Generation Y is known by different names, it is also called GenY, Ygen, Millennials and so on. Generation Y has come a long way when compared to Generation X and is very different from other generations because “1) They are racially and ethnically diverse, 2) They are extremely independent because of divorce, day care, single parents, latchkey parenting, and the technological revolution that they are growing up alongside, and 3) They feel empowered; thanks to overindulgent parents, they have a sense of security and are optimistic about the future” (NAS 1).
According to Thorman (1), the rising rift between Generation Y and X in the workplace can be contributed to three main factors, these differences are shown below, • Different Job Markets. Generation is seen entering different kinds of jobs all in leadership positions, in contrast to Generation X who have had to work towards their goals from the bottom level. • Cynicism vs. Idealism. Generation Y is idealistic in approach and believes in the “possibility of what can be done”, whereas Generation X lives in a skeptical environment. • You vs. Us.
Generation X has been a “solitary worker” when compared to Generation Y because “Generation Y tends to want to support and work together. ” Armour (1) says “that a great deal is known about Gen Y” such as they are, financial independent and start saving for retirement. They can very easily balance work-life between home and work, family and their boss. They believe in change and do not like to stay in one job for a long time. NAS (4) mentions some pros and cons of being Generation Y, some of the cons are that they are impatience, skeptical, blunt and expressive and they are image-driven.
The pros are that they are adaptable, technology savvy, have the ability to grasp new concepts, are efficient at multi-tasking and are tolerant. NAS (6) gives the following figures, “of what those graduating college seniors feel about the job market”, • 51% do not expect job offers upon graduation • 16% are headed to grad school • 57% are moving home after graduation • 56% are willing to relocate for a job • 34% are concerned that off-shoring will affect them • 74% think relevant work experience is most important in getting a job
• The national average for expected first year salaries is $39,500 (*Source: monstertrack. com, Entry-Level Job Market Outlook, Spring 2004) Generation Y has begun to make a tremendous contribution to the society in academics, businesses and at home. The advent of technology and mainly the internet has brought them a lot closer to people of various communities making their social circle far more mutli-cultural. The amount of information that they find out and learn is reasonably multidimensional. They have not experienced any recession and so don’t know what it is to struggle in life.
They are the lucky ones who have been given everything by their Generation X parents, they are the pampered lot. They are also bold and do not hesitate in taking up challenges and speaking their minds. They do not fear about their futures and their careers as they are quite relaxed about it and know that they can some how manage in life. For generation X, the proud parents all they can say is that their children Generation Y have turned out to be the best of the best something that they can be please about, since their children’s capabilities is breaking boundaries and long established norms.
Works Cited
NAS. “Insights. A Demand Chain Propriety Tool”. Generation Y: The Millennials ready or not, here they come. 2006. <http://www. nasrecruitment. com/TalentTips/NASinsights/GenerationY. pdf> Thorman. “Modite”. The rising rift between Gen X and Gen Y. November 6, 2007 <http://modite. com/blog/category/generation-y/> Armour. “USAToday” Generation Y: They’ve arrived at work with a new attitude. August 11, 2005. <http://www. usatoday. com/money/workplace/2005-11-06-gen-y_x. htm>