The Millenials Have My Attention
I am intrigued by the generation right behind mine. The Millenial Generation (sometimes referred to as Generation Y, but they don't like that because it's like being called a "junior") are those people born around 1977-1995.I happen to be one of the oldest members of the Gen X'ers, so I've always been what's considered a "cusper". I have some characteristics of the boomers and some of the X'ers. But the Millenials are like a whole new breed to me.
Lately, I've had very specific observations about them:
* Many of them are returning to very traditional values and gender roles.
* They do seem to be the most color-blind generation in history.
*They are becoming passionately involved in the presidential race, and have been particularly inspired by Obama.
*The death of Heath Ledger has hit them pretty hard. Maybe this is the first young celebrity dying before his time for this group? (At least since Kurt Cobain.)
I am often frustrated by this generation when I have to work with them in the business world. Or when they work for me. They are definitely motivated by different things, and have a very different perspective of the world.
However, in general, I think this generation is going to be a force to be reckoned with. I think the boomers, and us X'ers need to pay close attention, be ready to change, be ready to learn, or we will get lost in the overall shuffle!
posted by Aileen @ 9:03 PM
5 comments
5 Comments:
I'm from right in the middle of Millennial Generation and I must say that I find the response in the current presidential primary astounding. I was in NH for the Primaries and the thing I found most interesting was that there were Gen Y people working hard on every campaign. This campaign thanks the high numbers of candidates early on seems to have something for everyone and sparked a number of us into action.
As far as perspectives in the world go, well... that's a whole different story.
If the characteristics you cite are accurate, then I'm sure the rest of us can learn some things from Gen Y, especially racial colorblindness and active participation in elections, but hopefully not celebrity worship!
I wonder, do we all think that we're the exception? I'm definitely Gen X, but my workaholic tendencies seem more like a boomer trait and I'm at the end of Gen X. Nature? Nurture? I guess it always comes down to that. At the tail of Gen X, I kind of grew up with computers but not like the following generation. It really is (or was) a different world in which they were raised.
My impression is that they have high expectations of their first, and second, and third jobs, being willing to change jobs often in search of mostly money but probably fulfillment as well. They want it all as soon as they can get it.
What aspects of working with us have been frustrating for you?
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