by Contributing Author
It is easy for us to look at other creatures in nature and conclude that humans have got it all wrong. We are the ones who are ruining the planet, causing distress to other species, and that’s when we’re not hunting and eating them. But when you look at some animals’ parenting practices, suddenly we’re not so bad after all. If anything, humans takes it to the other extreme.
We coddle our young, particularly in the last century or so, as cities have absorbed most of the population and there are fewer families out in the wild, where everyone must pull their weight as soon as they’ve got some weight to pull. But even in the largely urban 21st century, independence is a wonderful thing, and when our children get to a certain age, we want them to be able to stand on their own two feet.
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But are we overprotective as regards careers advice? Do we want them to take the safe option? Here are some reasons why we should encourage kids to start their own business.
They Won’t Have to Rely on Others
Earning a living under your own steam builds character and independence. The nanny state that looks after its citizens may be an admirable institution, but it does create dependence and discourages enterprise. Sure, it’s great to have assistance when hard times befall us, but there’s nothing like addressing your problems head-on rather than running to Mom and Dad. And there are many ways small companies can raise funding these days so getting off the ground is not as impossible as your child might assume.
Being Self-Employed Unlocks Potential
Running your own business means finding out your strengths and weaknesses. It encourages us to develop the parts that are not so strong and be the best we can be. It makes us learn our strengths and play to them.
If You Don’t Work for Yourself, You’re Going to be Working for Someone Else
Who was it that said if you don’t stand for public office we risk being governed by our inferiors? A wise person, that’s who. It’s better to be the one standing up there having their mistakes criticized than being the freeloading worm sitting in front of the TV, complaining but not helping.
Offer to Help Them Get a Degree
Nowadays, getting a college degree is pretty much the standard. If you’re applying for a job, in many cases you won’t even be considered if you don’t have a qualification. As for potential entrepreneurs, if someone wants to go into business, they need to learn all they can about whatever field they’re going to be in. You can see what your kids are capable of, probably better than they can themselves. But teenagers need guidance and encouragement.
Left to their own devices they may not see the point, and even if they do, they might not know how to go about it. We want them to do well and if possible, better than we have done. We have made mistakes and missed opportunities. We don’t want that to happen to the next generation. As parents, we need to draw their attention to practical measures such as applying for a student loan.
Can I get a student loan, Mom? Sure, you can. It’s just give and take. They’ll lend it to you to see you through college and once you’re earning money later, you repay it. Simple. You should offer to be their private student loan cosigner to secure the funds as most 18 years olds don’t have a credit rating built up yet.
Being an Employer Means Providing Work for Others
If we have the potential to run a business, we can be helping the community by creating jobs and providing the less able with a living. Look at any American city or town on Wikipedia and you will see a list of the major employers, because they are the backbone of the economy, not only bringing in money to pay tax and contribute to the welfare of the community but giving people self-respect because they can do a fair day’s work for a fair day’s pay.
They Might Get a Street Named After Them
Who was John Brown Crescent named after? Yes, but who was John Brown? He was something in this town, a person of consequence. Set up a business, made himself some money and gave others something to do. It’s not an ambition many people have, but it’s better to be remembered as having done something worthwhile during our time on this planet.
