Latest news with #hardwork
Telegraph
5 days ago
- Business
- Telegraph
Young Britons are swapping hard work for handouts
Young people aren't idiots. Hard work doesn't, as they've realised, lead to guaranteed success. Just 16pc of the students who have been polled by charity The 93% Club believe that it's the hardest working or most talented who land the top jobs. Most – 72pc – instead believe career success simply boils down to who you know. Why slog away, many will conclude, if hard work gets you nowhere. Most have already clocked that the old way of doing things – work hard, buy a house – is a distant memory. Almost half a million more young people are living at home with their parents than they were two decades ago. So in many ways it's understandable that so many enter adulthood feeling 'meh' about working life, with almost a million -year-olds neither working, training nor studying. They might be unfairly perceived as entitled, overly fragile and eager to waste money on avocado and lattes. But with wages stagnant, job vacancies falling and cost of living high – it's no wonder so many have concluded that hard work only pays off for the very privileged or very lucky. All fair enough, especially for those whose education and early careers were upended by Covid lockdowns. But now it's time for young Britons to stop moping and move on. Every generation has had its challenges, so this surrendering of any ambition is getting boring. Older generations didn't stroll out of school and go straight into home ownership. There were often gruelling factory jobs from the age of 15, minimal holidays and poor living conditions to get through first. Hard work was always part of the deal. Working hard at the start of a career has until recently been considered a given, but now it's almost fashionable among young workers to be seen doing the bare minimum. Social media users are live-quitting their jobs on TikTok or dishing out advice on how to get away with doing as little as possible in a nine-to-five. Hospitality businesses which typically rely on young staff are struggling to hire those who just want to work from home, while the Lords have been told that unemployed youngsters 'on the internet 24 hours a day' now don't want to get out of bed for a salary of less than £40,000. If young people seemed happy with all of this, then why not – older generations certainly have a thing or two to learn about work-life balance and putting any career stress into perspective. Nobody looks back on their life wishing they spent more time in the office and less time with their children, for example. But rates of depression and anxiety among young people have been soaring in recent years, suggesting that rising unemployment or a deliberate lack of ambition isn't leaving anyone with a spring in their step. For many, this deliberate tapping out of adulthood won't feel like real freedom at all. But young Britons aren't exactly flushed with choice. Last week we learnt that 274,000 jobs have been lost over the last 12 months. The Government is determined to change that, and is urging businesses such as care home operators to train up unemployed Britons instead of recruiting from overseas. In reality, nothing will shift while hard work is considered a failure. Geoff Butcher, who runs several care homes in the Midlands, told my colleague last month that most UK job applicants never turn up for interviews, while the few who do end up failing probation or quitting in the first three months. 'The majority of them just find it too hard work,' he said, adding that the benefit system is a large part of the problem; 'It's a way of life, kind of bumping along the bottom'. Many British workers simply don't fancy these demanding roles. But the state cannot step in and give everyone a friction-free life, and nor should it. While the reasons for some young people wanting to snub hard work are understandable to an extent, giving in to a life of idleness can lead to depression, loneliness or – as former Tory chancellor Lord Hammond recently put it – a drift towards entitlement which can become hard to shake. 'The modern welfare state has turned from a culture of mutual self-help to a world that is based on rights,' he told The Telegraph recently. ''It's my right to be protected by the state.' 'It's my right to be fed and housed and clothed and provided for with healthcare and everything else, regardless of whether I contribute or not.' That's a very different cultural approach to the challenge of the balance of the state versus the individual's responsibility.' Yet it's a hard cycle to break out of. Those who have been out of work can lose confidence about going back. Hard work has become part of the culture war narrative, with Nigel Farage recently claiming that Reform voters are 'alarm clock' people who are up early and working hard. In reality, underneath the apparent lack of ambition and apathy towards work, most young adults would like to be an 'alarm clock' person with somewhere to be. They just might need some extra help realising that.
