Comments on: Millennials don’t really exist

By: Millennial or something

Millennial or something — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 02:11:40 +0000

-Lazy? More like bored out of our minds. I’ve already been labeled as a fast and efficient worker. If I spend half my time on Facebook, it’s because I’m not being challenged.We’ve been told for years that we can do anything. I think more people my age are experiencing a Quarter Life Crisis, because we almost feel lied to. It’s like finding out there is o Santa at age 24. I think this sense of restlessness will lead to high achievement though. I did the whole compromising my work schedule thing. Good thing my managers are all GenX. I’m pretty sure my Boomer supervisor thought I was lazy though, even though I work 80 times faster than her.
-Narcissistic- I have to disagree on this one. We are actually rather narcissistic. If we aren’t in charge of some huge corporation, or world-changing movement, somehow we’ve failed. GenXers coined the term Quarter Life Crisis, but Millennials perfected it. Check out http://www.qlc.com and witness all the sob stories of people my age.

I believe their are generational differences but I don’t think it’s fair to stereotype. I’ve read a ton of Howe & Strauss, and their assessments of each generation are balanced. Instead of ‘good’ and ‘bad’, ‘important’ and ‘frivolous’ generations, the talk about the unique and essential contributions of each generation. I think Millennials are a distinct generation, but you’re right we’re still being formed.

You must be GenX though because you say Really? a lot. Just thought I’d throw one stereotype in there.

By: Jeremy Nulik

Jeremy Nulik — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 16:03:32 +0000

Wayne –
Thanks for your review and for weighing in with your expertise on the subject. Where were you when I tried to write this thing. I think your comments sum up my feelings on the subject of generationalism. This field is wrought with hacks. As for the individual, I think you give some great advice. Look to your elders for some wisdom and youth for energy.

I think that the best advice that I have seen is to understand that each person has something that you can learn. In keeping this mindset, you can drown out all the cookie-cutter psychology and open your mind. This tends to begin the process of breaking down walls for me.

Thanks Wayne.

By: Wayne

Wayne — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 06:10:03 +0000

I’ve spent about 6 years of semi-professional generational research. Those years have brought me to the conclusion that generationalism is an unnecessary psychosis placed on America by marketers looking for a new angle to sell their expertise. If one wants to play the game, then look to the works or works based on social historians Strauss and Howe. At least they present a half way disciplined and scientific look at the subject.

But we really need to stop trying to define a person by some suspect age-based stereotype.Instead we need to take the time to learn who that person really is.

If you really want to find your place in history, recognize that your birthyear gave you a unique viewpoint in time while looking to your elders for experience and to the youth for inspiration.

By: Jeremy Nulik

Jeremy Nulik — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 13:01:45 +0000

Thanks Pat for your review.

Indeed, the stereotyping occurs both ways. I suppose that many younger folks in the workplace struggle with the James Dean “Rebel Without a Cause” temperament that the older folks “just don’t get it” as well. A dangerous stereotype. There is much we all have to offer each other, and we can make the most out of our contribution when we begin to value each other as humans.

I say this, of course, because I do this perfectly…hmmmm…not really, but I am making the effort.

By: Pat

Pat — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 20:23:04 +0000

Jeremy…this is a great perspective to offer managers. There have always been differences between generations and it’s time to appreciate what every age brings into the workplace.

I’ve coached the younger generation with issues around work/life balance. Though they have been classified as ‘lazy’ so many of them are working as long hours of older generations.

What is important is for a manager to create a respectful workplace that provides challenges, growth and accountability for all. Let go of the stereotypes….

Pat

P.S. I’m a baby boomer and just had a 23 year old tell me that those over 40 are not flexible and they make generalizations about the younger employees. It wasn’t based on anything I said…I got a double laugh because over the hill use to be 30 and now it’s 40 and because her statement was a generalization about over 40 year olds.

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