Inter-generational rifts. They seem to occur all the time; in the family, the home, out in the streets, in the halls of Washington DC and in the workplace. I’m guessing you experienced inter-generational rifts growing up, and at times probably still experience such a rift. Think back. The Baby Boomer’s of the 1960’s being labeled as too radical by older generations. Parents and grandparents being flabbergasted by the baggy clothes that permeated the 90’s. General differences continue to exist today, which makes sense, given people are partially a product of the time period they grew up in.
For example, I have heard people from Generation X (people born between 1960 and 1980) say that people from Generation Y (people born between 1980 and 2000) are not independent enough, while I have heard people from Generation Y say that people from Generation X are not comfortable enough expressing their feelings.
Now I am not here to stereotype, or make a complex phenomena simple at the expense of integrity. People from the same generation often have vastly different personalities, differing values and goals, in addition to different worldviews. However, research has shown that individuals from particular generations have tendencies towards particular behaviors and worldviews (Denham & Gadbow, 2002). For purposes of this article, I will be talking about Generation Y; the recent changes in values and worldview that have occurred in Generation Y due to the economic recession and how said changes can effect job prospects and mental health for the unemployed and employed alike.
Overall, Generation Y highly values civic duty, confidence, collaboration with others and optimism (Denham & Gadbow, 2002). All these values appeared to be expressed during the 2008 presidential election, when Generation Y truly seemed to flex it’s muscles and enjoy a collective coming out party to the world. Regardless of political views and affiliation, many people from Generation Y seemed to feel the need to get involved in the election, be it through volunteering, having heated policy debates in offices and/or college dorm rooms or by taking the time to learn about the issues and vote. ”Yes We Can” came to represent a belief often held by people from Generation Y(and certainly other generations as well!), a belief that we are greater than the sum of our parts.
I would contend that the most spirited election in recent times would not have been possible in the absence of Generation Y characteristics, such as optimism, civic duty and confidence. It takes a lot of optimism to believe one election can make a significant difference, a high value on civic duty to trudge out on the campaign trail in 15 degree frigid temperatures (and not get paid to do so) and a lot of confidence to knock on a complete strangers door to discuss something you believe in.
However, I have recently observed a drastic shift in attitude of my generation, turning the current theory and knowledge of Generation Y upside down and inside out. Civic duty and the desire for a meaningful job that gives back to the world in some way, shape or form (values formerly characteristic of Generation Y) have been replaced by young adults limiting their job criteria to a salary and some health insurance. I understand that practicality, pure survival and the need to pay rent, student loans, etc call for this change in perspective. But, I would suggest not forgetting about the civic duty and meaningful work our generation has come to be known for, given people who believe they do meaningful work often lead happier lives (Bronson, 2003).Furthermore, civic duty can lead to a plethora of job prospects. Think volunteer experiences. Volunteer experiences not only lead to feeling a sense of accomplishment and value (something in part lost during unemployment), but can also lead to contacts for potential jobs.
Talking about Generation Y values aiding the job search, how about collaboration, formerly one of the major characteristics of Generation Y. Collaboration can lead to a job in numerous ways. You and friends (or colleagues also job searching) can share job searching techniques, worthwhile job boards and lists of companies in your field. Remember a friend or colleague getting a job can help you, by serving as a connected advocate within an organization. All of the above techniques will help you land a job. However, of late I have witnessed more of a “Every person for him or herself” type of attitude. Let’s remember that when job searching we are greater than the sum of our parts, and solely looking out for our own best interest could lead to a more drawn out job search.
The importance of optimism. Despite growing up amid political and corporate scandals, amazingly research has shown that Generation Y tends to be very optimistic. However, this sense of optimism is beginning to change. Economic dread, decreased confidence in our business and political leaders and even a feeling of “Maybe it’s true that nice guys finish last” seems to suddenly have permeated our generation. Now, I would contend that optimism is linked to enthusiasm. And as Ralph Waldo Emerson says, “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” When employees are hiring you, they are looking for greatness and therefore look for enthusiasm. Hence, remember what made you so optimistic and enthusiastic about yourself and your line of work, and you are more likely to find yourself accepting a job offer.
I wrote this article for several reasons. I wanted to express the sudden and dramatic shift that I have been observing in my generation for several months now. I wanted to remind my generation to not let the economic recession change us, to not have it rob our generation of some of it’s greatest qualities; civic duty, collaboration, optimism and confidence. Mainly I wish to empower my generation, to not let the economy change us, but rather to use our positive qualities to change the economy and change the world. In the spirit of channeling my generation’s optimism, stay true to your values and I believe a job may come sooner than you think.