Free Malaysia Today
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Race, national identity, Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Malays
From Moaz Nair Malays do not need to be under a 'big umbrella' to achieve economic progress in the country. Only hard work, honesty and a positive mindset pay. Times have changed and former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's big umbrella non-political concept, as he defined it, to unite the Malays is nothing more than a hidden political agenda criticised by the Malay political leaders themselves. Malays are already well represented at all levels of the country's administration since the country's independence. There are also numerous Malay-based political parties in the country, each claiming to champion the rights of the Malays. Can these parties be dissolved and melded into one single party for all the Malays? This is politically impossible, as each of these parties has its own agenda – that is to seek power for themselves. And to achieve this, they cannot work in isolation but associate themselves with Malaysian-centric political parties. Just accept the fact that the demographics of Malaysia are represented by its multiple ethno-linguistic groups that exist in the country. There are more than 30 major ethno-linguistic groups in the country and despite the diversity of its people there are earnest politicians working towards unifying and not dividing them. The population is already divided by race, language and religion and they should not be further divided with divisive policies for political gains. The country hence does not need a big umbrella of any sort for any single race. A Malaysian nation Ironically, it was Mahathir during his first stint as prime minister who came up with an ideal concept of 'Bangsa Malaysia', which translates to Malaysian nation. It was an inclusive policy for all races. This has to be nurtured in the country today. It is a concept and policy to create a unified national identity for all citizens of Malaysia, regardless of ethnicity or background. It aims to foster a sense of belonging and unity across the diverse populations of the country. The policy seeks to replace the focus on a Malay-centric national identity and embrace a more inclusive approach that encompasses all Malaysian citizens, sharing a sense of national identity and belonging, encouraging cooperation and understanding among different ethnic groups. The policy emphasises values like cooperation, moderation, and the spirit of give-and-take, aiming to build a nation based on these principles and accepting the Malaysian Constitution as its key component. The aim here is to create a national identity for everyone in Malaysia replacing the old focus on Malay identity. Bangsa Malaysia in this context refers to the idea of togetherness and comradeship among the various races. It is not the creation of a Malaysian race as it is impossible unless, of course, all the races assimilate biologically and grow into a race with a single cultural identity. The problem lies with the system Imagine studying or working in a foreign country and you meet a person from your homeland: be it a Malay, Chinese, Indian, Kadazan or Dusun, you would feel elated with an urge to become acquainted with the person despite our differences. When we are away, we feel that we belong to the same nation and we share our experience coming from a country we call ours. This is one measure of Bangsa Malaysia and we have nearly achieved this. The experience of Malaysians studying or working overseas testifies to this comradeship. Why then the prejudice at home? The problem lies with the system. We cannot deny that politics, economic disparity and social and cultural preferences have made us perceive ourselves as divergent groups of people living together. We label every person by his race and religion and, in the process, polarise people further. From kindergarten to the workplace and until death, we come across countless forms and processes requiring us to identify our race and religion but not nationality first. A child can't help but grow up with prejudice as he is always made to feel different. We are culturally different but can still share our experiences to create a nationality. The whole notion of creating a Bangsa Malaysia is to foster a deep love for the country, that is, patriotism. To achieve this, all races should be represented at all levels to create a sense of belonging to this nation. A state need not belong to one race, one religion or one way of life to be called a nation. Differences may lead to conflicts, but we should not let them deny us the aspiration of creating a Bangsa Malaysia. We need more tolerance, mutual support and respect for each other to achieve unity, even with all the diversity around us. Let us then achieve unity despite our diversity. It is the Malaysian-first mindset that would nurture Bangsa Malaysia. Mahathir's latest Malay centric focus after no more in power is nothing more than another desperate political agenda to further divide the people. Moaz Nair is an FMT reader. The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.
BBC News
05-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- BBC News
First impressions of Martin
First impressions of Russell Martin?Very positive. He speaks well, has a clear vision of what he wants to do and how he wants his team to play, and is a big advocate of the one thing that could get him what he wants: hard clearly delighted to be the new Rangers head coach and says he wants to make up for his time here as a player when, to paraphrase his own words, he was a bit rubbish and wishes he could have offered driven, motivated and has a clear footballing philosophy.I asked him at the end of his first media conference if he expected to be given time. He isn't. He said he needs to win early. By that I thought he meant trophies. He clarified that as winning however, he knows he has to deliver for an expectant club and support. One thing is also clear: he is not afraid of the challenges ahead.
