As a teenager, I had unbreakable determination to excel in school. I never missed class, always studied hard and actually enjoyed writing papers. Yes, I was a nerd. But my parents always smirked when my teachers raved on and on about me, because they knew the truth.
At home, it was give me this and I need that. I worked hard in school and therefore figured I deserved an endless supply of cash for nights out with friends. I remember keeping track of every penny I spent so that my parents could reimburse me later. Yes, I was an entitled brat.
I’ve matured since then and no longer expect my parents to foot my expenses. Entitlement should end after adolescence, right?
Maybe. Maybe not.
Even as a college student, I see it all the time. Weren’t we all told growing up that if we succeed in school we’ll succeed in life? According to that logic, graduating seniors should all have jobs waiting for them. We’ve aced the classes; done the internships; perfected our resumes. Don’t we deserve to be employed?
Maybe. Maybe not.
And still, entitlement doesn’t necessarily end in young adulthood. Consider all the time PR pros spend creating media lists, developing relationships, writing releases and crafting those news-worthy pitches. After all that work, don’t they and their clients deserve that hard-hitting story?
Again, maybe. Maybe not.
So what does all this mean? Honestly, I’m not sure. What I know is that entitlement is not attractive; it wasn’t cute when I was 15 and it won’t be cute 30 years into my career. I’m only 21 years old, a senior in college, but I already recognize life is not an easy formula. I can work all day and all night and still might not get the end result I want. There are countless people who have lost their jobs over the past year because of the economy, not because they weren’t smart or skilled enough.
So now, readers, I turn to you for advice. I’ve been lucky never to suffer any major disappoints in life. But they are inevitable, aren’t they? What can students, young and even seasoned professionals do to stay grounded? To stay away from feelings of entitlement? To remember always to try our best but never to expect rewards?
What, if anything, do we actually deserve?






