Merwe 2 years ago
Bill Gates gave this list to a group of college students at their graduation ceremony, many years ago. And harsh as it seems, it is the truth. I feel that for a 16 year old, it is a good way to prepare for life as an adult, where you can't run to mom and dad to bail you out, only to get advice.
Linda Powder 2 years ago
Those teenagers have to learn that the world doesn't revolve around THEM
Sylvia Nolastname 2 years ago
I read this list somewhere, years ago. I get it. It's supposed to imply that life? Is not all fun and games and everything in between. It sums up the REALITY of what it may be, up ahead. I wouldn't be upset about this, if my kid came home with it. But maybe, irritated. At 16, you shouldn't be worried so much about the realities of life, just yet. Maybe a little. What should be your concern is; studying, getting good grades, enjoying life and your friends. Not worrying about something that hasn't happened yet.
Anna Royer 2 years ago
This is not original. It is old. I like some of the points but it came from the wrong source. It isn't something a boss should give out routinely to other people's kids.
Paul Cauchi 2 years ago
It wasn't a list. For that matter, looking at the fact that the narrater of this posting in fact unFAIRly labelled the list shows that this girl should listen and learn from that list. Point 1. Life isn't fair! There is a war going on in Ukraine. Is that fair? There are 250 million children under the age of 5 starving. Is that fair.
Salti Kitten 2 years ago
It's in my opinion,and I'm 34, not that bad of a list....just seems the author was/is a nerd with a bone to pick with every youngin'. They should pay attention to their own words "tv is not reality," and not base their whole manifesto on a generalized"tv" view of the younger generation.. Again, just my own two cents....
Hilaire Quinn 2 years ago
This list has been going around the internet for a while and you know what, aside from $$$ figures listed, most of it is true and the newer generations need to stop being babies. We worked shitty jobs at KMart, McDs, Grocery stores, etc. They were just jobs. You dont like it go somewhere else.
James Arvidson 2 years ago
The points are true. The details are dated. But it is not the best idea to slap a kid in the face with the reality. They need to figure things out themselves and in their own time. Not the appropriate time or place to dump it on a 16 year old. Not toxic or mean, just lacking in awareness and leadership ability as well as maturity. I'd expect this from a 20 year old first time manager. Maybe doing it for a power trip on legit trying to help. But again, not effectively. I'd let my kid work there if they chose. We'd just be discussing things as the job progressed. It is an opportunity to learn for the kid. I will not be there to protect them forever and they need to make their own mistakes. While I am there I can help them navigate and learn.
James Maass 2 years ago
Nothing on there is incorrect, it's a rather harsh presentation, but none of that is wrong.
Vee 2 years ago
Just gonna point out that the last agreeing comment said that they (are) 19, and were born in Gen X. Fun fact: Generation X began around 1965. Bet they don't work for s**t. Total cap.
Vee 2 years ago
Also, the comment who said something about a nerd on a power trip is the exact feeling I got from reading all this. I read the whole article first before reading the actual "rules" and I got that feeling when I real the last rule. Yeah, what he said is true, but it's unnecessarily condescending and just shows that the boss has no respect for his workers. There are better ways to teach your employees, other than being an unnecessarily condescending fuckwad. No one cares that the jocks gave you wedgies and swirlies and that the busty "peaking in highschool" cheerleaders wouldn't come close to 5 inches of your d**k. You leave that personal s**t at home. I've been bullied all my life and know to be better than those who bullied me. Those aren't even rules,they're just views from a power hungry nerd. Luckily the dad took her out of that predicament because he woulda caught a case against the boss, had he actually done something to his 16 year old, cause chances are he probably would have.
Load More Replies... SweetsEve 2 years ago (edited)
I always assume these posts are fake. With that being said I do.think its not appropriate for a boss to give this to an employee. It's not that these ideas are offensive, but it's not appropriate for a manager to start an employment relationship this way. I've supervised a lot of people. When it's a low wage job employees are hard to hold onto. Managing that issue falls on the boss. You have to find ways to motivate your staff, and as long as your wages are low expect to deal with people who don't feel like cooperating. You cultivate that employee. You build relationships. You tell the good ones if they go come back at any time. You staff your positions, and you train anyone willing to stay and keep showing up. This is the most cost effective way to support your company. Hiring over and over because you suck to work with is expensive. That's bad management. This list at day one is a sign of a very bad manager who is expensive to employ.
Rebecca Dixon 2 years ago
I think Bill Gates wrote that letter about hiring for his company. I remember reading it years ago.
Kate Johnson 2 years ago
How the hell is a nineteen year-old a project manager at an architectural firm, as well as 'Gen X'? (I'm Gen X, and nowhere near 19 anymore!) Oh, and how is this list "predatory"? She's got two girls, the eldest is 13, (Gen X?) and she says she's getting the creeps because 'there is just something really predatory about this'. I don't see that anywhere; do any of you?
Emmett O'Brian 2 years ago
The delivery is dismissing, if your boss is dismissive, they're more likely to be abusive. Not guaranteed, it just opens the door. I'd say it's not the message, it's how it was delivered.
Load More Replies... Krys Kraus 2 years ago
These are funny and mostly true. Only one I wouldn't agree with was #3. No one can tell you your worth. And yes young people can have a killer skill set or idea that can make them richer than you and faster. Please refer to Rule #1. I once quit a job in the middle of a discrimination battle I never spoke about. I went back to school and freelanced. Had a babe. Went splits with dad and found myself between jobs taking care of a 26 week preemie on disability, oxygen, developmental disabilities. Went to get assistance until my baby was well enough for daycare for me to return to work. Hell, I'd paid enough inti the system. I'd been getting rejected from places like zaxby's having a degree in Comp sci and the social worker told me to give up hope getting that next job making 40k a year or more. Even though my last job paid more than that. Honestly I would have if I got one. I just rolled my eyes and 3 weeks later I got a job making 70. Mediocre ppl will always tell you it's not your turn
Gloria Klassen 2 years ago
Why does this manager believe he is in a place to give "life lessons" to his young employees? That's overstepping boundaries in a really weird way. He's not their parent. As a manager, his job is to supervise and ensure his employees follow the protocols of the establishment. End of story. Also, it's pretty clear that his intentions aren't to impart "wisdom" but to vent and complain about young people and exercise some sort of power trip to make himself feel important.