Malay Mail
03-06-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
From ironed uniforms to flexible work: Bridging Malaysia's generational gap — Mohd Zaidi Md Zabri
JUNE 3 — I grew up watching the hardest-working people I've ever known — my parents — build their lives with discipline, thrift, and remarkable resilience. They didn't talk much about sacrifice. They lived it. One of my fondest memories from childhood is the scent of spray starch on my father's army uniform, particularly his No. 3 work dress, a light olive-green ensemble worn for daily duties. Every morning, he'd iron it with military precision: sharp creases and clean lines. The scent of starch filled the air. It was oddly soothing. It signalled structure (pun intended, as my father served in the Royal Signal Regiment), responsibility, and a quiet pride in serving something bigger than oneself. Back then, hard work meant stability. Stability meant progress. That equation, however, doesn't carry the same weight today. When we overlook how the economic and social landscape has shifted, we risk misreading a fundamental change in values. We all grew up in different Malaysias My parents never asked for much. When my father retired from the military after 21 years, in a career he often summed up with quiet conviction as 'Mati hidup balik sekalipun, aku tetap jadi askar', he did so without much fanfare. They simply packed up their belongings, left the army quarters and returned to their hometown where they bought their first home — a modest single-storey terrace house paid for with his equally modest pension. Raising six children, they supplemented their income through long hours and hard labour. At the time, government pensions, community support, and frugality were enough to support a family of eight. But the Malaysia they lived in is no longer the one young people face today. Despite holding degrees and full-time jobs, many young Malaysians (the writer included) continue to struggle with home ownership, job security, and the rising cost of living. According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), the median household income in 2022 was RM6,338 per month, or roughly RM76,056 per year. Based on the global housing affordability benchmark, where a home should cost no more than three times the annual household income, a reasonably priced home in Malaysia should be around RM228,000. In contrast, data from the National Property Information Centre (NAPIC) shows that the Malaysian House Price Index for the first quarter of 2025 stood at 225.3 points, with the average house price at RM486,070 — more than double the affordable range. Behind these figures are personal struggles and difficult choices. These are not just economic pressures, they are deeply human. This isn't entitlement. It's adaptation. Different priorities, same worth The generation that built Malaysia's early economy placed immense value on order, loyalty, and seniority. In their time, these values aligned with a world where playing by the rules led to security. Today, that promise may no longer hold. Even those who follow the 'rules' — get a degree, secure a job, work hard — may still find themselves struggling. As a result, today's generation places greater emphasis on mental health, work-life balance, and meaningful engagement. They speak openly about burnout and push back against outdated norms that equate long hours with dedication. They seek dignity, not just stability. Purpose, not just pay checks. This isn't a moral failing, but a reflection of a changing world. In Islamic economic principles, fairness ('adl), compassion (ihsan), and balance is key to a just society. When times change, justice requires systems to adapt. What some may view as a lack of resilience is often structural strain — not individual weakness. Shifting values don't signal decline; they reflect reality. From blame to building Malaysia is ageing. By 2030, 15 per cent of our population will be over the age of 60. At the same time, younger generations i.e., Gen Z and Gen Alpha will dominate the workforce. Without mutual understanding, our social cohesion and economic vitality are at risk. Different generations have different concerns. Listen without labels. It is not a contest over who struggled more. Every generation faces unique challenges. — Picture by Choo Choy May In the workplace, older Malaysians value punctuality and tenure. Meanwhile, the younger ones seek autonomy and flexibility. National planning must evolve with the times. Our education, employment, and welfare systems need to reflect current realities, not just inherited assumptions. For instance, Malaysia could introduce a centralised 'portable benefits wallet' for gig workers, where contributions to retirement savings, healthcare, and social protection follow the worker — not the employer. This model, already being piloted in the US and parts of Europe, ensures that contract and gig workers are not left behind in an economy where job security is no longer guaranteed. Similarly, a housing start-up account for youth under 35, where the government