Today I reflected on yesterday, or basically how times have changed in comparison to when I grew up. The comparison is drastic to say the least. Then I opted to compare being a child born in early 90’s to a child born in the mid 2000’s. Again, a crazy comparison but not as drastic or maybe it is.
Here are my notes:
Child A – born in 1970’s
Child B – born in 1990’s
Child C – born in 2000’s
Phone expectations:
A-Phone privacy is a luxury. Having a second phone line at home is high society. And I can’t forget the good old pay phone.
B-Cell phone as a pre-teen if you are lucky. Not a smart phone just a phone. Texting was at a premium.
C-iPad as preschooler, wifi access, texting, internet and most likely a cell phone for emergencies in late elementary school.
Vehicle expectations:
A-Work to earn money to buy second-hand car. Pay for gas with personal earnings. A job, a paper route, babysitting, whatever was available.
B-Help with a car purchase. May have a job to pay for gas and things but also needs help.
C-Needs new car. Specific type of car. Expects gas for free.
Pay expectations:
A-Minimum wage was low. $5.00 / hour might have been a good job.
B-$9.00 / hour might be good. Looking for easy money jobs. High tips. High commission. More money, less work.
C-$12.00 – $20.00 / hour demands. Work ethic decreased dramatically. Expects high pay for little effort.
The list could go on and on. I’m sure many have variations of this list but it was one I jotted down while reflecting. A little humor post to out here: a Time Machine of sorts. Fast forward 10-20 years and I hate to see what this list looks like.
Were there other factors that may impact these changes? Dual income families vs. single income families?
The internet?
So many questions in my mind.
2 Chicks and a blog 