Most people go to college at 18. They hardly have 40 hours a week to dedicate to fast food. At 23 the OP probably graduated pretty recently. Perhaps you havent heard, but we are in the middle of a worldwide financial crisis. It is very, very difficult for recent graduates to get employment.

Thats a load of bull. I am tired of hearing people moan about not being able to find jobs. The problem is not finding jobs that are available in the field that your degree is in, etc. Sucking up your selfish pride and taking a job at BK or any other fast food or retail job is hardly degrading. I am proud to have a job and anyone with any employment should be happy to have one too. Maybe going to college for a job that actually needs people would have been a better move.

Well you be proud of flipping those burgers sir.....good for you. Now as for the rest of us who have aspirations in life, we shall seek other forms of employment that we also can be proud of. Oh and you do realize that even finding a job at the local fast food restaurant isn't as easy as you make it seem. The corporations that own those establishments stand to loose money if they hire too many employees at any level. Couple this with the recent global recession and the amount of high schoolers and other randoms who already held these positions, it is very difficult for someone new to the work force to find work. Though I was being specific, this example applies to any kind of job that works in a similar fashion. Also I'm not trying to knock anybody that works in the fast food industry. If you're doing it as a temporary means to an end, thats fine; if you've made a career out of it and haven't gotten into management, then you might wanna consider a self evaluation.

No, it's very hard to find a job currently. I'm away at school and have an apartment so I stay here year round. My job just closed for summer because business is so slow [it's located on campus]. I've been searching since the beginning of June. I have went into everywhere in town and in the neighboring towns. There aren't any jobs available. I've gone to schools, offices, restaurants [including fast food], and stores. It depends on where you live. A coworker of mine went home for the summer and was able to find 2 jobs.

He did get a birthday present - a mirror for his new place. Could have been an expensive mirror - who knows. Who knows what the parents are going through. Right now being young in a recession has advantages. Many people my parents age have lost their 401Ks and other savings that supplement their life. They have to work more, work longer. They're probably sick of a money-grubbing adult.

most people are out of college by 23... its your birthday cry if you want to but we dont care about it, you're moved out so why are you surprised you have to take financial responsibilty

I don't think he expected a handout, I think he was expecting a birthday gift. Presumably if he told his mom what he wanted for his birthday there was precedent set, they're a family who gives each other gifts. Even if he's not financially independent (which I don't think the post implies, but whatever) that's also something he's presumably worked out with his mother based on their situation. (And there's a whole host of legitimate reasons why someone may not be financially independent at 23 - health issues come to mind.) If things were changing, you would think his Mom would let him know in a more tactful manner. Then again, I suppose it's equally possible that the Mom has been trying to tell him and he's not been hearing.

Your parents pay your tuition? Soo lucky. I'm going into my second year of college and paid every cent myself. I'll likely need a loan in another year or so.

The mirror was a nice gift. The note made it insulting. There's a more appropriate time for reitorating that life lesson that as a "part" of his birthday gift. She should've just given the mirror if that's all she wanted (or was able) to do.