matches a portion of savings — such as RM1 for every RM2 saved annually — could help first-time homebuyers overcome affordability barriers. This approach, inspired by Singapore's CPF model, would encourage long-term financial planning while making home ownership more attainable. These kinds of forward-looking policies recognise that fairness looks different across generations. And, therefore, so does respect. Listening without labels This is not a contest over who struggled more. Every generation faces unique challenges. Our parents endured physical hardship and economic scarcity. Young people today face emotional strain, inequality, and instability. Rather than judge, we must recognise our shared values — resilience, fairness, and compassion. Boomers bring legacy and wisdom. Gen X offers pragmatism and perspective. Millennials are drivers of innovation and collaboration. Gen Z contributes urgency and moral clarity. Islamic teachings remind us that diversity, including generational diversity, is a strength. Not something to manage, but to embrace. Let's move beyond labels. Let's listen more and assume less. And let's build a Malaysia where all generations can thrive — together. * Dr Mohd Zaidi Md Zabri is the Interim Director at the Centre of Excellence for Research and Innovation for Islamic Economics (i-RISE), ISRA Institute, INCEIF University. ** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
CNN
02-06-2025
- Business
- CNN
Analysis: Young people are skeptical of the American Dream
There are some striking divides in a new CNN poll, but they aren't necessarily the partisan kind Americans have come to expect: The divides are more gray than red versus blue. The first has to do with the American Dream, which a growing number of Americans feel is out of reach. Most, 54%, still agreed with the idea that 'people who want to get ahead can make it if they're willing to work hard,' in the new poll, conducted by SSRS. What's noteworthy is that when CNN asked the same question back in 2016, more than two-thirds of respondents, 67%, agreed with that optimistic idea. Looking at the new poll's results by age, younger Americans are less bullish that they can 'make it.' About half, 51%, of those under 45, felt that 'Hard work and determination are no guarantee of success for most people,' compared with 41% of those 45 and older. There's likely some partisanship behind those numbers, since younger Americans tend to be more liberal, despite the inroads that President Donald Trump and Republicans have made with young people. But the age divide exists, to a more modest extent, even within the Democratic Party. More than two-thirds of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents under 45 say that hard work and determination are no guarantee of success. A smaller portion, 62% of older Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents feel that way. Read the full report by CNN's Ariel Edwards-Levy. A second question in the poll asks whether the government should do more or whether it is trying to do too many things already. A majority, 58%, say the government should do more to solve the country's problems, up from just 51% when CNN asked the question nearly two years ago. More young people, 63% of those under 45, said they want more from the government, compared with 54% of those 45 and older. The government arguably does more for older people: It helps to provide health care in the form of Medicare and retirement benefits in the form of Social Security for a large portion of older Americans. At the same time, the ballooning national debt means those programs' future is on an unsustainable path for younger Americans. Asked about which party they feel represents their views on the economy, three-quarters of people over 45 picked either Democrats (32%) or Republicans (42%), leaving just about a quarter of older Americans who said neither party represented them on the economy. A larger portion of people under 45, 38%, said they did not feel represented by either party on the economy. Another CNN story published Monday might help explain some of the malaise felt by younger Americans. This is from CNN's report on the 'No hire, no fire' economy by Matt Egan: … Even as the overall labor market looks relatively healthy, economists say this is the worst market for new college graduates since the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. Recent grads are finding that it takes considerable time to get hired, leaving them unemployed and saddled with student debt for a frustratingly long time. For the first time since record-keeping on the topic began in 1980, the unemployment rate for recent graduates (those 22 to 27 years old with a bachelor's degree or higher) is consistently higher than the national unemployment rate, according to Oxford Economics. The unemployment rate for people between 20 and 24 is twice the national average, and there is evidence that companies are adjusting how they make entry-level hires as they adopt AI advancements. All of that could point to a distinct lack of optimism among younger Americans.
