When Gen Y Just Doesn't Fit In

What do government agencies, nonprofits, and unionized entities have in common?

Dinosaurs. (And I mean that affectionately.)

While many career blogs and job-related social networks would have you believe otherwise, there are still many baby boomers in our workforce. Don't let their weaker eyesight and slower response times fool you--these folks are not going anywhere for the foreseeable future. Many of them are still damn good at what they do.

Jobacle recently received the following E-mail:

My organization recently hired a worker fresh out of college. While she performs competent work, her attitude and demeanor have rubbed the majority of staff the wrong way. How do I address the issue? --Don

This isn't the first time I've heard the issue raised. There is a certain swagger Generation Y brings along. In many industries, such as media-driven fields, this know-everything, do-anything confidence helps foster career advancement. However, there are plenty of other industries and companies where these "positive" attributes are not embraced. In fact, they hinder the Gen Y employee from moving ahead within the organization.

If you’re a member of Gen Y, your initial reaction is probably, "I wouldn't want to work at a place like that anyway." And that might be true. But the harsh reality of a difficult economy is that you might not have any other options.

Read more of my post at U.S. News and World Report.

Comments

[JChirac]

This is a problem throughout the US Government. But Gen Y-ers shouldn't despair -- they might try getting a job with the new Obama Administration as it is forming. Its not to late to do this. While the competition is tough, the jobs are there if you know how to get them and where to look. Check out this article for details:

http://www.ehow.com/how_5021152_employ-tactics-job-obama-administration.html

[Marie Adams]

If that new Gen Y employee wanted to hang onto her job for a while, she should probably leave her attitude at the door. Right now, there's no excuse for it. Without the attitude, you're more open to learning some valuable lessons from a few of the more experienced workers in the office. Think of it as an opportunity, not a drawback.

[Candice]

Don't blame it all on the Gen Y newcomer. I'm sure there are plenty of people in that office who have a certain prejudice when it comes to Gen Y's. While I'm not one of their biggest fans, I don't have anything against them either. I've seen Gen Y's who act like imperious jerks and I've seen Gen Y's who are some of the nicest people you ever want to meet. They're people just like the rest of us. Take each individual as he comes.

I think the best way to resolve the problem is to get everyone together after work for a meet-and-greet session that's specifically designed to help each side understand the other. The Gen Y newby is misunderstood and she's clueless (no offense). If she's still the office pariah after everyone has had an opportunity to get to know each other a little better, then maybe she is an anal orifice. But I think she should be given a fair chance to prove otherwise first.

[Tinker Barnett of Youth Enterprises, LLC]

I agree with Candice, Millennials need to be given a chance. Besides, young workers are recognizing that job-hopping does not serve them in today's economy. In light of double digit unemployment rates in many parts of the world for those ages 16 to 29 and fewer job openings because displaced Baby Boomers are being hired first, job security has moved up the priority list of young workers' job search preferences. They are now, unlike three years ago, willing to take on additional work, stay late, and generally show extra face time to hang on to the job they have, thinking less about one they might get that would best serve their life-style preferences. It would be advantageous for business managers and owners to hire young workers now, with a plan to get some help for transitioning them into a generation mix and inspiring them in their work. There is much to gain and a business can be four steps ahead of other businesses with no plan.