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Gen Xers
Generation X encompasses the 44 to 50 million Americans born between 1965 and 1980. This generation marks the period of birth decline after the baby boom and is significantly smaller than previous and succeeding generations.
Members of Generation X are largely in their 30’s and early 40’s. On the whole, they are more ethnically diverse and better educated than the Baby Boomers. Over 60% of Generation X attended college.
Generation X legal professionals hold junior partner, senior associate, mid-level paralegal and mid-level support staff positions in law firms. They also hold middle-management positions in the government, corporate legal departments and other legal practice environments.
Below are a few common characteristics of Generation X.
Individualistic: Generation X came of age in an era of two-income families, rising divorce rates and a faltering economy. Women were joining the workforce in large numbers, spawning an age of “latch-key” children. As a result, Generation X is independent, resourceful and self-sufficient. In the workplace, Generation X values freedom and responsibility. Many in this generation display a casual disdain for authority and structured work hours. They dislike being micro-managed and embrace a hands-off management philosophy.
Technologically Adept: The Generation X mentality reflects a shift from a manufacturing economy to a service economy. The first generation to grow up with computers, technology is woven into their lives. As law firms and corporate legal departments integrate new technological tools, Generation X has learned and adapted. This generation is comfortable using PDAs, cellphones, e-mail, laptops, Blackberrys and other technology employed in the legal workplace.
Flexible: Many Gen Xers lived through tough economic times in the 1980s and saw their workaholic parents lose hard-earned positions. Thus, Generation X is less committed to one employer and more willing to change jobs to get ahead than previous generations. They adapt well to change and are tolerant of alternative lifestyles. Generation X is ambitious and eager to learn new skills but want to accomplish things on their own terms.
Value Work/Life Balance: Unlike previous generations, members of Generation X work to live rather than live to work. They appreciate fun in the workplace and espouse a work hard/play hard mentality. Generation X managers often incorporate humor and games into work activities.
Network Leader: Emily Ma
Bonnie Jones (M.A.Ed.)
In light of layoffs, do you think the Boomer's have a moral obligation to retire (if eligible) to preserve jobs and opportunities for the Gen Xers? I read a shocking statistic while doing my thesis work. Gen Xers are much less likely to hold management positions in their 30's as compared to previous generations. Is it our time?
61 weeks ago from Gen Xers
Sadya Siddiqui recommended this
JRandom42:
Are Gen-X skills so lame that they need others to step aside to have a chance of advancement? Can't they demonstrate that they have the knowledge, ...MoreAre Gen-X skills so lame that they need others to step aside to have a chance of advancement? Can't they demonstrate that they have the knowledge, experience, ability and drive to do a better job and take over by merit?
If I can still do a better job than someone younger, why should I step aside for them? If you can't do a better job at something than someone older, why should they step aside for you, when it won't benefit the business?
60 weeks ago
If I can still do a better job than someone younger, why should I step aside for them? If you can't do a better job at something than someone older, why should they step aside for you, when it won't benefit the business?
60 weeks ago
Regina Richardson:
Those who come behind GenX will find their own answers to Bonnie's question as their time in Corporate America goes on, and THEY become the ...MoreThose who come behind GenX will find their own answers to Bonnie's question as their time in Corporate America goes on, and THEY become the generation in the middle.
With what I've seen, I'd rather have the "youngsters" step back and take a look at how QUICKLY technology and ways of doing things have changed in just their own lifetime, then come back to the older generations working around them and LEARN what it took to get from there to here in that industry. Then comprehend that you must still put in your time...you are not "entitled" to 6 figures just because you have a degree in something, and that people are not going to "move on" just because you want that spot. The era of putting in 30+ years at one company is mostly over...and there is a sticky balance to be found between that generation and ours, and the ones who follow.
I reiterate my opinion, though, that I'd MUCH rather have the older generation from whom to glean the background of how we came so far, technologically, in so few years. My father is still faster with a slide rule than I am with a calculator, and I never cease to learn from him. :)
60 weeks ago
With what I've seen, I'd rather have the "youngsters" step back and take a look at how QUICKLY technology and ways of doing things have changed in just their own lifetime, then come back to the older generations working around them and LEARN what it took to get from there to here in that industry. Then comprehend that you must still put in your time...you are not "entitled" to 6 figures just because you have a degree in something, and that people are not going to "move on" just because you want that spot. The era of putting in 30+ years at one company is mostly over...and there is a sticky balance to be found between that generation and ours, and the ones who follow.
I reiterate my opinion, though, that I'd MUCH rather have the older generation from whom to glean the background of how we came so far, technologically, in so few years. My father is still faster with a slide rule than I am with a calculator, and I never cease to learn from him. :)
60 weeks ago
Bonnie Jones (M.A.Ed.) created the group Gen Xers
61 weeks ago