Jimmy Lewis 2 years ago
This is basically the truth. He could have done it without being so condescending, but everything he listed, these kids will find out is true. Life is a b***h. And no one owes you a damn thing.
dsappersmama@aol.com 2 years ago
I believe Bill Gates was the author of that. I remember reading it several years ago.
ForeverSister Squad 2 years ago
I think it's a great list I've been here for 53 years I think kids need to hear these things saves time, helps to weed out the worthless, whining Bratz that are always on their phone instead of working. I do believe he should pay minimum wage though, you have to make the keepers happy.
Balice Thompson 2 years ago
Did he lie? This is what her father should have told her so her boss didn't have to.
Lynn Patrice Mahan 2 years ago
Perfectly acceptable.... if you haven't heard this from your parents yet... you can thank this boss. Reality people... life is tough. If you're up to it... it can be FANTASTIC!!❤
Meagan Shupe 2 years ago
It's worded poorly, but it's not wrong. I personally wouldn't be pissed about it, although the employer didn't need to hand it out. I'd be more concerned about a job paying below minimum. If they're in the US it's illegal. Dunno about anywhere else though.
Lori M.T.B 2 years ago
This list is nothing new. I saw it back when I was a teenager in 1993. People were offended back then so I don't see why people are making such a big deal.
Sam W Holder 2 years ago
Sounds like things alot of 30 and under should have been told yrs ago 🤔. Man was being factual!!!
D. Dos Santos 2 years ago
Most of the stuff is true,but those phrases sound more like a parent talking to their teen. Not a boss to employee kind of thing.
Jennifer Ann 2 years ago
It’s actually from a speech that Bill Gates gave at a high school quite a few years back and it is all very true and relevant . The fact this dad was so outraged by it in my opinion is confirmation that it is on point simply for the fact that parents don’t teach their children the reality of life outside their family home. Kids these days are soft and clueless to what the world is really like and it doesn’t hurt them at all to hear these things as they are accurate. This parent and his outrage over something harmless and possibly beneficial is the reason why speeches like this need to happen more often than they do. Get over it. Be an example for your child not part of the problem
Susan Denney 2 years ago
These aren't harsh. They are realistic. A dose of reality to a 16 y/o may be jarring but the boss is not wrong. Life is tough- wear a helmet or grow a pair.
Armando Lopez 2 years ago
This list has been around since 1996. Ot was attributed to Bill Gates and later Kurt Vonnegut. Incorrectly on both. It was actually written by Charles Sykes. The list has been featured on Paul Harvey and Ann Launders. Every "rule" is true. You might not like the wording, but the boss didn't write it. All of you in an uproar are proving the point. All of you bringing up sexual assault and pedophilia. Nothing this boss did had any sexual undertones. Those are your issues and may require you to look at why it struck that chord in you. SMH.
Jeanne Davis 2 years ago
My dad gave me a similar list, same ideas, different words. Result: I was never arrested. I worked at the same place for 36 years. I'm retired with a decent monthly retirement check. I outlived 95% of my friends. But during all these years, I made plenty of mistakes that I learned from. The list prevented me from making big mistakes. My dad can rest in peace knowing I turned out ok. I think this boss actually likes teenagers and probably has a lot more of wisdom. If these teens can't deal with that list, don't bother enlisting in the military they'd fail boot camp.
Frank Stapleton 2 years ago
Seems like the list was better needed for the "dad" my father would read that s**t and be like "spot on"
Shaun Colby 2 years ago
"which pays 16 year olds well under the minimum wage" that is illegal is, I don't care how old you are you can't get paid under minimum wage
Hannah Parker 2 years ago
I think this list is very generic and really doesn't reflect much about the company other than using a list of "rules" in circulation like 20 years ago.
J Sanders 2 years ago
A few years ago my husband was involved in short films, he was in charge of auditions. Most of these "kids" were over 18. He would call them and tell them that the auditions started at 9 am. The responses were mind boggling. Two of them asked him if he could give them a ride to the audition. 4 of them asked if he could change the time because it was to early for them. Another asked him if he could stay late because he didn't get up before 10 am as he was in a band. This is the new work ethic. If it doesn't make me comfortable YOU have to change for my benefit. I was appauled at the responses and deleted their emails and contact information. How unrealistic can these kids be? We are talking about acting, a job that has hundreds of applicants for one role. My God what happened to work ethics. I agree with this man and believe that he endured many applicants with the same attitude that we experienced. Zero motivation to excel. Guess the boss has no right to expect excellence.
Iseefractals 2 years ago
There's not a thing on that list that is offensive or incorrect, and 20 years ago everyone would have understood them to be a given, either through direct experience or by having half way decent parents. That's not how things work anymore. Everyone gets a trophy for showing up, kids aren't given failing grades anymore, everyone expects that they have a right to never be offended, which means they think they have a right to never be confronted with a differing opinion to their own. Two generations of kids being sold this snake oil dream of "you can be anything as long as you TRY" while being completely sheltered from reality, only to find once they get out in the real world that no one gives a damn about you, or your feelings, or hopes and dreams, nor does your idea of what you're worth have any bearing on what someone else is willing to provide you. The sad thing is that there are now enough of these entitled idiots that they're actualizing this f****d up reality.
Superninjatiger 2 years ago
It's written in a mean way, had the person written it differently I wouldnt have seen a problem with it, except for number 7. That one is just cruel, they have no idea what the home situation is for the employee and shouldn't make such statements.
Kevin J. Henning 2 years ago
I saw this list well over 10 years ago. At the time it was credited to Bill Gates. Don't crap on all of it though.
Vira 2 years ago
Holy wow. Very disappointed that commenters think this list is okay. Maybe you're all very very bitter people, with a serious lack of mathematics skills (aka you don't even know income averages, pedagogy methodolgy statistics, nor statistics on toxic work environments.) Yikes x1000!
