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Here’s the thing: people talk a lot about how special Generation Y is. I wonder if we’re getting a little too much undeserved praise.
We say we’re going to change the workplace, but are we really doing anything so far besides benefiting from the situation we’re in?
Generation Y has a huge population, and this has shifted power in the workplace to make companies more adept to giving us what we want in order to retain us. Furthermore, we have our Boomer parents who, for the most part, have paid our way through life, through college, and even beyond as we search for the perfect career opportunities that allow us to collect a fat paycheck while still being able to work flexible hours. We’ve spent our whole lives getting everything we demanded from our parents: a cell phone, a TV, a new car on our 16th birthday; and now we waltz into the workplace and expect the same treatment. Sure, older generations give us what we want; but begrudgingly, because, like everything else in our lives thus far, we did nothing to earn it.
It’s really no wonder that other generations resent us the way they do. We say we’re creating this massive shift in the workplace, but really, most of it has been created for us. Of course, we’re happy to take advantage of it, just as we were happy to show off and brag about our brand new cars to our friends, conveniently forgetting that we didn’t actually earn the money that paid for them.
Here’s how I think we are contributing to the workplace: longer hours. As much as we say we are not willing to sell our time, do any of us work less than 45+ hour weeks? No, because we’re so desperate to stay ahead of the other rich, bright, hard-working, degree-holding overachievers in our generation.
We insist we are too smart to do the crap work. We demand tasks and projects that are meaningful. But who, then, is qualified to do the busy work? An undergraduate degree is practically a prerequisite for getting a decent-paying job these days, and anyone with a college education is too busy and important to waste their time on administrative duties, says us.
I am reminded of the movie GATTACA, where science creates a superhuman race through genetic births, leaving anyone conceived the normal way left cleaning toilets. Is that really what Generation Y wants to be remembered for - the generation that divided the workplace into the over privileged vs. the underprivileged? The generation that killed off the middle-class worker?
While we’re on the subject, let’s talk then about money: how many of us are actually saving, or even (gasp) investing? Most of the Gen Y’ers I know are living paycheck to paycheck, and their higher salaries are going toward their rent and student loans. Oh, and the 54″ inch HDTV they had to own. And shopping trips for clothes and furniture they didn’t need.
If 30 is the new 20, retirements really are dead, as Ryan Healy says. Because we’re going to be so far behind in saving for a traditional retirement, and so focused on instant gratification, that we won’t be able to afford it. A conscious choice we are making, or the consequence of our “me now” upbringing? To me, a three month vacation now sounds like a sad consolation to having to work the rest of my life.
Don’t get me wrong, I love being a member of Generation Y. I want to believe we actually are special and can bring about the change we idealistically cling to. But right now I have more questions than answers, and I have to wonder if all the generational talk is making us forget what’s important - that every generation has contributed to where we are at now. That we all need to figure out where we belong in this new workplace we’ve been inching towards for the past 30 years.
And above all, Generation Y needs to consider the change we are actually creating, because, in the end, we’re the ones who will have to live with our choices.
This post is flawed for exactly the generalizations that Ian and Lance pointed out. Who is this "we" that you continually refer to? I've read many an article and post about Generation Y, and this seems like a rehash of the standby insults: we're spoiled, we're going to change our workplaces in some vague way, and we haven't made any real contributions to society. And we will also cause both the death of the middle class and the death of retirement. Right. In the words of Cher Horowitz, "as if."
Instead of making baseless complaints about our generation supposedly throwing our money at 54-inch TVs and clothes and furniture we allegedly don't need, you could focus on the change you would like to see in the world. What is this big change you're expecting from "Generation Y", which can encompass anyone from age 28 to a newborn baby? Where are you looking for this change? Are you actually asking your peers what they are doing to make a difference, or are you expecting an ABC News Special Report on the accomplishments of Generation Y? If it's the latter, then you will continue to be disappointed, because just like your post, most "reporters" are eager to point out the unsubstantiated faults of our "Generation", rather than look at all the good we are giving back to the world.
I like this post because its critical and somewhat self-deprecating. That makes it more thoughtful. I think it would be an interesting exercise for the bloggers here to argue the opposite of their prior self-serving positions on gender, generation, hierarchy etc. Then defend their arguments. The socratic method, so to speak.
Wow Monica, this is one of the most insightful descriptions of Gen Y I've ever read. I couldn't agree with you more and I think you raise some really interesting points.
