[drharris]

And when they're 24 and still at home because "working at the local gas station just isn't what fulfills [their] passion", you might wish differently. An easy environment rarely creates something worthwhile. Steel, and all that.

[poorelise]

Well sure sometimes work is necessary. But too many people never question it. That is what I worry about. Working at the gas station will only get you through the day, it will never set you free.

I think there will be enough opportunities for the kid to learn about having to work (like household chores, school homework).

And actually even setting up for enjoyable work will probably have some less enjoyable aspects.

And also, creating your own business isn't easy.

[drharris]

Agreed. I got really caught up in the "be your own boss" mentality and career path until I realized that I hated the business side of things, didn't like collecting money from people, and would rather spend time increasing technical abilities rather than learning business stuff. In the end, the corporate route (despite its obvious issues) made me happier. But, I also put in a lot of hours at lesser jobs along the way to get me to this point. No gas stations, but plenty of other jobs that are just a paycheck. Didn't make me happy, but they did pay the bills while I was getting a degree.