Vincent Belisle 2 years ago
Oh hey. It's almost a complete copy paste of the 11 rules of life from Bill Gates. Dunno when those got published, but you can find traces of it on Google starting in the early 2000. So... Yeah. Memories. But also old news.
Rahul Pawa 2 years ago (edited)
That's a mis-attribution. It was originally from a radio show host and author, Charles Sykes.
Load More Replies... Paul Greer 2 years ago
Wow nothing wrong with list. I wish I gotten it when I was a teenager still I learned it all took me till 50 years and still learning.
MFB 2 years ago
This is not a set of rules but a listing of facts having less to do with boomers than the failure of many parents to realistically prepare their children for life. Good things do not come to those who wait. Good things come to those who work their a s s e s off. That hard work should be a solid source of pride and security. Like it or not, truth cannot be built upon a scaffold of lies. To become accomplished at anything takes time and effort. To be excellent, one must progress from beginner to the point of actually excelling. Set your own standard high and reach it through your own efforts. Fathers, don't be furious if you fail to instill realistic expectations. Life is a buffet and no one will enjoy every dish.
Fangtagion 2 years ago
Also you all wonder why your not the next American Idol or the next big movie star. Wake up and follow these rules. It will save your life if you still have any left after all those drugs you all do.
Fangtagion 2 years ago
It is a list of real life facts that were not needed to say back then. Now everyone forgotten these facts and wonder why the world is delusional and screwed up. You all wonder why your all in high debt. This is the best list ever and everyone needs to wake up and live by these.
Fangtagion 2 years ago
It's the best list in the world! Everyone should live by these rules and more importantly, this list is a list of real life facts. All you delusionals wonder why your in high debt and can never accomplish anything!
Shane Oettinger 2 years ago
These rules are absolute truth. Anybody who disagrees are entitled and need to shut off Disney.
Jess 2 years ago (edited)
This is an old list that I have seen before. I agree with these statements as the younger generation have been coddled & given things that we had to work for. I've interviewed and hired many 18-24 year olds in the private sector & the Government. While working for the Gov't, I was training a new Secretary. She would waste time chatting with anyone she'd see. I would walk by, trying to give her a visual hint to get back to work. I went back by 20 min later and asked her if she could get back to her desk (she had been gone an hour by this point). When she returned I took her aside and told her that she needed to be at her desk to do her work. She replied "This is a hostile workplace"! I asked her why as I was only asking her to do some work and that it required her to be at her desk. I told her that I didn't mind if she took a break here or there but to limit it to 5 - 10 minutes. She left the job within a week. I have plenty of these stories and can go on & on.
Donnis Sullivan 2 years ago
I saw the title to this story and was curious as to what was on this list that would outrage a parent. As I read the first rule, 2nd rule and on I didn't see what outraged the parent. Does he not feel she is special enough to get some good life pointers that could help navigate her journey through life? It shouldn't be a boss that gives her these (tips) but rather a parent or family member. It is reality
Judy Borngraber 2 years ago
The List, isn't rules, but lessons you should have learned before the job. So, grow up, suck it up if your parents didn't enlighten you on the facts of life.
Melissa Greene 2 years ago
I LOVE this list!! I believe that it is 100% correct, and sound advice that should be given to every high school senior. Welcome to adulthood
Carla Dampman 2 years ago
I was expecting to see something shocking. If dad doesn’t like the rules then he can help his daughter find a nice cushy job so her little feelings don’t get hurt. Or maybe he should just keep her home until she’s 40. Life isn’t fair, life is tough , better she find out now.
Ann Marie Ducey 2 years ago
Well...I threw a lot of these at my daughter when she was 16. I think I am a reasonable fun boomer but my kid wouldn't get up or face up unless someone else was going to miraculously do it for her. Now? She's a health hero. Total transition. I wouldn't be furious with a boss handing this to her, but it was my job. Nobody died from it. But there are so many ways to look at it....I can see why some think it's horrible. Like.....well you won't like working here so be it. Not very inviting.
Melissa Gonzalez 2 years ago (edited)
This is not a list of opinions or the bosses own 1 sided views. These are the truth of reality and the way I see it is, anyone who is offended by something like this or upset that their kids was given something like this most likely comes from a very privileged background and doesn't understand that the majority of people start off at the bottom and work their way up. Otherwise, why have such a big reaction about a piece of paper that basically just calls attention to, { what our grandfathers generation would consider to be~} nothing more than a few common sense ideas. Ultimately what it boils down to is that it doesn't matter how you feel about the message the list was trying to convey ; Truth doesn't become fiction because you don't like how it's worded or who those words are being written for; Pressure makes Diamonds, Not Hugs... Try hugging a piece of coal and see what you get: You get a dirty shirt! ~Chris Rock~ "Tamborine" this guy should watch it because it's filled with some much needed life's lessons just like this one!
Martin Bragwell 2 years ago
It is a fantastic list and one sorely needed in our weak minded participation trophy society
Michael Meier 2 years ago
I'm 36 years old. Father of a 17 year old son and work in a trade. If you think that list was harsh, you're right, life is, reality is. And from personal experience it's all true and most 16 kids don't realize it and need a reality check. Just because you're offended doesn't mean you are right. World ain't lolly pops and rainbows.
xFex_Yuna 0906 2 years ago
And you're just ignorant if you think that's over the top, just like the girl totally childish
xFex_Yuna 0906 2 years ago
It's all true, I don't know what the problem is from you guys. Life just isn't fair, he's totally right and i'm 17 btw not a boomer
Nicole Herron 2 years ago
I don't think it's necessary for him to have done that but from the fact that she quit and daddy went nuclear, he is a piss poor parent and he's going to be lifelong roomies with his spoiled little princess who runs away from the real world. I would have been driven back to the store by both parents to beg for my job back.
Ann Sloane 2 years ago
I think the intent of this manager is offering the new employee a reality check. It was a warning and only wanted the new employees to do better than he did. I'm an old boomer and I see the dilliama and I will contend that hard work is where you get anywhere and to be resilient, respectful, and to realize that money has to be be earned. Don't criticize , learn!!!!
