Looks like I really f***** up when I dodged the mission bullet. Typing that made me laugh my ass off. As much as I don't like the church, if I had gone on a mission, I would really be pissed off.
I don't know about the rest of you but I've heard similar things as such throughout the years.
You know, "Mormons are prosperous", "Serving an honorable mission will grant you a golden ticket to prosperity and happiness", "Those two years will be the greatest years of your life", etc.
But looking back, I think that serving a mission and in some cases getting a random college degree (art history, human development, etc.) is overrated and a waste of time.
To get ahead in this world you have to be a get a long/ go a long kiss ass. The Mormon Church being the ultimate corporation, is excellent training for those who can stomach the dishonesty, image and appearances. In the meantime this sociey collapses as the real business moves to China.
Lot's of returned missionaries come home and amount to nothing. My nephew comes to mind. He has done nothing since he has returned home. He's basically a burger flipper that lives with mom and dad.
I can't think of a mission really building up anybody. The leaders were leaders before they even got on the mission. The followers still follow. The unstable go more nuts on the mission. I pretty much think missions are burning time in the twilight zone more than anything.
The article has a point. Many great businesspeople have a sociopathic side to them. Missions definitely bring out the narcissistic, win-at-all-cost, "you know better than they do" attitude. I went on a mission because I thought I would be able to really serve people and make the world a better place. What a fool I was. I was taught how to sell a crappy product, block out my conscience, and work like a machine. I can honestly say my mission made me a better business person. What it did not do was make me a better person. I'm still trying to recover from the programming.
They all appeared to have had consciences but, maybe not. They were ALWAYS so attentive and compassionate.Or so it seemed. Even when I'd committed and cancelled twice they almost didn't leave me alone for a time, but, eventually they did. They didn't appear to mind if i'd changed my mind. All except one incident where a tear came out and it was stated "Satan changed your mind"