By Jenn Riggle
My colleagues jokingly call me “JennX” because I’m one of those angry Gen Xers who’s tired of hearing how Baby Boomers have changed the world. But recently, I’ve decided to change my tune – and I’m not alone.
After being in the workforce for nearly 20 years, Gen Xers are starting to find their voice. A recent Gen X meme suggested that we’re selling out, but I like to think that we’re growing up. Maybe it’s because we’re hitting middle age and joining the ranks of middle management. Maybe it’s because we’re going to be the ones who will manage the 78 million “Trophy Kids” entering the workforce. Or maybe it’s because Gen Xers want to make sure we don’t grow up to be managers like the Baby Boomers.
After living in the shadow of the Boomers for decades, I have to admit I felt a sense of dread when reading about the new media darlings, the Baby Boomers’ kids. They’ve been described as pampered, difficult to manage and constantly questioning the status quo. Come to think of it, this sounds a lot like what the Boomers were saying about Generation X nearly 20 years ago. For better or worse, the Boomers have helped raise both generations – whether at home or in the office.
As much as it frustrates us, Gen X has to accept that it will never get the attention we so arguably deserve and that we’ll forever be sandwiched between these two, self-absorbed generations.
But instead of whining, we need to seize the day and accept the challenge of helping to shape the next generation. I was excited to see a Gen Yer talk positively about what she’s learned from Gen Xers – so they’re willing to listen. In fact, we may be uniquely qualified to manage this new generation, as Tammy Erickson reported in her blog, “Why Generation X Has the Leaders We Need Now.”
We’ve always been team players and now we have an opportunity to lead large teams of idealistic 20-somethings and give them the training they need to become future leaders. With Boomers’ retirement right around the corner, Gen Xers have an opportunity to make the workplace a kinder, gentler place and to become the mentors we sought in our 20s.
We can teach our younger colleagues what we’ve learned, things like:
- In a down economy, having a job is key ? even if it isn’t the one you want.
- Don’t let your job title define your identity.
- Find the joy in your work, rather than getting embroiled in office politics.
- Don’t get frustrated that your colleagues aren’t like you. Instead, find out what motivates them.
Robin Williams inspired a group of students in the great teen movie The Dead Poets Society to be brave and think outside of the box. I urge Gen Xers to do the same.
Jenn, As another on the leading edge (40) of Gen X, I agree with many of your points. We are bridging the gap between the old world and the new. It is fun and exciting to be right in the middle of the transition between those that saw the dawn of the television age and those that never lived without a PC.
However, I’m not sure I agree with your take that we always played well with others, I think we are mature enough now to put away our angst over the lack of coverage / respect our generation has received and move on to be the leaders we know we can be.
I direct PR for the largest real estate franchise sales organization in the world and I see the challenges of communication between the generations daily. The biggest challenge for our generation will be convincing the Boomers it is time to retire.
@mattgentile
Interesting post. I’d agree with Matt Gentile that if you look at the Gen X profile as a whole, “plays nicely with others” is not what comes to my mind, either. Gen X are not team players, per se, they’re leaders and entrepreneurs. And one reason is because Gen X were NOT pampered (since we’re talking movies, see Pretty in Pink); quite the contrary, we were pretty much left to our devices growing up. Gen X are not joiners, like Millenials. More CEOs are Gen X than any other generation. Also, I don’t share your frustration with Boomers, but my experience has prob. been different. Just as I appreciate the positive attitude of Millenials, I respect the way Boomers question authority. All the attributes of these generations have their role and value in the workplace.