OPINION:
"I see no hope for the future of our people if they are dependent on the frivolous youth of today."
You are forgiven for thinking this could be something you heard on talkback radio or a Facebook post your nana crafted. It is actually attributed to the Greek poet Hesiod who was tut tutting about the younger generation 2750 years ago.
I'm part of Generation X, the cohort that watched the Berlin Wall fall, Maradona's "Hand of God", Rob Muldoon slurring, telethons and the final episode of M*A*S*H. We got to rock out to Iron Maiden, Duran Duran and Cindy Lauper. Petrol was cheap, our seabeds were teeming with paua and we didn't call it freedom camping, we just called it camping!
I'm also a card-carrying member of the Sandwich Generation, the group of people that not only are looking after their kids but are also looking after their parents. It's not a new concept. Many people transition from looking after two generations to looking after none and become empty nesters.
The problem is my generation's sentence is longer than those in the past. Our kids can't afford to leave home at 18 any more and our parents are living much longer than theirs did. I'm not complaining, it's actually a pleasure to live in a home with three generations, it's just that I'm looking forward to a time when I can cook for two rather than seven!
I was reminded of old Hesiod the other day when a friend was complaining about not being able to get good staff from Generation Z (those that are just entering the workforce now). He rattled off a litany of attributes he was certain this generation lacked.
Punctuality, work ethic, respect, manners, humility were all characteristics the YouTube-influencer generation lacked. He was worried because without staff, his business could not operate.
After letting off steam he realised he needed Gen Zers and they were not going to change, so he has to. This group is adaptable, connected and open-minded. They know their value, they understand their own emotions and they are better communicators than we ever were.
Gen Z have been taught by us that they are special, that they matter and that they deserve to be treated as equals. Perhaps it's about time we started changing our opinion of them, because they will be the ones fixing all the problems we created.
The only constant is change.
• Dave Mollard is a Palmerston North community worker and social commentator.