5 things that the Recession has Taught Generation X
Every generation has specific labels that define the era, like the “boomer” generation of the 60s, the “flower child” generation of the 70s, even the kids that grew up in the 80s to 90s (or were born from mid-1960s to the mid-1970s) have a label, Generation X. This is the generation that, for the most part, dismissed the 70s with a passion and emerged in a season of hyper realization of our own changing technology. Gen Xers embraced a new era of music, fashion, entertainment and technology like no other generation before. In essence became evolved with fervent passion towards a future that embraced those who were willing to learn and work hard to accomplish goals. The 90s was an exciting time in technology and the embrace of corporations that were willing to hire Xers rewarded hard work with modest incomes, since most “boomers” were not comfortable with the changes of technology and Xers were more than willing to roll up their sleeves and do what it took to get the work done.
In the 90s, corporations were willing to hire an Xer straight out of high school and many kids elected to enjoy a successful future without concerning themselves with a master’s degree in physics. That was until the recession hit. Here are a few things that the recession has taught Generation X;
1 ) The painful realization of unpreparedness
Imagine if you will the concept of a young professional, out of high school and working for a corporation for several years. Then the unimaginable happens, the recession hits and following immediately afterwards, the employer files bankruptcy and the benefits all begin to completely disappear. The painful realization was reentering the job market only to find that the colleagues you worked with while going to college remaining at secure corporate positions. These days Xers are again rolling up their sleeves and securing their futures with degrees later in their mid-thirties to mid-forties to remain competitive in the job market.
2 ) Enter the Millennial Generation….
The Millennial Generation is made up of those born at least between mid-80s to 90s and also a generation that has embraced the concept of technology. Millennials are very useful for changing light bulbs, connecting a network, or setting and managing a fancy new website. The contribution that Millennials give corporations is technical at best and absolutely competition for the 40 some things out there that have the work experience but limited capabilities in areas of wiring and setting up Web/IP addresses. One advantage that Xers have over Millennials is the ability to align with the corporate identity, a decade’s advantage in the workforce makes the older generation more adaptable to fit in socially with the “Boomer” generation than Millenials. Millennials, though very technical, have a different concept of what corporate atmosphere should be, which is radically different than what it truly is. They want rewards and incentives in the program, whereas Xers are aware of the scarcity of such things and willing to work for the pay that was delegated in the interview process.
3 ) Generation Social Media
The hyper embrace of technology and work has produced a worthwhile attribute of the concept of networking. This business savvy group is incredibly aware of public identity and the concept that their perspective employers are either on a network or seeking professionals like themselves for employment. Unlike the Boomers who could care less about the internet, and the Millenials who are more interested in using social media to record their mundane activities – Xers are combining their networks and placing their best identity forward onto social media as professionals. Amongst all things, Xers are extremely aware of how they self present and take great means to polish their image before a national stage.
4 ) Lack of Corporate loyalty
Unlike the “Boomer” generation that was content in working for the same employer their entire lives, Gen Xers are much more content in changing employers, most often when the company no longer challenges them. Likewise, companies are constantly laying employees off and downsizing professionals, so it is difficult to decide who lost company loyalty first: the corporation or its employees? Generation X was in the forefront of technology and simply will not be content to sit at a desk for forty hours a week that offers little opportunity. Although it may look risky to most, an otherwise “secure” stagnant job will not bring about loyalty because what history has taught Xers is that corporations who identify with “business as usual” are most likely doomed to extinction.
5 ) Change, like technology is inevitable
Gen X was the first to grow up with technology, so learning new things has always been part of the culture. Additionally, Xers have watched their parents, in the eighties, lose their jobs and became aware of economic times and the difficulties that they themselves could face. This generation was the first of the latch-key generation and grew to become more independent, more resourceful at a much younger age than previous generations. Xers are now changing careers in mid stream, working not only one, but two jobs and putting themselves through college. Gen Xers are now embracing a phase where security and new challenges in gainful employment has become much greater in magnitude through the recession than ever before.
Xers are also a sandwich generation, the “middle child” generation between boomers and millenials, there is not as much focus on this generation than others- but the contribution this generation gives the corporate identity is phenomenal. Maybe it’s better to consider this the “Cinderella generation” because of Xers abilities to work less than attractive jobs while watching the stepsisters “Boomer” and “Millenial” go to the ball. After all, “Boomer” is upper income and “Millenial” is still living with mom and dad. Whichever way you look at it, Xers are diligent, hard workers and the future always rewards those who give it their best! Gen X is definitely the generation that will gain it’s just due in the next years to come, recession or no recession.
