Don’t Fear the Millennial

It’s a scary time in the world for Baby Boomers. The number of Millennials is said to be almost 77 million, born between 1981 and 1999, which is almost equivalent to the baby boom between 1946 and 1964. But do not fear the Millennials entering the workforce, we are not out to change the entire corporate mindset that you have thrived in for decades. After reading the article, Closing The New Generation Gap: Gen Y written by a baby boomer, it is easy to see why some of our elders are hesitant to hire us.

I constantly hear that Millennials have a sense of entitlement, that we expect large salaries and corner offices right out of school. When in reality I think if a corporate company invested in these young workers what they invested in our parents, there is a very good chance that we would be just as committed to the corporations as they once were. We don’t want to jump from job to job but we do know that we have to find somewhere that fits us because as Millennials we will be working longer in life than our parents will.

Gen Y’ers are just like any other generation, we long for a job that offers flexibility and the ability to balance work/life. But we know we can’t be that picky. Hate to say it but in an economy like the current one, we can’t wait for the position that will allow us to come and go as we please. As someone who works 40 hours a week at a desk, I know I’m glad to see a paycheck and benefits even without all the flexibility that I think anyone wishes for, not just Millennials.

Where this article really lost me is this, “Gen Y’ers like to work with their friends and they are more inclined to develop romantic relationships on the job. It is important for employers to tighten up or create policies that address fraternization in the workplace.” Millennials are not stupid and most of us are quite business savvy. Just because a relationship may develop through work does not mean that any of us will be in the storage closet or having a lover’s dispute in the middle of cubicle country. I know plenty of work relationships where you would never even knew these people knew each other let alone dated.

A request to future employers take the time to meet with Millennials, look past the experience you are asking for and see that these educated young adults are quick to learn and aren’t out to take your jobs - at least not for a while :-) To end it this baby boomer did sing our praises:

“They are entrepreneurial; they are open to change and amazingly optimistic — traits that are much needed in the workplace, now and in the future." - Cheryl Pignotti