Photo by Curtis Garbutt, used under Creative Commons licence.

The world has changed for professional people.  Once upon a time, a good career meant living independently early in life. Now… it’s much harder.

Young professionals are finding that it takes longer than they want to achieve than independence. Housing costs are very high, and rising. You might have left home to study, then find you need to move back while you pay off some debt and establish yourself in life. This can be very frustrating, and feel like a step backwards.

That means re-negotiating your relationship with your parents. You’re not a child any more. Respect is important. But it has to work both ways, and if you’re under your parents’ roof, you need to show respect for them too.  So here’s my motto: who has the Crown Jewels, rules!  Mum and dad worked hard so you could have opportunities in life. They saved money. They budgeted and planned to give you a good life. Your turn will come. 

If you want to be a leader, start by showing patience and respect

When children come to our classes, we listen to how they behave at home before we decide if they are ready to progress in class. Are they helping older relatives?  Assisting around the house or with younger siblings?   A black belt is a big step up to maturity. When they are ready to take it, it will show in your behaviour and actions, not just in lessons but everywhere.

And the same is true for adults too. There’s a lot of intergenerational conflict these days: young people blaming old people for problems their generation created.  Old people demonising young people and saying that the world is going to the dogs.

Intergenerational respect begins in families. It begins with patience and listening.  If you want to be a real leader, start by showing those qualities.