There does seem to be a ton of hype surrounding Gen Y. Personally, I don't even think we've had enough time to demonstrate whether the hype's even worth it or not!
I suppose only time will tell whether we've lived up to our legend, so to speak. There's a lot of pressure on us to change things and I think it'll be interesting to see what happens.
Monica, I like this post; very well thought out! I'm finally seeing some realism...
As always, I have to question something! ;)
"We’ve spent our whole lives getting everything we demanded from our parents: a cell phone, a TV, a new car on our 16th birthday; and now we waltz into the workplace and expect the same treatment. Sure, older generations give us what we want; but begrudgingly, because, like everything else in our lives thus far, we did nothing to earn it."
This finally explains a lot of what I'm reading. I'm not sure if you're just making gross generalizations again, but I'm sure there are several of us who didn't have parents that could afford to buy us cars, TVs, cell phones or "everything we demanded".
Thus, I find your assertion that "we have done nothing to earn it" is perpetuating a very negative stereotype. Some of us worked 35 hours a week during college to pay for it; some of us bought our own cars and cell phones with our own hard earned money; some of us will buy houses without having our parents help with the down payment.
"just as we were happy to show off and brag about our brand new cars to our friends, conveniently forgetting that we didn’t actually earn the money that paid for them."
Don't get me wrong: If your parents can afford to buy you houses and cars, that's great; you have a nice head start on life. I have a few friends like this. However, you don't really have bragging rights, because as you mentioned, it wasn't truly earned. It's much more impressive to see someone who's worked/earned the things they've got.
Bragging about material things is pathetic and even more so if there's no accomplishment behind it...
Monica: Good post. Well thought out. The one thing I'd like to add is that I don't think other generations resent Gen Y. Gen Y has a unique situation in that they can blog and millions can read their ideas and thoughts while they are in their 20s. Those thoughts are quite typical for someone in your lifestage. However, in the past, those ideas were either spoken to a few - or possibly written in an editorial in a college newspaper. Therefore, as Xers and Boomers and Silents and everyone before them learned some tough lessons on how to frame their ideas about their generation and the future in front of a a handful of older collegues who set them straight. Gen Y is doing it in front of millions.
Therefore, when you're writing about how great one group is (and that doesn't have to be a generational cohort), if you're not careful, you will alienate the other groups (which, by the way, you did NOT do here - nice job). Think about it. "Tall people are so great. They can reach things on the top shelf!" Kind of implies it sucks to be short.
I've been speaking on this topic for a lot of years now (as an Xer working in a Boomer dominated workforce). I used to really piss off the Boomers until I learned to acknowledge their contribution. Now I just piss off the Millennials - still working on that one :)
A interesting post, while researching employee motivation I came across this over at Crystal-d a post by your boss on "10 Ways Generation Y Will Change the Workplace" I found very interesting, as I was born preboomer so a "Gen A" I guess.
Having grown up in a rather affluent area, I remember the kids who had the new cars at 16 and rarely lifted a finger for them, while at the same time I worked 40 hours a week from the age of 15 and drove quite a few POS cars (1986 Dodge Aries, anyone?). Looking back, I'm glad that life didn't hand me everything I wanted, only the opportunity to GET everything I wanted.
That being said, I think it's critical to want the things you already have, not constantly crave more.
As a Baby Boomer, I have watched my parents (Veterans) work their fingers to the bone, and I have now watched as Gen X went through the Dot Com Boom and Bust. I am the parent of 3 Gen Y's, and here is what I think.
I believe that Gen Y is here to show us that the complexity we have been so wound up in over the last 20 years is ridiculous. We create death in careers through endless meetings, we stifle creativity, and we have this belief that was worn out ages ago that says "Thou must work your fingers to the bone in order to get ahead." That is ridiculous, and it's killing us.
Gen Y knows how to get the job done and get it done efficiently and effectively so that we have time to do what we all want to do...have free time to play and as my son says "chill." So, let's start looking at the lessons we can learn from this. There's a time to work (and yes, this does mean sweating at times), and there's a time to play...and remember...play time is productive time. We can't do great work if our brains are fried.
I can't help but feel that you are talking about a very specific segment of the population - the one with which you are most familiar.
