Gen X Can't Get No Respect
30/Jul/08 11:09 Filed in: Brain Drain
I've come to the conclusion that Generation X is the
Rodney Dangerfield of the generations, and it just
"can't get no respect." Or to quote the Rolling
Stones instead, "I can't get no satisfaction."
When Gen X rolled off the educational conveyor belt and was deposited in the workforce, the Boomers held the reins and filled most of the jobs, certainly the "good" ones. And the economy wasn't cranking out a lot of new jobs either. So Gen Xers had to take what they could get and were given the message that they had to pay their dues before they could rise through the ranks. They have largely done that, though Gen X also longs for more work-life balance than the preceding generation. When Gen X asked for more flexible work arrangements, work-from-home capabilities, and such, to a large extent they were told to get back in their cubicles and be quiet. The Boomers didn't appreciate the requests, and since they were the leaders and power-holders by then, they could make the rules.
How annoying for Gen X then, to see Gen Y coming along in the workforce, demanding (not asking!) the flexibility that Gen X has always wanted, and lo and behold... they're starting to get it! Companies are concerned about the Brain Drain and are catering to the newest (and one of the largest) generations. In addition, Gen Y workers want to be CEO next week, and have no hesitancy about going around their manager and talking to the top brass, who are flattered that the young energy is seeking them out for their expertise. Gen X is left wondering whether those "dues" got them anything at all.
To make matters worse, even when one gets used to managing this new generation of employees, would you believe you also have to manage their parents? Yes, the parents of Gen Y have actually been known to call managers and complain about the performance review that Junior received.
Don't you just get the image of Rodney Dangerfield in your mind right about now?
But all is not lost for the poor Gen Xers. If we can get past the annoyance that the younger generation might get what we've been asking for, well, we can finally enjoy it too! And as the Boomers retire, there will be a real need for competent, experienced managers who can keep these youngsters engaged and motivated.
When Gen X rolled off the educational conveyor belt and was deposited in the workforce, the Boomers held the reins and filled most of the jobs, certainly the "good" ones. And the economy wasn't cranking out a lot of new jobs either. So Gen Xers had to take what they could get and were given the message that they had to pay their dues before they could rise through the ranks. They have largely done that, though Gen X also longs for more work-life balance than the preceding generation. When Gen X asked for more flexible work arrangements, work-from-home capabilities, and such, to a large extent they were told to get back in their cubicles and be quiet. The Boomers didn't appreciate the requests, and since they were the leaders and power-holders by then, they could make the rules.
How annoying for Gen X then, to see Gen Y coming along in the workforce, demanding (not asking!) the flexibility that Gen X has always wanted, and lo and behold... they're starting to get it! Companies are concerned about the Brain Drain and are catering to the newest (and one of the largest) generations. In addition, Gen Y workers want to be CEO next week, and have no hesitancy about going around their manager and talking to the top brass, who are flattered that the young energy is seeking them out for their expertise. Gen X is left wondering whether those "dues" got them anything at all.
To make matters worse, even when one gets used to managing this new generation of employees, would you believe you also have to manage their parents? Yes, the parents of Gen Y have actually been known to call managers and complain about the performance review that Junior received.
Don't you just get the image of Rodney Dangerfield in your mind right about now?
But all is not lost for the poor Gen Xers. If we can get past the annoyance that the younger generation might get what we've been asking for, well, we can finally enjoy it too! And as the Boomers retire, there will be a real need for competent, experienced managers who can keep these youngsters engaged and motivated.