Millennials seem to have an overall bad reputation, especially in the workplace. Older generations consider them entitled, lazy and with little to no enthusiasm to work. However, are the Baby Boomers and Gen-Xers right, or are they missing something about Millennials?
There’s apprehension on the employer and the employee side as he new generations enter the workforce. Would they cooperate? Would they adjust or be rebels? Do they feel entitled to an easier work life?
Let’s take a look what Millennials want and debunk the myth that young adults are lazy and don’t want to work.
Millennials versus the Old Generations
It is no secret that Millennials have a different perspective on jobs than, for example, Baby Boomers. Their expectations of how a job should look like and what it should provide are two worlds apart.
Baby Boomers were driven and would gladly work for 60 hours every week. They had an exemplary work ethic and put their career before anything else. Sure, skills were still valuable, but not as important as “face time.” That is why a Baby Boomer stayed with the same employer for years on end.
Millennials, on the other hand, are ambitious and always thinking about the future and what they will do next. Their work ethic revolves around contribution. They want a job that treats them right, motivate them, validates them, and makes them feel like they are making a difference in the world. Millennials don’t just want to sit at a desk from nine to five and perform mundane tasks. They want a flexible schedule, work-life balance and the opportunity to improve their skills and knowledge.
Millennials Live With Uncertainty
Graduating college is an important milestone. You are excited about the prospects life might offer and eager to put the things you’ve learned into practice. But, with a weak job market and massive student debt, most Millennials step into this new stage of their life full of fears and uncertainty.
Having as many tools as possible is crucial if you want to improve your chances of getting the job of your dreams. Use social media platforms to create your online persona and reach out to potential employers. Enroll in free webinars that teach you how to create a compelling resume or how to make a good first impression during a job interview. And, use a calculator that allows you to estimate payroll online deductions and compare your earnings with the market average.
Millennials versus Employers
Is the new generation afraid of employers, or is it the other way around?
Here’s the thing: Millennials aren’t afraid of entering the work life. What they fear is that they’ll get stuck in a job they dislike and won’t be able to reach their goals. They want a profession that inspires and motivates them, not just a job that pays the bills. That is why they are not afraid to quit when they feel they’re in a rut. While companies and old generations may see this behavior as a sign of being entitled, the truth of the matter is that Millennials are daring and empowered.
High Expectations
According to one survey of 1,000 Millennials, the vast majority of them admitted that their first job after college was a huge letdown because they were expecting something a lot different. Millennials want and need feedback, transparency, and vision to succeed.
Even though money is an essential factor, the experiences that come with a new job weigh more than a paycheck to the young generation. They are interested in gaining knowledge and making a difference and not necessarily in acquiring wealth.
Millennials are not afraid of employers, nor of entering the workplace. They are just not welcomed yet by others because of their sense of freedom and ambition to change the world.