I did not get all of those things growing up. As a matter of fact, I can remember very vividly having to sell my My Little Ponies at a garage sale to buy a bike. And no cell phone until my 21st birthday, and I rejoiced when I got to choose and purchase entirely on my own my current car, a used Pontiac Vibe, at age 26. I also paid my way through college, and yes, live with unreal student loans.
I realize that even in this case I have been very fortunate. I live in a blue collar town. I watch other people my age living very responsible, very hard lives, much like previous generations. They already own homes, have children, and punch their cards at the refineries, making far more than I as pipefitters and riggers.
Boomers weren't saving at 26 - they were out protesting wars and hoofing it through Morocco and picking their way through California. Let's have a little perspective. Maybe we're the Anxious Generation. We could learn a little bit from that generation and just take it easy instead of being the new Me Generation.
Maybe you should have included a large banner at the top that says "THIS POST INCLUDES GENERALIZATIONS" for those who don't understand it. I am worried that this aspect of your post will overshadow the good points you've made.
Yes, it is a generalization. Much like "Americans like cars" or "Brazilians like soccer." Is it true 100% of the time? No, and that's not the intent. I am sure a lot of pretty snowflakes are going to show themselves in your post and say "Hey, I'm a pretty little snowflake, unique and different than everyone else." Stories of 30-80 hour workweeks will commence with the moral of the story being "See, not everyone is like this!" as if that's what you were arguing.
What I find very telling from people who cry foul over generalizations is that the fruit isn't too far from the tree. If you truly didn't fit the mold (or if you simply accepted your entitlement and moved on), you wouldn't take offense to a post that generalizes an entire generation. You would have perspective to stand back and say "You know, that's generally true. Certain aspects of it don't apply to me but as a generation, we have to be more skeptical of the impact we are all going to make."
This is a very well thought out post, Monica. A lot of your points are well taken, but I think they may only be applicable to a minority of actual Gen Y workers. It is very true that many (too many) of us had parents who were more than willing to do everything in their power to spoil us, making sure we wanted for nothing instead of taking the time to teach us that these things they bought us cost money, which comes from the trading of their precious life energy for that money, and that perhaps we would be better served not getting hooked on always having the newer, shinier, whatchamajigger. However, many (dare I say, many MORE) Gen Y’ers came from less than priveleged backgrounds, as Ian says, and earned for ourselves the money to buy a used car to get us from A to B, and the cell phone that we figured we had to have because, well, everybody else did.
As I’ve started my career post grad school, one of the things I’ve quickly learned is that I am NOT willing to hitch myself to the career-fast track that comes with a one-way ticket to work-spend-work-spend consumerville. You ask how many of us work 45+ hours desperately trying to stay ahead of the other overachievers - I, for one, am just the opposite, as not only do I refuse to put in more than the 40 hours per week necessary to qualify for my benefits, but I am rather exploring options about how to wittle down my working hours to be able to survive happily on what main stream society would consider “part-time” work.
So many in our parents generation got addicted to their yuppie lifestyles, working to the bone in their 20s and 30s, wasting the best years of their lives in pursuit of material excess, and only now as they approach middle age and retirement are they seeing the errors of their ways and attempting to simplify their lives.
Forty hours per week is entirely too long to do anything, in my opinion, except maybe sleep. Especially when the only things you are chasing are more money (to buy more crap you don’t need), more responsibility (equating to more stress), and even more time on the job (working more to get ahead now certainly won’t translate to working less in the years to come).
Let those privileged few that you mentioned spend their time feeling slighted when they aren’t handed everything on a silver platter by their bosses as they were their parents, teachers, and coaches in the past. They’ll feel slighted, and perhaps even work harder to get what it is they think they are entitled to.
I’ll be stepping off the beaten path, doing work that I enjoy on the hours that I set for myself, knowing that it does not take nearly 100K per year for me to have everything I need to be happy.
I sincerely hope that many Gen Y’ers will come to the same realization sooner rather than later, after they too have wasted their best years stuck in some cubicle farm of fluorescent lighting.
Cheers!
Really? Perhaps the real problem is most of generation Y was raised as spoiled brats - so undue praise indeed.
[We’ve spent our whole lives getting everything we demanded from our parents: a cell phone, a TV, a new car on our 16th birthday; and now we waltz into the workplace and expect the same treatment. Sure, older generations give us what we want; but begrudgingly, because, like everything else in our lives thus far, we did nothing to earn it.]
