Cutting the Umbilical Cord

AlphaFrog · #1 08-06-2007, 02:52 PM

I read about a recent trend of young grads taking their PARENTS with them to job interviews...

And just today, I read about parents at their student's schools during rush...

Are kids today having problems cutting the cord?

I guess rush is one thing, since most of these kid's parents are probably paying the tuition, and therefore get more of a say...but when you've graduated, it's time to move on. If your parents are going with you to job interviews, etc, it's time to tell them to cool it. And if you're living with them, get out ASAP. Find a temp job to pay the bills until you land your first big career-oriented job.

Still BLUTANG · #2 08-06-2007, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlphaFrog

Are kids today having problems cutting the cord?

Its not the kid's responsibility to cut the cord. The problem lies with "helicopter" parents.

Although it seems wacky, some of these kids dont know that their parents ARENT supposed to be with them 24/7, so they cant cut the cord.

The parents need to step back and i dont think a child who has been overscheduled and overprotected for the last 22-24 years even KNOWS that they have been smothered.

the kid i wrote about in this thread went book shopping this weekend to buy books for his first semester of college... WITH HIS MOM.

AlphaFrog · #3 08-06-2007, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Still BLUTANG

Its not the kid's responsibility to cut the cord. The problem lies with "helicopter" parents.

I'm finding just a bit of irony in this post.

Or, at the very least, self-fufilling prophesy.

Still BLUTANG · #4 08-06-2007, 03:12 PM

my bad i was editing while you were writing! and i am having a hilarious visual right now.

OneTimeSBX · #5 08-06-2007, 03:15 PM

WHA?

"so billy, what qualities do you think you have that are a good fit for this job?"

"i dont know...mom, what do you think?"

i said it before on here, and im gonna say it again. unless they are doing financial aid paperwork, your parents have no business following you around on campus. period. LET ALONE job interviews. the closest they should be is in the parking lot, in the car waiting.

that is why your child comes running home at 33 after he loses his/her job. that is why they run to you when they have relationship issues. that is why they never move out!!

Still BLUTANG · #6 08-06-2007, 03:19 PM

there was a really good article and discussion on this topic in the washington post a couple of years ago. i'll see if i can dig it up.

AlphaFrog · #7 08-06-2007, 03:22 PM

I seem to remember the parents had more to do with salary requirements/negotiations and benefits, than actual "interview" questions.

Although I still can't believe that these kids wouldn't realize that their parents were going way ABOVE and BEYOND parental support.

OneTimeSBX · #8 08-06-2007, 03:44 PM

IF you came into my office, and had a parent along to assist in salary/benefit negotiations, i would seriously reconsider hiring you. its one thing to discuss at home, etc. especially if its maybe your first real job. i think thats actually a good idea.

but i cannot hire you and then the first time something comes up, im on the phone with your mom...

ForeverRoses · #9 08-06-2007, 03:46 PM

I have only experienced one parent ever coming to the job interview with a potential new hire (which I will now refer to as PNHs). However, the parent was simply providing a ride for the PNH and was going to wait in the car the entire time. Since it was a hot day, I offered to the PNH that his Dad could wait in the lobby.

The Dad did exactly that- sat in the lobby with a cup of coffee and a magazine. No way would he have been allowed in the actual interview.

As for salary or benefit negotiations, I only deal with the PNH directly. Talking to anyone else would be a breach of confidentiality-- and I would probably throw in that it is against company policy (and if it's not- I'll write a policy so that it is!).

I personally have more problems with helicopter spouses than helicopter parents. But at least I understand why some spouses hover- they are married to blithering idiots!

OneTimeSBX · #10 08-06-2007, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ForeverRoses

I personally have more problems with helicopter spouses than helicopter parents. But at least I understand why some spouses hover- they are married to blithering idiots!

very true...

AlphaFrog · #11 08-06-2007, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ForeverRoses

I personally have more problems with helicopter spouses than helicopter parents. But at least I understand why some spouses hover- they are married to blithering idiots!

As someone who takes phone calls several times a week from wives of both employees and "PNHs" (I like that)...I understand. I'll have a wife call and ask if we're hiring, go to our website, print off an application and fax it (obviously in her handwriting) along with a resume that looks like it's straight out of a resume book/wizard.