Kids These Days

Several people have been asking if I’m leaving the classroom because of “kids these days”. The answer is YES… but not for the reasons they think.

I’m responsible for “kids these days”. As a parent, as a teacher, as a coach, & now as a financial planner.

So what do they mean?

“Kids are disrespectful.”

Generally, No. But they do speak in code and make mistakes. You set boundaries. Command respect through your expectations, preparations, and actions. Earn respect by getting and giving it when it is earned. Losing and gaining respect is hard. I have gained and lost respect as a husband, father, teacher, and coach… in both directions. It's the same for kids these days.

“Kids are dumber.” (...and other descriptors)

Probably (most likely) Not. They have access to more information than most of us will ever know. They are constantly plugging into the collective knowledge of mankind… and each other. They have nearly unlimited access to knowledge both good and bad. Kids can act dumb, and I’ll tell them when they are, but so can adults… including myself. We can and should help kids these days focus on the things we value.

Want more?… “Kids are lazy.” “Kids don’t pay attention.” “Kids don’t work hard.”

Some Yes, Some No. But why are some kids these days lazy? What has their attention? Who sets an example of hard work for them? I guess that means I do… and likely, you do.

OK, off my soapbox. I am not a great parent, teacher, or coach. I woke up one day and had a title - parent, teacher, coach... & now Financial Planner. The rest has been… figuring it out. Adulting is hard, and so is being a kid these days. Luckily, I had great parents, role models, mentors, teachers, and coaches. Do they?

I love teaching science, I take pride in our school district. I feel extreme guilt about leaving the classroom, the students, and my colleagues. I love coaching, in fact, I can’t imagine my life without it. I dedicated the last 18 years to kids these days. It was extremely rewarding. But I have some financial freedom to try something new that I’m equally passionate about. I can still teach, I can still empower, I can still coach, and I can still make a difference for kids these days.

Now my three most important kids these days are entering junior high, high school, & racing through elementary school… Time flies! One of my goals involves someday owning more of my time. I am going to continue to commit a large amount of time to kids these days… hopefully much more with my kids.

What would you do with more financial freedom? Would you take a risk? Would you change jobs? Would you start a passion project, business, or side hustle? Travel more? Have more time for your kids? I did. It took goals, planning, systems, and actions. Want to start on the path to financial freedom, FIRE, or independence?

Nothing worthwhile is easy. Let’s plan Your Everyday ROI.