Did you know different generations are given names? For example, those born in the 1950s are called Baby Boomers, which were followed by Generation X. Generation X preceded Generation Y.
Personally, Generation X reminds me of X-Men, so I think they have the coolest name.
Generation Y typically refers to those born between the 1980s and 1990s. Many Weber State University students belong to Generation Y.
Somebody from Generation X recently posted a joke on Facebook about why we’re called “Generation Y.” The explanation went as follows:
“Y should I get a job? Y should I leave home and find my own place? Y should I get a car when I can borrow yours?”
The list went on, but you get the idea.
First of all, that spelling is terrible, which instantly makes the argument moot in my eyes. Anybody who’s spent time on the Internet knows that spelling errors instantly nullify claims.
Second, I disagree.
Yes, there are some members of my generation who fit into this category and need to get their acts together. But, overall, I’m impressed with Generation Y. Here are a couple examples:
My friend’s husband is working 40 hours per week and taking 18 credit hours. He does not live at home.
I recently interviewed a student who is fulfilling a full-ride scholarship, taking 18 credits, volunteers weekly, is doing an internship, runs a private business, and is involved with clubs and organizations on campus. She does not live at home.
My best friend works 40 hours per week as the second-in-command at a new hotel, which also puts him on call 24/7. He is a senior at WSU, goes to school full-time and has a 3.97 GPA. He could easily live at home, but wanted the independence of being on his own. He is also making car payments.
I can’t count how many students I know who run their own businesses. And these aren’t rinky-dink operations; they’re legitimate businesses. In fact, I know many Baby Boomers and Gen-X-ers who do business regularly with these good-for-nothing Generation Y kids.
Of course, it is unwise to judge an entire population, negatively or positively, based on a few individuals. But I’ve heard these insulting accusations several times, so I need to defend my generation.
Perhaps it’s normal to always think the next generation has it easier. As far as I’m concerned, the generation following Y doesn’t do anything! They just play Angry Birds and watch awful cartoons. Geez, finish the fifth grade and get a job already.
Maybe Generation Y seems lazy because technology’s advances have changed the game of life in America. An older customer recently got upset with one of my co-workers for texting on the job; he had to explain to her that we text our boss regularly.
I don’t know about you, but clocking out has pretty much disappeared from my life. Mobile communication keeps Generation Y working 24 hours a day. People used to clock out and stay that way until the next day when they punched in. Not anymore.
How many Gen-X students were presidents and CEOs during college? I’m not being facetious — WSU’s educating a lot of young business owners. My Facebook wall is bonkers with advertisements and promotions from entrepreneurs who don’t even have degrees yet.
If you know members of Generation Y wasting away, don’t enable them. If you complain about your kids never leaving home, kick them out.
I believe that Generation Y works very hard. Sure, we’re not all lifting hay barrels and waiting to be drafted, but many of us are working multiple jobs while climbing the corporate ladder. Working dead-end jobs in college used to be the norm, but now we have to get our foot in the door as quickly as possible. Let’s not forget that the four-year degree will soon be replaced with a three-year standard.
Generation Y, don’t let older generations call you useless (unless you are). I honestly believe we’re revolutionizing success, and I’ll gladly defend the generation that may never clock out.
