Generation Y—those born between 1980 and 1995—is made up of more than 76 million people in the United States. In 2025, it’s estimated that 60 percent of the workforce will be comprised of Gen-Yers.
If you Google the term Gen Y, you’ll find many consider us to be innovative and creative–you’ll also see that we lack commitment, work ethic and are narcissistic.
LPR Millennials Chandra Brin, Elexis Mariash, Quinn Kelsey, and Anna Lindsey
Mmmm…narcissistic? In the age of Facebook and Twitter maybe we do engage in those “What about me?” tendencies. Yet, not all of us use Facebook to get 1,000-plus friends for self-promotion. Some of us like social networking sites to connect with long lost buddies and even family members.
The more disconcerting question: do we really lack a strong work ethic and commitment?
Over the recent months, articles have surfaced claiming the recession has “saved our generation,” teaching us to accept lower salaries, appreciate what we’re given and work harder—and maybe it has. However, I’d like to think differently.
Years before the 2003 recession hit, I got my first job working for Bank of Choice, previously Colonial Bank. I graduated from high school early and took a full-time position at the age of 17, and remained on their employee roster for five years. My supervisor would have to ask me to take lunch breaks, because I’d prefer to work through them. And many of my friends shared these same work ethics.
Our own Senior VP and Managing Partner Paul Raab wrote on this subject not too long ago, noting that more than 50 percent of our company’s workforce is made up of Millennials who often come in too early and stay too late. These are the same Millenials that started before the market crash and continue to work hard like they always have.
Could it be the competitive PR industry has taught its own Gen Y workers the power of hard work and loyalty? Possibly. Either way, I think we deserve the benefit of the doubt. Who knows, we may surprise you.
Well said, Chandra.
Being on the cusp of Gen X and Gen Y myself, I’ve found those negative stereotypes frustrating. (I actually believe those doing the stereotyping were probably slapped with similar labels by their generational predecessors!)
One of the best things I’ve found about Gen Y’ers is recognizing just how “small” the world really is. We create connections everywhere. No longer do places like Asia or Africa seem out of reach. In fact, you’ll find many Gen Y’ers willing to work anywhere in the country, much less the world. We were raised with the belief that we are capable of anything, and those of us that are willing to work at it are milking the most out of life.
The massive shifts in technology and the economy have certainly made life interesting. I’m proud to be part of a generation that embraces innovation and creativity!
Thanks for sharing!