I think that we're at a point economically that it doesn't even make sense to point out mistakes that entrepreneurs may or may not have made... Even without any mistakes, the odds of failure for a small business are still ridiculously high. As a rule of thumb, all the capital goes straight to corporations. You can't build a business out of the current environment. You can hack, lie or cheat your way but you can't do it fair and square anymore.

Agree completely. Which is why... blaming the current generation of workers seems unhelpful. I hope the OP will realize that.

True. There's definitely a vicious cycle.

These days you have to work like a maniac to get a 10% chance of success. It's not very motivating. It's better to save yourself the mental trauma, take a cushy job and get a 90% chance of being able to retire.

I think his first 3 points are valid, but the 4th should have been left out. All generations, young and old, have their fair share of entitled + lazy people. It's never been easy to find hard working, loyal people. Never. Blaming it on the current culture, or the "youth" is understandable, but ultimately misguided.

One of the undervalued skills in entrepreneurship is the ability to not only find, but successfully hire and retain, excellent employees. It's never been easy.

Let's say you are right. How would you do better? What actual practical advice do you have to offer this person who at least tried?

I agree on the point that you can't just say "kids these days..." as every generation blames the one before and kids are always "lazy".