Generation Y - Me!

The offsprings of the Baby Boomers are Generation Y. They love fame, celebrities, technology, brand names, and six degrees of separation through social networks. Somewhat ironic, Millennials inherited and benefited from the creation of Gen X platforms such as Google, YouTube, MySpace, and Amazon which are largely responsible for classifying this generation as the Internet Generation. With their sense of empowerment, they demand “I want what I want when, where and how I want it.” Quick access to information and to communication equate to instant gratification. This generation’s easy access to a plethora of information can be an overload. This trend will continue to a great degree onto Gen Z.Born in the mid-1980's and later, Gen Y is the fastest growing segment of today’s workforce. Gen Y grew up with technology and rely on it to perform their jobs better. Armed with BlackBerrys, laptops, cellphones and other gadgets, Gen Y is plugged-in 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This generation prefers to communicate through e-mail and text messaging rather than face-to-face contact and prefers webinars and online technology to traditional lecture-based presentations. The fast-track has lost much of its appeal for Gen Y who is willing to trade high pay for fewer billable hours, flexible schedules and a better work/life balance. While older generations may view this attitude as narcissistic or lacking commitment, discipline and drive, Gen Y professionals have a different vision of workplace expectations and prioritize family over work. Nurtured and pampered by parents who did not want to make the mistakes of the previous generation, Gen Y is confident, ambitious and achievement-oriented. They have high expectations of their employers, seek out new challenges and are not afraid to question authority. Gen Y wants meaningful work and a solid learning curve. As children, Gen Y participated in team sports, play groups and other group activities. They value teamwork and seek the input and affirmation of others. Part of a no-person-left-behind generation, Gen Y is loyal, committed and wants to be included and involved. Gen Y craves attention in the forms of feedback and guidance. They appreciate being kept in the loop and seek frequent praise and reassurance. Gen Y may benefit greatly from mentors who can help guide and develop their young careers. For the most part, I find all of this true for myself.