Katie Sheets 2 years ago
I'm dying 😂😂😂 this is amazing and I want to shake the hand of the man who wrote this list. Some of it yes is condescending but I dont mind it because it is 100% TRUTH and frankly all 16 yr olds are clueless to the real world for working adults. Its not pretty, its hard, its disheartening at times, its demanding(whether youre at your best or not), and anyone who is in any way offended by this list needs a wake up call themselves. I pity the daughter for having a father that feels SO strongly about keeping her from reality. My father would have fallen over laughing at this, handed it back to me and said yep thats about right! People IN REAL LIFE, bosses, coworkers, supposed friends, enemies, etc. are going to insult you/test you and challenge you to rise up and be better. The question is, can you handle it?? THATS ADULTHOOD! Is 16 yrs old too soon? Maybe...but still hilarious 😂❤
Derek Rose 2 years ago
Good list very accurate, I appreciate the honest assessment and approve, kids should be made aware of this in schools, maybe starting in grade 9.
Irving BigDaddy Eskenazi 2 years ago
A bit harsh but for the most part true, I'm about to be 53 does that make me a boomer? He's the manager not the all being omnipotence cynical yes truthful absolutely perhaps poorly worded, probably but the world is a cold harsh place that will eat you up and spit you out, so this may actually be some sage advice.
Heather Warner 2 years ago
As someone who worked and trained a lot of teenagers. The list is pretty spot on. My biggest one I trained...if you aren't prepared to show up, work hard and have fun...there is the door. When your here it's about the job not what is outside those doors so don't bring your drama in with you. I worked in retail for over 20 years from the age of 15. It is a completely thankless job but put me through college as it had my daughters.
Heritageposey Tucson 2 years ago
I have the same list on a cork board above my desk, I read them all the time and should say most are very true and if they offend you, you never had to live up to them and your parents didn't do a very good job.
Lullabybecca 2 years ago
I have no problem with this list, and appreciate the wry humour. It's not much different than what is posted on staffroom walls around the world reminding workers that "Your mom doesn't work here, DIY" etc. How do we expect children to learn about life if nobody teaches them? Parents are not experts on children simply by having them. Experts are people who continually study and work professionally in an evolving industry. Yes, teachers and administrators, pediatricians, ECEs, special needs workers etc - those are your experts of children. Spending your entire days surrounded by hundreds of them teaches you far more than seeing one or two at the dinner table for a few years. And I expect those who have years of experience working with youth are among the last ones to jump on this boss.
Jenna Lind 2 years ago
I feel like the list states truth. Each bullet point is real life. The thing i feel should change is the method of presentation. Dont pass it out to the teens and tell them to get with the program. There are ways to drive these truths home while giving them inspiration to thrive because you give them a way to see they are as great as anyone else if they want to be. You provide an environment that they can thrive in as much as one can flipping burgers and help them up and on to the next great thing. Its important that people see these things are reality though. Not necessarily that each individual will be presented with each or any of them. They should be aware. I helped a number of teens see the world and pick themselves up. I did one thing to help and that was present them with the good, the bad, and everything in between. Let them make educated decisions! Out of 36, only 2 made some poor choices and even then, one learned and grew but the other was a lost cause. Give them knowledge!
Peter Johnson 2 years ago
I can remember every trophy I receive growing up,Four;I worked very hard for each one...
Jamie MacNeil 2 years ago
Pretty sure those are quotes from Bill Gates and maybe Lou Holtz. I cheer with great support. Kids today are soft, winning, cry babies. We live in society were a person's feelings trump science facts and reality. That list should be posted in the employee lounge. I can't remember any business that kept the lights on by excepting feelings as a source of revenue. It's clear to me why China is crushing Amwlerica,. You losers are all so soft caring about being feelings and being offended. Hope all
Penny Nash 2 years ago
Welcome to the real world !! Unfortunately, life is not all butterflies and bubble gum....if the 16 yr.old girl was upset about that, she's not mature enough to be in the work force. Babykin's needs to get thicker skin. The world doesn't coddle!
Lawrence Tate 2 years ago
There is absolutely nothing wrong with this list of opinions. Why an employer would give an employee this list is questionable and stupid (that is MY OPINION). I think I would find another job, but, there is nothing wrong with opinions that one might disagree with. The only reason it's an issue is because of the insane censorship rabid world we live in. Get over it.
Daisy Tirado 2 years ago
There is absolutely nothing wrong with this list of rules. I read it when I was a teenager and the only thing it did for me was make me better understand the world I was entering into. Everyone is so easily offended. I learned if it hurts your feelings it's probably because it's true.
Shawn Fischer 2 years ago
It's a list her parents and evert parent should give their crotch goblins. If this makes you angry you are the problem.
steve talley 2 years ago
The list is not wrong ... he could have worded it a tad differently... but he is not wrong. The dad shouldn't be angry and use it as an opportunity to teach his daughter that life isn't fair in the REAL world.
Nicole Devlin 2 years ago
I don't think that he should've given this to a teenage employee but I do think that most employers are fed up with the way kids act these days & their PARENTS should be teaching them these things but definitely not in this manner. Just shows how screwed up people are anymore.
Sparky 2 years ago
I've seen that list before somewhere. Its not original. If these things were taught from an earlier age by PARENTS thru discipline and guidance, then our younger generations wouldn't have been or be so soft. But honestly America has been breeding a bunch of pussies for a long time. So f**k it.
Tracy Bargas 2 years ago
I see nothing wrong with this. This is all great advice. She doesn’t have to heed to the advice. She can just take it all with a grain of sand. And why is dad outraged? Is it because his toes got stepped on or is his daughter the one outraged and he wants “brownie points”?
Scott Burd 2 years ago
Welcome to the real world. If that list of truths hurt you that easily, then you're probably not going to make it very far.
