I didn't realize that my generation is being called the "Millennials." I don't think I like that tag but I'll go with it. I was watching 60 Minutes last night and they tend to have really interesting material from time to time, but few stories are relative to me or people my age; however, last night's story: "The Millennials Are Coming!" was dead on. At least for me, being a young twenty-something means I'm going through a real adjustment period. I'm striking out on my own, with the sparkle of a career start in my eye, but then at the same time I'm constantly questioning my every move. "Is this where I need to be right now?" Well, 60 Minutes, you hit the nail on the head, sort of.
The story talks about how the Millennial generation is used to constant praise and attention, quick, fast solutions and new technology with endless gadgets to get us going. Yeah, so far so good. But then it goes to say that we are a generation of coddled youth with too many trophies and too many "Good Job, kiddos!" and I'm left wondering: really?
I certainly agree that my childhood is one to be cherished and I reflect back on it often...maybe a little too often. (But seriously, how awesome is everything when you are a kid?) My parents were incredibly supportive in everything I did and still are, but they instilled a sense of responsibility and value in me. I credit a lot of my accomplishments and perseverance to simply wanting to be better or do better for myself...to keep plugging away and see how far I can really get in life. I see what 60 Minutes is saying in that we seek attention and praise from our professors or employers now that we aren't under our parents' roof, but is that so wrong? I like a little pat on the back because it let's me know I'm on the right track and that my hard work and dedication is noticed. Everyone has to work for something and I would hope that employers would appreciate somebody that works for more than their paycheck each week...for something that they are proud of.
60 Minutes: The Millennials Are Coming!
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I'd be curious about that segment and the delivery of it. I mean i wouldn't put it past the generation above us or even two above us to be a little annoyed with the coddling. Think about it, they had to go through the same uncertainties that we did: Is this this right person to be with? Should I really enter this field of work? Is now a good time to buy or should I keep renting? Can I follow a career in the arts or should I be practical and go for a more stable, higher-paying job? All the same issues but without the pats on the back. Personally I agree with you Em. I think that a pat on the back let's us know we're moving in the right direction. Does it hinder, maybe a little, there are certainly children I've taught in public school, who receive pats when they don't deserve them and you can see the damage that does. But I don't think that praise is hindering when used the right way. Frankly it's motivating.
Companies are now realizing that our generation is motivated differently than previous generations. We ask the question "why?" a lot more. We also want to know that we're going to be getting something out of the effort we put in. Rather than blindly working away and hoping that some reward will come, we are motivated by seeing the reward and trying to go for it.
And in terms of gadgets, well let's face it that's always going to be different generation to generation, our kids will have a whole new set of "things" that will both help and confuse them. But they'll be there and we'll have to deal with them. I realized the other day as i was driving to work that EVERYONE I MEAN EVERYONE has a cellphone, five years ago even we couldn't say that. There were still folks who refused to have them, (probably still are)can you live with out it? OF COURSE! Does it make simple things easier? OF COURSE, so why reject it just because it helps you out?
If 60 minutes decided to take the tone that our generation is one of soft, emotionally coddled, over technical kids, it's my little opinion that snaps back saying, get over yourself and deal with the fact that this generation of twenty somethings isn't going to accept the dumb do what you're told/follow the leader mentality of old. We're looking out for ourselves. we're thinking for ourselves, and damnit we want to know that our lives are going to reap rewards (especially considering that all this damn social security we're paying is going to crap out on us!) That's my rant. I'm sick of typing.
Glad we're on the same page, Lizzie. Turns out this segment created quite the buzz as my office is chatting about it right now. They wanted to know my input and whether or not I fit into this grouping of "kids" - but now that I'm writing this comment as I sit here at work I guess I'm a bit guilty of unnecessary multi-tasking and technology distractions....oops!
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