I posted some thoughts on the Generation Y a few months back. Mostly opinions on work ethic, sense of entitlement, responsibility and such. Go ahead, read through it if you haven’t. I’ll still be here when you’ve finished.
While I think I believe what I posted then, every once in a while I kind of think, “Gee. I’m a dick. I’m officially old when I bitch about the kids and how weak they are. Maybe I’m wrong?”
And then I read something like this and realize I’m 100% right.
Sigh.
I wanted to reply “You are a whiny bitch.” so badly.
No, I think you are old, or your sum total of exposure to the generation is via the Internet, which does not paint an accurate picture of them. Working with kids through volleyball, I completely disagree.
My exposure is limited to the internet and employees of my wife and a few second-hand accounts from others in similar positions. That’s a small sampling, but it’s a pretty consistent picture that gets painted.
And regardless of whether that post of at CoasterBuzz is representative or not, come on, Tyler’s got it right – get the fuck over yourself, kid!
Jeff, I see your working with a group of special interest kids and I raise you working with thousands of students as a higher ed administrator and studying their characteristics in a graduate program. I think those observations about work ethic, sense of entitlement, and responsibility are spot on.
No one says they define everyone. Of course there are exceptions. But the norm is that this generation exhibits the philosophies outlined by this 19-year old on CBuzz.
In all fairness, Cedar Fair does not set a good precedent when it comes to how they treat their employees, and it’s not limited to seasonal gen-Y kids. Full-timers in their 50′s there will likely give you the same story.