Kathy Cathcart 2 years ago
While giving a list like this as a boss seems a little bit wrong I think EVERY parent should instil the majority of these ideas into their children from day one. The ideals being in a "list" is not the most effective way to get their message across but the ideals there need to be reinforced. Children need to realize that life is hard and you should not get (and don't deserve) something for nothing. I had 11 brothers and sisters, worked since I was 13 and paid for all my own clothes and school books etc.all through high school. Without these ideals being instilled in me ,I would not have been an honor student and a reliable employee. All you whiners need to quite coddling the younger generations and teach them pride and accomplishment in hard work.
P Webb 2 years ago
This dad needs to chill. These aren't "work rules" Meant to be followed at any place of business. It's a joke. This was at one time supposed to be a silly tongue-in-cheek meme. Circulated via email around 2002-2005. Not to be taken too seriously, just noting some differences in mindset between the differing generations.
Nate Jones 2 years ago
The list is actyally very true. The tone and lack of empathy is all wrong. Ironically, the employer is showing their poor leadership by handling it this way. In fact, a good manager checks their own training and tools they've provided an employee and reviews communication and expectations before coming in anything remotely resembling this. Even then, the whole tone is way wrong.
Rachel Betancort 2 years ago
It's all pretty much true... alot of parents nowadays coddle their kids so maybe it's really not such a bad idea to get a reality check on your first day of work. Maybe he figures if they quit after seeing the list, he saved them both time and a headache.
Amanda T 2 years ago
If I was handed this list I would be greatful for the reality check. I teach my kid most of these things. To keep your morals in check, integrity, and hard work. Always give 110% and don't allow people to hurt your feelings when you do you best, but be respectful and learn how to do the job better next time. My daughter loves rainbows and unicorns, but she doesn't live in a world surrounded by them. She has to earn her trophies.
Zara Assiri 2 years ago
But the points are true though right? I wish someone had told me that when I was 18
kirara2516 2 years ago
I see only truth in those rules. The way they're worded probably comes from boss's experience in dealing with entitled teenagers who didn't take the job seriously. The real world sucks sometimes, and not everyone is going to be nice. He would have been a real jerk not to give them the reality check now, vs years later when they've got a decade's worth of regrets.
Terri Thompson 2 years ago (edited)
That's an old list. I can imagine parents of hippies being all about it. 😆 However It seems like nowadays we are so easily offended because we don't look at the intent....
aquarius4120 2 years ago
The list is harsh but real. Outside of your loved ones nobody gives a crap about a whiny brat who thinks they should be entitled to the spoils of success without putting in the blood sweat and tears
TayloredArt 01 2 years ago
Excellent list. These are truths. The man didn't say you couldn't be a vice president or make 60k directly out of school, he said you'd have to earn it. Imagine all the kids who apply, get the job and then work as if literally none of the things on the list could even be a possibility. This would be a conversation for me to have with my son about how he interprets what's being said vs what's being said, whereas this wouldn't be a conversation to be had were it his twin sister who would receive it at face value.
Curry on... 2 years ago
Hmm...the delivery might be off, but most of what's written is practical.
Queenbee 2 years ago
Well, I work in an environment full of self entitles 20 , 30 and 40 somethings. A few are hard workers the rest feel entitled to numerous restroom. Phone, music and gossip breaks ALL DAY LONG. They have no concept of hard work or a work ethic. So this list is mostly spot on though some parts are idiotic. I know of no one who expects to be a VP out of high-school and I know quite a few nerdy losers. By the same token lifevis not fair and the world will not coddle or treat you like your parents do.
Dianna Montgomery 2 years ago
Such a true list! While it may not have been appropriate for a boss to give it to an employee, he did her a favor. I've been working for 30 years and this list is so true of the adult life.
Alexa Saltz 2 years ago
The list is nothing new. Harsh? Yes. Valid? Mostly. Appropriate from a boss to a young employee upon first day on the job? Nope. Something to complain about in public? Sure, why not? Almost everyone else does... Personally, this is no big deal for me. If a parent has an issue with something like this, use the opportunity to help guide your child navigate their way to becoming an adult. I would refer to "Rule Number 1"... Suck it up, Buttercup.
Rob Bert 2 years ago
The idea is spot on, but the delivery method not so much. He couldn't be more right kids are completely coddled now everybody's got a therapist we all get a trophy losing is okay it's wonderful you don't have to work for a living, it's all quite pathetic and why our country has turned in to an oversensitive bunch of wimps.
Tony Berna 2 years ago
This list has been around for a long time. The boss didn't write it, but everything on it is true.
Patricia Long 2 years ago
Well, he is telling it like it really is, but he should wait and see what kind of worker she is. Just hand it to the kids who really need the advice. What should be added is kindness goes a long way.
Sonja Nash 2 years ago
I believe this list has even on internet for years. While some of the points you can learn from, you don't give this to young people who are new to the work force and it does not encourage at all. I would look at this as a joke.
Rene Simmons 2 years ago
I've actually seen this list many times over the last 5 or 6 years. Some say a highschool teacher wrote it, some say a college professor. It was supposedly written as a joke, yet a somewhat passive aggressive joke, maybe? I mean it's just a harsh way of telling the truth, but with a ha ha at the end. I actually take no offense to it, but I'm sure it could be sugar coated and say the same things but make it sound sweet and offend no one. And maybe give a participation trophy with to make sure.
Bethany Heller 2 years ago
Gonna be honest here, this is something people should know. Even if it is harsh/extreme/assholery phrased, as a college student, I'm kinda perversely glad that at least the kid is being tipped off early that 1. It's a toxic workplace and 2. highschool/college students are definitely an exploited group. Desperate for money for college, low experience, and (usually) low self esteem don't make a really shiny combo. I hate that it happens, but at least this person got to pick up on it fast.
Jonathan K 2 years ago
Was that the list of the things the parent wishes they said or something. Did I miss the real list people are complaining about? Was it some kind of joke article? I'd certainly let my kids work somewhere that let's them know what's expected of them.
Mary Rowsell 2 years ago
I think more people should be honest about this stuff, GREAT boss! Sugar voating things doesn't help, honesty does. We have raised our kids telling them these very things, the majority of people now days have gotten too soft!
