The "high" that I get after hearing that my words of encouragement or sage advice helped someone, propel me to continue on this path to push the next generation of young professionals.
Just today I received a call from a young woman that is known to call me when she needs to vent.
Vent about the economy.
Vent about the lack of opportunities.
Vent about her temporary job or her recent lay-out.
Vent.
Candice (name has been changed to protect her identity), is in her (late) 20's, has a college-degree, interned while at college and has worked at various (entertainment, digital, PR) companies to perform odd-end-jobs.
But, she has yet to find her passion.
When I first met her I was sympathetic because she was young and starting out. When the economy affected her gaps between employment, I understood because many people were going through the same predicament. When her parents stopped paying her rent I understood why she moved back home. When she quit a low-paying consultant job, I understood why her friend would persuade her to find something more permanent.
But now, close to three years later, Candice is still in the same boat as she was the first time I met her. She roams from job to job. She refuses to make less than $15 an hour and expects a permanent, full-time, "employee" position.
During our call today I offered my time to look at her resume - which she didn't have ready. Then I invited her to a conference that could potentially open doors for her - free of charge - she was too busy.
Too busy.
Candice doesn't have a job. She lives at home and spends her time doing the LA thing with her friends.
Her well-intentioned parents (which I don't have the pleasure of knowing), dote her with the latest gadgets, supporting her latest hobby, and obviously paying for a car she can't pay.
But yet, she calls me on occasion to vent.
Unfortunately, for whatever reason, today her rants hit my inner core once I finally figured out what I was too deaf to hear before: She's the result of spoiled parenting and a the entitled generation.
This bothered me. It really did.
It bothered me, because while she is lunching with her buddies, I'm slaving over a presentation to secure a new contract.
It bothered me, because while I rather stay home and watch TV, I leave the comfort of my home to network and build a business.
It bothered me, because I invested in her and believed that she could do it.
I believed in her.
It bothered me that I had sympathy towards a person that only deserved a few minutes of my day. No more, no less. But I didn't see it. I only felt worn, tired, and discourged. That phone call sucked every last bit of energy I had today.
No more.
Taking the advice of a friend, I am ditching my displaced sympathy.
Done.