John Mellencamp discourages his children from working traditional jobs

While most parents push their children toward careers, John Mellencamp does the opposite.

The 74-year-old rocker said he never encouraged his children to get jobs, telling them they should focus on what makes them happy instead of working 9 to 5.

“I’m the only father in the world who doesn’t encourage his kids to work,” Mellencamp joked during a recent appearance on “The Joe Rogan Experience.” “It’s like, why do you want to go to work?”

The “Jack & Diane” singer is the father of five children: daughter Michelle, 55, whom he shares with ex-wife Priscilla Esterline; daughters Teddi, 44, and Justice, 40, with ex-wife Victoria Granucci.

Mellencamp also has sons Hud, 31, and Speck, 30, with his wife Elaine Irwin.

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John Mellencamp shares the surprising reason he tells his kids not to get jobs. (Timothy Norris/Getty Images for the Recording Academy)

Despite his blunt suggestion, Mellencamp said his children didn’t exactly follow his advice.

“It’s just like, damn, this work thing. Do what you want to do. You’re 31. You’re good-looking. You’re 31, you could beat the shit out of anyone in the room,” he said. “But I think he’s getting to the age where he wants to get a job.”

Mellencamp admitted he has mixed feelings about his son’s potential willingness to work, especially since Hud still lives near his father.

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“And I don’t want him to leave because he still lives on my property. And it’s nice. I love having him there,” he said.

Singer/songwriter John Mellencamp and his son, Hud Mellencamp, backstage on October 12, 1996. (Rick Diamond/Getty Images)

Mellencamp added that having his adult children nearby is something he values ​​more than independence or career milestones.

“It’s nice to be able to pick up the phone and have one of your kids come over quickly,” he added.

The rock legend has spoken openly in the past about his family, his health and staying connected to his children as he grows up.

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John Mellencamp defends the happiness rather than the careers of his five children, including Teddi Mellencamp. (Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for JM)

Mellencamp has previously opened up about his daughter Teddi and her ongoing battle with cancer.

He urged the former “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star to return to Indiana so he could be closer to her while she undergoes treatment.

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“I tried to convince her to come home,” Mellencamp said on “Today” earlier this week.

John Mellencamp says he never encouraged his children to work. (Gary Miller/Getty Images)

“I said, ‘Go back to Indiana, take the kids and come back to live in Indiana,’ but she won’t do it,” he added.

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Teddi first revealed in March 2022 that she had been diagnosed with stage 2 melanoma. In April 2025, she said the cancer had progressed to stage IV and spread to her brain and lungs.

She then underwent surgery to remove tumors from her brain, explaining at the time that doctors discovered other tumors during the procedure.