Tricia Krause 2 years ago
I am shocked that no one here, including the author, mentions that the list you have shown is from a speech Bill Gates gave to a high school in 2019(?), I believe.
Jen inostroza 2 years ago
First the list has been in circulation for at least 16 years.... when I started teaching HS I had it posted in my classroom and we discussed what each one meant... still do it today. I teach juniors and seniors and some have jobs and understand, some are clueless and think they are just going to live with their parents until they "make it big" and do not have to work. They are very much spoon fed things in school and the spoon seems to get bigger and bigger each year... teaching just over 20 years, that spoon is pretty big.
Lori Hutchings 2 years ago
I’m Gen X and those younger than me need to know these things because that is the reality and they’ve been coddled too much.
actionjksn 2 years ago
Wait until the teens and 20 somethings who think this list is unrealistic, ridiculous and offensive find out that it's all pretty much true. Hahaha. And wait until the helicopter parents find out that no they really can't shield them from the world after they really enter it. Oh well maybe they'll stay with Mom and Dad indefinitely and not ever have to worry about it or face it. I'm actually hearing stories of parents literally attending their kids job interviews. I didn't believe it at first, I said there is no way there are such losers in any real numbers, I thought it was the same story being told over and over again about some crazy person. but I was proven wrong.
Angela Alcorn 2 years ago
Nothing but good sense. It says a lot about the sad truth that the younger generation s are entitled and selfish, even lazy. Life simply doesn't give you anything for free, and anything worth having is earned and worth working for.
Brian Miller 2 years ago
Spare me. This is a list of basic truths. You millennial pussies are getting all bent out of shape because life won't kiss your asses. Suck it up you dickless, spineless little bitches.
Scott Seeger 2 years ago
Still remember my first scent sensitivity policy in Ford Hall at the University of Minnesota. Please make these rules required at all jobs
No you can't have my name 2 years ago
Is it true? Yes. Does that magically make it not a total d**k move power trip from an egotistical dumbass? No. Also, idk what batch of rich kids that commenter is dealing with but that's the same logic Boomers use on millennials and they're always wrong so.
Christine Suber 2 years ago
As a mother of 6 children, I say preach! If your 16 yo is working, they should know the absolute truth. Life is gonna kick ya in the teeth.....GOOD LUCK
Glenn BlakeLobb 2 years ago
I don’t see a problem with this list. Kids today have always gotten a trophy for just playing. Never got a good swat on the butt for doing stuff they shouldn’t have. Teachers gave them better grades to just push them on to the next grade. Sorry but the boss is just telling these kids what school and their parents should have done years ago. JMO
Sabrina Messenger 2 years ago
The list is harsh but still it's the truth. Parents should be teaching a good work ethic so bosses won't feel like they have to give such lists.
Marie Youllneverknow 2 years ago
That dude is SO sick of 16 year old kids. He's failing at life. But all of that is 100% true and more kids need to hear more of it. Obviously the participation trophy kids have 16 year olds now. Lord help us all.
Penni J LaBeau 2 years ago
I personally feel the boss is not using these as rules, more like facts of life..I don't see him to be to serious being he can't spell..
Michele Boone 2 years ago
Ok, so... There are so many different thoughts I have about this. First ,it is inappropriate for any boss to give such a list to a 16 y.o kid on Thier first day of work. Second, as Harsh as the "lessons/rules" are...let's face it they are beyond true, and a Harsh reality that many kids today are over protected from. Kids today are so coddled and protected from the normal every day "horrors" of life. I mean I agree that kids need to know how harsh and hard life really is...but maybe this wasn't the best way of going about trying to make that point. I'm kind of a harsh a**hole myself, and probably would have come back with a list of rude, not so nice rules for the boss. Ya know just to make a point .
Charles Danner 2 years ago
Parents should have made all this obvious to any child before they turn 16. Life isn't sunshine and rainbows this is what produces "Karen's"
Mike Johnson 2 years ago
I support this list 100 percent. It's something the parents should teach their children from day one. I for one would love for my kids to have a boss like this. I'll guarantee if you work hard for him he will take care of his employees. To many people dont want to be offended a d feeling hurt now. This guy just told it the way is is.
Douglas Irlandi 2 years ago
To all the rose colored glasses wearers, that list sums it rather perfectly.
Wendy Usher 2 years ago
This list is exactly what should be shared and should have been posted in every workplace all along. Part of this list addresses a lot of the younger generation who are somehow magically managers within 3 months. They have no idea what they're doing and they're horrible because they were not taught these things by my generation because we were trying to go against our parents' generation.
Sark Aztik 2 years ago
This list won't help anyone become a better manager and a young worker who got promoted and is unqualified won't become less inept from reading it. The fact that you think this list will make someone a better worker is hilarious. A person has to APPLY the things on this list. Even then that doesn't make you a good manager or worker. The list isn't a personality. Imagine the solution to this proposed problem being something as simple as... I don't know, training the workers better and placing blame on those giving these positions to workers who are unfit for the position?
Load More Replies... Silja Hare 2 years ago
Total BS. That list, attributed to any one of a number of people including Bill Gates, has been around for as long as I've been on the internet and I remember before there was the internet! This entire story is a crock.
Bruce Leibee 2 years ago
I believe MANY people negatively critiquing this list tells us everything we need to know. Required reading for EVERY student.
Philenzortia 2 years ago
I do agree with number 6 but the others are just a sad person writing what happened with his own life. Why crush someone else’s dreams? Of course we all are not going to be super rich but there are the dreamers that don’t need this type of crap. Life doesn’t have an order and life doesn’t have to be awful and hard. Yes! We all have very low and bad times but they aren’t the rule. And if these are the rules for a job please RUN!!!!!!
Jennifer Rietze 2 years ago
I 100% agree with everything. It could have been done A LOT nicer, that being g said most teenagers are devastated and distraught when they start working and realize that showing up wasn't enough. It is brutal being a boss to teenagers. Parents are biased period.