Wow, lots of comments here. Thanks everyone.
Nocat, your "boss" comment made me laugh. Interestingly, "boss" doesn't describe the relationships of a startup very well.
On generalizations: please, question no more. I'm making them in sweeps to illustrate a point.
So yes, what I'm describing is a little upper-middle class suburbia. And just to clarify, I don't even fit the mold fully - got the hand-me-down family car at 19, bought my own cell phone (because all my friends had them) and only graduated from undergrad with no debt because I got a ton of merit-based scholarships.
But I ran with the crowd I'm describing, and I'll admit we grew up comfortably, where getting a summer job was optional and our parents could bail us out if needed. I wouldn't be where I am today without my parents doting on me. We can all relate to that.
On saving: I think Boomers didn't save at our age because they relied on their pensions. Those are gone, right? We don't want to work at a company for 30+ years, and sometimes I think we've fallen into the delusion that somehow, we're still going to be able to retire young, without saving now and without investing into a company with our time.
I also really question if Gen Y cares about 401ks. I do think Gen Y demands them, but only because we demand everything. When it comes to ranking what's most important to us, 401ks and even health care benefits probably fall lower than flexible hours and work that we enjoy. Personally, I've left a job that led the workplace in excellent 401k and health care benefits for a more fun work environment.
On productivity: is it really Gen Y who is productive, or is it that we understand technology a little better than older generations? I think Gen X has a fairly good grasp on technology, seeing as they are the ones who have invented the newest of it. Gen Y has had about 6 years in the workforce, but much of the technology we are speaking of came before that. Who came up with the internet? Who came up with cell phones? Not Gen Y.
I believe Gen Y knows technology, and we can teach older generations how to use it effectively. But let's not take all the credit for revolutionizing the workplace with it.
As I said in the post, these are only the questions. The answers will come long from now, but if we can have some forethought, maybe we can shape those answers, rather than just live with them.
Well done Monica.
This is exactly what I have been waiting to see - Gen Y stepping up as leaders. Making the future not just for themselves but for everyone else too.
BTW I have taught in universities until recently and most of my students had jobs. Anything up to 40 hours a week. I was in awe of their stamina and learned to respect their time constraints and be more efficient than we used to be. They didn't have things handed to them on a plate as individuals. Security of employment has also gone it is true. But there is an 'ease' which wasn't around even for the middle class and privileged thirty years ago.
I am glad to see you opening the leadership debate.
Great post Monica. I think a major factor is the Virtual world the Gen Y'ers have grown up in. Has anyone else noticed Gen-Y speech patterns are different than Boomers? They seem to speak faster, and choppier... technology effects?
There are some great posts at http://www.Vaboomer.com about Gen Y & Boomers.
~ Nancy Mehegan
Jo, Nancy, Erika - thanks. I appreciate your comments.
I've noticed quite a few X'ers and Boomers commenting positively on Gen Y, and it's nice to see. I do value the qualities that Gen Y brings to the table, but I don't think Gen Y will accomplish much of anything by themselves, despite their numbers.
I also forgot to say earlier: thanks GenerationXpert for giving me inspiration for this post.
Rob, I agree. I do believe there are some bloggers who do that already on Brazen Careerist. One of my recent favorites was one by Jaclyn Schiff where she posed the question: Are we Generation "Why Know?" Excellent criticism of Gen Y.
Bianca, the change I want to see in the world is that people can look at themselves critically to gain insight. A big turn-off for me is people who aren't open-minded, because that person's growth stagnates. That's what this post is about - questioning how great we really are. Not saying we're horrible, just forcing myself, and hopefully others, to think a little harder.
Also, I'm not sure you interpreted Lance's comment correctly?
Whats the point of sitting on a computer and debating the characteristics of our generation? Why don't we all get off our computers and go do the things that would make our generation great.
Generally, this is a good post. One thing that no one seems to get, though, is that we are all just mules to pull the man's wagon. We are nothing more to him than a means to his end. Maybe the demands of the gen y's will be tolerated for today, but eventually "tech savvy" employees with not much else to offer will be replaced by less troublesome workers in a distant land. Nobody is so valuable that they can push the boss around.
And just in case nobody figured it out, all the exposure to computers in childhood was not for your pleasure, but to make you into just another gear in the money machine- until they figure out how to replace you with a less demanding electronic or robotic equivalent.
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