Making News

(Nov. 15, 2007)

GENERATION X

Understanding the “Whatever” Generation

By Shannon K. Benton and Melanie Strachan

 

What is the accurate definition of Generation X and does our group really fit into its common stereotypes?

According to the Wikipedia Encyclopedia,“Generation X is noted as one of the most entrepreneurial and tech-friendly generations in American history.” As fellow Gen Xers, we believe our generation does indeed rely a great deal on technology in order to get things done, especialy in the workplace. We maintain a vast knowledge of how combining our technological savviness with our fine-tuned multi-tasking skills can increase efficiency and productivity in our current jobs. Although we may not always be as privy to technology as the next generation, our legacy to the Internet phenomenon will forever be a part of American history. Afterall, Amazon, Google, Yahoo, MySpace, Dell and countless other billion-dollar tech companies were founded by Gen Xers.

Research gathered by Leadership Advantage also points out that our generation was “born into a rapidly changing social climate and economic recession, growing up in two-career families with elevated divorce rates, downsizing, and the dawn of both the high-tech and information age.” Subsequently, on the job, the majority of Gen Xers are fiercely independent and like to be in control. Because of company downsizing and the prominent feeling of being overshadowed by the Boomer generation, we tend to have acquired a somewhat skeptical view of authority figures, and thereby desire continual, prompt feedback from our supervisors and employers to reaffirm our performance and job skills. We are more inclined to leave organizations because we believed seasoned managers and employers managed us improperly and had a lack of understanding about our needs.

Gen Xers also desire job flexibility, training and career advancement. We expect recognition through title, praise, promotions and compensation. We want to see corporate advancements based on performance, potential and skill, not longevity and loyalty. We are from the school of thought that respect is not just given, it’s earned. We also seek personal fulfillment within our jobs. It’s not just about the money; we desire positions where we are constantly growing and being challenged. The issue of corporate politics isn’t something that we concern ourselves with. Frankly, we view it as a waste of time and energy. We’d rather spend our time doing something useful and enjoyable.

We also crave a shared work environment that provides an opportunity to communicate and bounce ideas off one another while developing goals and embarking on planning activities. We gain momentum and creativity from our co-workers and take pleasure in working in group settings.

Moreover, we want a life outside of work…we won't sacrifice ours for the corporation. We grew up watching our parents being laid off and won’t trade our family for a job. We’re not afraid to be unemployed and unlike our predecessors, we’re not planning on only working for one company for the rest of our careers. We are addicted to change and will seek out different positions until our working needs are fulfilled.

In the workforce, despite some of the negative stereotypes we are sometimes cast under, Gen Xers make impressive and talented employees as we have an unquenchable appetite to learn and cultivate our skills. We continue to steadily shed the notions that we stand for nothing and don’t care about what’s going on in the world around us. If you keep our group happy, you’ll gain dedicated, innovative, hard-working and undeniable assets to your team.


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