James Edleman 2 years ago
I’ve seen that rule list before, like 20 yrs ago. 1. It’s not original & that “boss” didn’t write it 2. Most of those things are true 3. The fact that the girl quit her job makes the “boss” right 4. Those rules are things parents need to teach kids, not bosses. Her dad is not a very good one & I wouldn’t be surprised if his princess is still living at home when she is 30
Patty Villeneuve 2 years ago
Nobody is forcing her to take this job. Is it a little obnoxious, yes. Are the points wrong, NO. Daddy mind your own business. If she cant handle it she can try to find a different job. Good luck if shes a crybaby and runs to daddy when her little feelings get hurt.
Patty Villeneuve 2 years ago
If you dont like it then dont take the job. Life is all about choices and decisions. So make some. And daddy needs to mind his own business
Robert Wyner 2 years ago
Well, apparently, even though this girl has gotten herself a first job, her dad still thinks he should get involved. That's another rule: your parents are not in charge of the workplace. Also apparently, this dad never did let his daughter know about these real rules of life. The fact that he's outraged by common Sense comments tells me this child is in for some more rude awakenings.
Diana 2 years ago
I personally see this as an example to the fact that 1)life isn't fair. I would keep a close eye. This guy is probably tired of the growing number of kids who have zero work ethic. Let her prove herself under a close watch and she can overcome or might actually prove him wrong. Kids are not the same. It's very sad to say.
Lynne Richardson 2 years ago
Sometimes truth hurts! Everything about this 'list' screams, "TRUTH!." And yes, please, stop whining...
Jason Hill 2 years ago
is it not amusing the comments screaming of the injustice of these rules (which are not a bad set of guidelines for ALL to keep in mind) but the ones who get the loudest more prominent comments are the children who feel entitled … to comments of sound experience are those who are responsible adults… like real parents, who pay for all of your tears! i just think its funny how the media plays this card!
Dan Jackowitz 2 years ago
I mean, in general what he says is true. Says he hires teenagers a lot. I’m not a boomer but I have a friend in HR and she says parents will follow up on jobs their college graduate kid applied for. He could be taking the drill Sargent approach, scare them at first and then they’re relieved when things aren’t that bad.
Dream Chaser the wolfchild 2 years ago
I'm barely an adult, but I can't tell you how many of my peers growing up needed (and some still need) to hear this. I'm not angry with this man for giving it to his employees, however, it is a little sad that he felt the need to write it in the first place. And if this doesn't apply to you, just ignore it.
tori Ohno 2 years ago
Everything on that list is the truth. But handing it out? That's going too far. It should be on the break room wall with people wondering if it's a joke or not. This guy is obviously burnt out after working for so long with entitled teenage brats. They're not all bad, only some of them. I know, we've fired quite a few where I work.
Jeff Marek 2 years ago
The boss is right, too many kid's today think they are entitled to everything right out of the gate. The kids need to be brought back into the real world.
Craig Forester 2 years ago
That list is harsh? lol. Sorry my coddled, overly sensitive, little darlings; but that's reality. Everything that guy said is true in the real world. All he is doing is giving you a tiny little dose of what the real world is. Something I am sorry to say most of the schools, or your parents no longer teach.
Emmett O'Brian 2 years ago
I liked the heading "imagine working for someone that thinks like that". Ha! This person is a creampuff compared to the people I worked for. Imagine moving 2 tons of rock ten feet over just to be told to move it back when you're done. If you think this is abuse, well, let's just say I've had some bosses that would probably make your brain bleed. I think the delivery is lousy but the concepts are mostly true.
Tamala Bradshaw 2 years ago
I think he was absolutely right for this. Kids these days are weak. They whine about everything. The Bible Saud today's generation would be weaker and wiser. Wise because info about any and everything is easily accessed nowadays. Weaker because they want e everything handed to them on silver platters no knowing the value of hard work or responsibility
Lijo Kim 2 years ago
In my opinion this list isn't that bad. It includes many true things but I still feel like handing something like this out is making fun of all teens. The boss didn't even know what their new employee was gonna be like but assumed they were gonna be a brat just because of their age... Again, I don't necessarily think the list is bad but handing it out for no reason isn't the right thing to do
Derrick Stapleton 2 years ago
This guy just did more parenting then any of you or your parents have done in your lifes. Your all ragging on a man who gave you a helpful paper of what he has learned in his life. He just says in a very descriptive fashion. Lifes hard and you have to work for it hand outs are not common.. But almost all common ppl could use a hand out so if you want something odds are your gonna have to work for it... His post is not for the privileged people who doesnt understand living paycheck to paycheck. But i do not know this man he could be a di*# but the letter that was posted was nothing but how he saw the world which is in fact more important then how you see him. He is talking life experience and your all talking about him personally go get a life live it then you can make your own list of how life is rainbows and sunshine and if you go to college you will fart sparkles.... Not have a bunch of student loans!!!!
Marc McLaren 2 years ago
Those are all common sense points about reality. Certainly nothing to get upset about.
BRICK THRONE 2 years ago
I noticed a lor of the negative responses from the list were from younger readers "Boomer". Hahaha
Jack Merica 2 years ago (edited)
Sounds like daughter and dad got a rude bucket of cold water thrown on their springtime and roses life. Big deal.
Sherry DeBrock 2 years ago
I can appreciate the truth in this. I don't sugarcoat b******t for anyone, not my employees, friends nor family. This boss told the absolute truth to this 16 year old. She probably cannot appreciate it at this age, nonetheless the boss did not lie to her. Welcome to the real world of working earning money and paying bills. Makes Mama and Daddy's place not look so bad doesn't it? It's important to not raise a bunch of soft pussies and then toss them into the real world and expect them to act normal. Don't sugar coat this mean old world just because you think it's something that might hurt their feelings because their feelings are going to get hurt. This was not a mean letter it wasn't cruel it was the absolute truth of the real world. Get used to it. If you're a grown adult that's worked in the real world you've already gotten used to it. You want to work in a grown up world then you're going to have to act like a grown up.. if you don't someone else will take home that paycheck!
