What do you think about Generation Y in the workplace?
A friend of mine asked me that question the other day. I’ve just finished up a project about generations in the workplace and I’ve done a lot of reading and writing about that question. I also know that question is a prelude to Gen Y bashing. And, if you believed everything you read in the media about them — they’re entitled, they’re rude, they don’t want to pay they’re dues — you’d probably have a pretty dim view of them, too. However, I beg to differ. I’m actually optimistic about them and their future. Why?
A little — or a lot — of adversity is a good thing: Demographically, things looked pretty good on paper for Gen Y once upon a time. As the children of the Boomers, they would be moving up in the workforce and the time their parents would be moving out. With a far smaller generation in line ahead of them, chances to move up looked pretty good. The recession has changed all of that. With unemployment at its highest point since the early 1980s, the jobs aren’t there and many Boomers are postponing retirement, making this a hard time for an entry-level person to break into the workforce. How is Gen Y responding? By getting entrepreneurial or looking overseas for work. Sure, it’s not sliding into an $80k-a-year job right out of college, but I think the experience of starting a business or working abroad will be far more valuable. Through my career, I know that I’ve learned more from the adversity than the easy times. Gen Y will too
Gen Y is a war generation: For the past eight Septembers, the United States has been at war. Although the percentage of vets in this generation will be far lower than the World War II generation, the impact will be profound. First, young, educated people who have options are choosing the military. Whether their motivation is idealism or adventure, they choose this service and I think those experiences and the lessons learned will ultimately benefits American business. Exhibit A: this Fort Worth blogger who is currently serving in Iraq. I like his chances in the future because of his understanding of social media. I look at his site and think, “This guy gets it.” Also, the new GI Bill will open doors for young people who might not have had a shot at a college degree any other way. Regardless of how you feel about these wars, these veterans will have an impact on the workforce.
You get what you look for: Maybe I’m just lucky enough to have come across the some bright examples of this generation, but I believe you find what you are looking for. I’ve met plenty of smart, eager and mature GenYers who I believe will do quite well in the future. Are they struggling now? Yes, but so are most people. Look, older generations have been complaining about the young forever, and, for some reason, a generation is always most critical of the one that follows it. If you want to believe these young people are lazy and spend all of their time on Facebook, you can find them. But I’d encourage you to shoot a little higher. If you are looking for more insights on Gen Y, check out this blog post on ERE.net.
Am I the only one who feels this way? What are your thoughts about Gen Y in the workplace?
Steven,
Thanks for thinking of me when it comes to hope for “Gen Y.” I love your site. I really miss “West and Clear,” but I totally understand what it takes to keep up with a blog.
SGT Adam Stone
Thanks for your service, Adam. Stay safe and get back to Fort Worth soon!