One of my favourite times of the day is enjoying my second cup of tea while reading The #Globe & Mail’s essay on the Facts & Arguments page. And this morning’s “Nice work – if we can get it” by Braeden Banks did not disappoint.

His honest, intelligent commentary on the reality of young graduates finding a job in today’s economy was a realistic response to an issue I addressed in my earlier post, “The age of #entitlement”.  Braeden is obviously not one of those people seeking the perfect job in the perfect World of Oz. I applaud his resourcefulness, his determination and his lack of ego.

Braeden did all the right things, getting a university degree and college diploma. When he was unsuccessful blitzing the careers pages of every on-line company, non-profit and government institution, he followed his parents’ advice to “hit the bricks”, peddling his wares on foot. When his aunt and uncle told him “It’s all about who you know,” he texted and e-mailed everyone he’d ever met who collects a paycheque. Ultimately he did get a job – not a career – but it’s a start.

We Boomers must bear some responsibility for the difficulties encountered by the Braeden’s of our world. As employers we are reluctant to hire inexperienced young graduates. Unions protect senior employees who may have passed their “best before” date. We cling to our own jobs longer than we probably should to fatten our retirement income because we did not manage our money all that well during our working years. We are often quick to judge all young people as spoiled egocentrics who do not share our work ethic.

While I now have the time to spend my weekday mornings drinking tea and blogging about whatever is on my mind, there are young people desperately needing employment. Some are worth hiring and training while others are not. You be the judge. After all, we need them to pay for our comfortable retirement. That’s the Canadian way.