Sark Aztik 2 years ago
It's funny that you equate "being a grownup" to being a b***h. I remember when being a grownup wasn't acting like a shitty, tantrum-throwing a*****e and was about being responsible for yourself and your family. None of this requiring you to be miserable to be around. What you're describing isn't "being an adult", it's "being an adult that never grew the hell up."
Load More Replies... James Steverding 2 years ago
The majority of those are accurate when it comes to life. These rules could be applied to most generations. Today's teens have no clue has to what their going to deal with in the real world. Better to hear it now than later or never.
ramada rose 2 years ago
Some of these rules are true, but this is definitely not the way to implement them. I keep hearing J. Lee Ermey screaming this out!!
Ashton Sudenga Legg 2 years ago
Yeah, a few of these points are good. But funny thing about the "real world". There are people who grow up, and people who don't. Age doesn't mean jack @#$&. I'm 21 and I can't count the number of times I've had to tell someone old enough to be my dad to get off their ass. You can't lord over your age unless you've actually learned something over those years, otherwise you're just thinking you're better than anyone younger because you'll die sooner, and that's some grade A entitlement right there.
Sydney Carton 2 years ago
Get over it Dad and stay in your lane. It's what life is, and no, theres nothing in this thats off. Who isn't tired of these self indulgent spoiled kids who think the world owes them something. Learn some tough lessons now and grow up to be something more than a self absorbing, self serving brat.
Pedro Dudeson 2 years ago
If anyone thinks this list is bad I hope they never enlist in the military. They won't like it.
Wendy Jo 2 years ago
This f*****g idiot must have been the high school loser who got bullied and treated like crap... Well a realife lesson is to treat people how you want to be treated...don't use the past that everyone but your loser brain done forgot about...you should have learned how to be empathetic instead of being s complete f*****g d**k to the future people running this world long after your pathetic life and pathetic high school bullies and the ghosts of the past in your brain...I sincerely hope that you get a psychiatrist and awesome therapist that takes all the money that these kids deserve and you still live in the past...evidently you didn't learn a damn thing crying in your locker everyday.you would think you would know better than to treat people like s**t...knowing how it feels...you need to learn how to respect your fellow humans and spread love not more hate..Good luck w/that
Sandi Aguirre 2 years ago
Lol I see why people are upset! In this offended society people hate the truth. Almost every rule on this list I've said to my own children it's better the know now then find out the truth later.! I think this list is awesome
Steve Scarantino 2 years ago
We need to get back to these basics ! The woke population are a bunch of entitled whiners who think everyone owes them and they don’t have to earn respect ! It could be worded differently, but the message is 100% correct. Anyone who disagrees needs to re-read my second sentence!!
Helene Aldenberg 2 years ago
It's a good list for anyone. Why not call the shots like he sees them? People need to get a grip. It's totally generic and it's real information
Charlie Hatfield 2 years ago
The post is about as close to REALITY as most of the SPOILED kids will get to REALITY!!!!
Meiko Harris 2 years ago
This is the best list ever made and it needs to be distributed to everyone 30 and under so they can get a reality check. It is these weak parents like him that are appalled that we are stuck with these useless and shiftless employees now.
paco diablo 2 years ago
Middle class 16 yr olds never hear rules these, in their world everybody’s a winner, everyone gets an award. This knocks them down a few pegs and believe me they need it. Teens have a highly unrealistic view of the world and how they fit into it. I especially like rule no. 10
Donna Jarrett 2 years ago
I love it,,, its right on target !!!! Unfortunately, that's not the world we we live in any longer. Our workforce now is SO ENTITLED, And getting worse everyday 🙄😒
Arc Bolo 2 years ago
What in the world is wrong with this list? Is it simply condescending to suggest that someone might not know this stuff? It's like saying, "my boss told me to eat vegetables instead of sweets, so I quit my job!". And, I'm not actually asking. Anyone who disagrees with this stuff I don't really want to listen to anyway.
Tammy Nixon-Wood 2 years ago
Well, I'm one of those cynical boomers. But hey, look at the cancel culture left leaning non parents jumping to the rescue! DON'T TALK TO MY KIDS LIKE THAT! We work hard to raise unemployed, disrespectful, entitled POS. A World where the kids are our equals! And THEY run the show..No one knows who anybody is anymore. For the love of all that's Holy, People, Adults, take back your authority, you ARE NOT helping your kids, you're absolutely crippling them from being any kind of positive part of society. Be careful not to hurt their little feelings in the process.
Melinda Hall 2 years ago
Oh come on people. Coddling kids instead of giving a dose of reality like this is why the world has gone to hell. All of these kids get summer or entry level positions and expect to be praised and petted every 5 minutes. They also expect to make $15 an hour right out of the blocks. I'm sorry but I didn't start making $15 an hour till I worked in a particular business and learned and worked my way up. All I can say is buckle up butter cup. Whether you like it or not life ain't fair. Put on your big girl panties and learn to do your job properly. If you do it right and learn everything you can the money will come.
Pamela Blue 2 years ago
I am absolutely amazed that no-one has mentioned that this boss didn't make this list up. This is part of a speech that Bill Gates gave to a bunch of students at their graduation. I happen to agree with it, myself, but I think it's hilarious that a boss of 16 year olds would use it to terrorize his employees. LOL!
Himory TheDreamer 2 years ago
No. In real life the nerd ends up jobless because good grades won't cure his mental disabilities, and you end up with a job because even you can't write you are able to talk. Things aren't fair.
John Baker 2 years ago
Idiots like these are why employers need to hand out lists like this. Untitled-6...40d3aa.jpg
Chance Spoiler 2 years ago
This list was written by none other than Microsofts Bill Gates. Words to live by absolutely. There's no error in what's written and it's a no Brainer for someone starting out. This list was part of a commencement speech that Bill Gates gave to our graduating class.
Hermione 2 years ago
Are you sure? I read in Quora: This quote is often attributed to Bill Gates but it was actually written by Charles J. Sykes...
Load More Replies... John Baker 2 years ago
The first rule of the Dunning-Kruger Club is you don't know you're in it. You apparently don't know.
Load More Replies... Duke Silver 2 years ago
looks like someone didn't have birthday celebrations when they were growing up!
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