According to USA Today, Generation Y (babies born roughly around 1980-1995) are hitting the workforce harder than ever these days.
Generation Y have been nurtured and spoiled since we were little. We have high expectations for our employers, want to have immediate responsibilities, need constant feedback, and are extremely goal-oriented. We are independent thinkers and are technologically knowledgeable. However, it seems we are upsetting our older employers with our modern views on life.
First off, we put more top priorities on our personal lives rather than work. We want flexible jobs and jobs that will accommodate for our family responsibilities. Family values are important to us and we won't double think missing work for our children.
Secondly, our idea of work attire is more casual. Let's face it, we love all of the cute flip-flops and flats. We want to keep up with what is fashionable rather than what is appropriate.
Thirdly, we are financially prepared for the future. We know that contributing to our 401(k) is beneficial and necessary. My parents even started a Roth IRA account for me when I was 16 years old.
So why can't we work with the older generations? Why are we creating conflict? Do we lack respect for our older employers? Or have we become the narcissistic generation?
I think Gen Y needs to calm down and chill out some. I know we were raised to believe that we can accomplish anything and be independent, but we're not going to climb the executive ladder in any company if we keep taking companies by storm. We need to realize WE DON'T DESERVE RESPECT, WE HAVE TO EARN IT.
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2 comments:
Good post. Some of the things about the Gen Y workers sound OK, though, like wanting more family time. Your generation is just not willing to become cogs in the corporate machine, so bosses have been describing you as hard to work with. In her book, Jean Twenge has a chapter on this--young workers being too "in-your-face" and honest rather than polite in dealing with superiors. So some adjustment has to be made. You suggest the Generation Y needs to adapt; maybe both sides need to do some adapting.
The older generations are upset with us because of the last point you made. We need to earn respect, we aren't entitled to it. They have worked many years to get where they are, and they see us coming into the workforce demanding raises withing the first six weeks. They think to themselves, "I was just as qualified as they are, they are immature, they got this job because their dad golfs with the boss." I think they are completely justified in their anger, and we need to slow down and have some respect for our elders.
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