Nowadays, there seems to be a major generational gap between Generation Y (born 1983-current) and the Baby Boomers (born 1946-1965) about morals, loyalty, and hard work. Those who are categorized in either Generation Y or Baby Boomers will always think their generation has the right mindset. Each will look upon the other and be confused about how (and why) they became that way. Well, there is a lot that both generations can learn from each other.
Baby Boomers are insanely hard workers. They had a lot to fight for. Many were immigrants who came to the United States with nothing. Making money to provide for the family was their life. They did not question twelve hour days for low wages. They did what they needed to do in order to ensure their family had warm meals. Life was not easy, but they dealt with it and provided the next generation with more than they ever had. If you doubt this, just talk to your parents or grandparents. You will hear about their struggles and through their stories, you will realize the tremendous amount of perseverance they went through just to live.
Generation Y, on the other hand, are full of stories of entrepreneurs. Because of this, everybody just naturally wants to be an entrepreneur. People in Generation Y tend to believe that they deserve a lot, for nothing. People tend to think they deserve a huge salary, but they’ve just entered the work force. Yes, we all have a lot to contribute, but what have you contributed to show your worth? Along with the smarts that you have, have you shown that you have the ability to work hard as an individual, perform well in a team, and have the potential to develop leadership traits? Many individuals in Generation Y need to learn how to prove their worth, not just expect the best to fall on their laps.
Although, there is good reason Generation Y is this way. Their parents or grandparents have given them everything they need to start life on the right track. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. Those who have that privilege, consider yourself very lucky. But also know that because you have this advantage, do not let it go to waste. Yes, you deserve the best that life has to offer, but do remember that you still have to earn it by working hard for it. Learn from older generations that it takes hard work and dedication to your goals to actually achieve success. It does not take simply wits and luck.
Before I leave you, I’d like to show you two examples to prove my point. Research your favorite entrepreneurs, whether local or international. What you will always find in their stories to success is a combination of traits: hard work and dedication from the Baby Boomers generation and the creativity and inspiration of Generation Y. You will see that every successful person did not simply just have an idea, but the desire to carry out the idea with an insane amount of effort and persistence.
And my second example is simply a quote from the world’s greatest inventor, Thomas Edison:
“Success is 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration.”
Please visit www.alan-kong.com next week as we visit the generational differences between the Baby Boomers and Generation Y in terms of morals and loyalty.
