I am finding the discussions about millenials in today’s work world very interesting. Are they really that different from me? Apparently I am part of “Generation X”, those born between 1950s/60s and the early to mid 1980s, (depending on the defintion used), but I really don’t see that much difference between myself and those we classify as “Generation Y”, those born between1974 to 1982 (again, depending on the definition used) and 2000.
Yes, there are obvious differences … Generation Y are digital natives and haven’t had the same experiences of life as those of us who are Gen X or boomers. But, in the work sphere, we really aren’t very different. We all want to be respected, would like flexible work options, and are more engaged when we are challenged.
For example, I have found that all demographic groups desire greater flexibility/options with their work hours. From the young mother who wants to have more time with her children, to the the mid-career employee who wants more time to pursue their passions (shorter work days so they will have more time to ski or kayak and options for unpaid personal leave so they can enjoy more travel) to the close to retirement employee who wants to travel more and continue to actively participate in the work world … the same flexibility is desired. While I have given the above examples by the age of employees, the examples aren’t limited by age-groups. We really aren’t that different.
This time my question for you is: is dividing us up into age-based groups and then allowing each demographic group to define (or limit) these groups by life experiences and desires any different from the statement “when I was your age I had to walk 5 miles to school … uphill both ways”? Things are always changing, we have all lived through change. The pace of change is always changing. What do you think?
