When did it become the standard to do just enough mediocre work to get through the day?

A recent outing, away from the protective bubble I call home, reinforced a belief I’ve held for a while. An entire generation of helicopter parenting and participation trophies started a crack in the very fabric of our society. If Hipsters weren’t annoying enough, now we have created a new social phenomenon marked with the selfie photos and instant gratification. They’re called Selfsters.

image from post memes via flickr creative commons

A Selfster, as the moniker states is a self-centered individual whose focus in life is the lemming-like pursuit of personal glorification at the expense of everyone in their blast radius.

Waiting in line does not apply to this demographic. There is always reason they need admittance before the rest of us common folk. And he/she will do so with a cell phone glued to their ear, loud talking about how lame this place is.

I’m so special
image by david namachuka via flicker creative commons

A lifetime of happy face stickers for showing up and a pat on the back for zipping your fly after you pee, sets up unattainable expectations in the real world.

Unless the Selfster has a trust fund, they need to find a means of support. Having a total self focus, as they do, creates a dilemma. How do they “work” for someone else, who does not share their belief that the universe revolves around them? Do they demand a gold star everyday they show up for the job? A work world where employers have to treat everyone the same, must feel like Purgatory.

Selfsters do not adapt well to customer service jobs. The heavy sigh you give me before you put your cell phone down and help me, is bad enough, but you don’t need to give me the eye roll to know that this job is so beneath you. We obviously don’t appreciate what you have to offer, but that could be because we only see your Instagram selfie catalog skills. The same photo, the same duck lipped, head tipped pose. Yes, you are so complex and talented.

The need for constant positive reinforcement is no different than a Labrador Retriever. Pet me, love me pay attention to me and only me.

image by jack bents via flickr creative commons

The Selfster does only what they have to do, the bare minimum, not because they’re last, its because they don’t care.

A law enforcement agency recently announced their annual awards program. The Selfster generation has permeated the ranks and apparently, feelings are hurt when everyone doesn’t get recognized for something. So, the officer who excels, or exhibits valor shouldn’t be acknowledged because others don’t get their pat on the back for meeting minimum expectations. This law enforcement agency is actually proving everyone with some recognition, showing up on time, not using excessive amounts of sick leave, dressing appropriately for the workplace most of the time, and a reduction in the f-bombs dropped in public.

We have participation trophies to blame.