This young man will one day thank you. That is, if it sticks. If it doesn't the first time he will likely find his way back later though. Good work sir.

Regarding your brother in-law. This is a story I know well. As I've said, I have a blue collar background and have many friends that work in skilled trades and agriculture. This statement has been one I've heard for at least 20 years.

And they say it is getting worse. Its sad really. The moral decline of our people in the US. The fact that so few people see the value in work and actually care about their reputation.

I was told many years ago by my father that if I worked hard, was honest, and showed up on time I'd never go hungry. It has always been true. In the 90s during the recession I lost multiple jobs but I always found a new one. It motivated me to develop more skills that would be in demand. I now know that one of the most important things about mental health is to do good work. You can't trick your mind into thinking you are worth something when you know you are phoning it in. When you know you provide value it really makes the work more enjoyable. Many people today seem to forget that when they are paid to do something by someone else that the money they receive is proof of their value. As humans we have more value than just our work we do but this exchange of value for value is proof of value. I believe any work when done with the right perspective can be rewarding but out culture has distorted our view of money and the value of work.

I probably sound old to the younger stackers but I bet you get what I'm saying @siggy47