Gen Y’ers should play against “type”
Ask Kate Column: Margie says she is sick of the Gen Y bashing that has followed the “GFC”. “I’m 22 and a hard worker. I don’t expect things to just be handed to me. People are just jealous that Gen Y is so smart and tech savvy.”
Margie, in a tight job market all candidates have to deal with clichéd views – working mums, mature aged workers, new migrants and so on. For Gen Y, the good times meant the ability to drive up their salaries quickly by demanding promotions and jumping jobs. Now with the Global Financial Crisis, we have seen a return to loyalty and experience.
Where being a “digital native” was once lauded books like The Dumbest Generation by Mark Bauerlein present another view. He argues that technology has created a generation of poor spellers who use mobile phone text short forms for everything. He also believes technology has curtailed critical thinking and comprehension.
Even if this is not true, it is good to be aware of the clichés out there. Julia Ross heads a global recruitment empire. She started her business in Australia during a recession when she was newly separated and pregnant with her Gen Y son because she believed no one would give a single, unemployed mum a job.
She is a huge fan of Gen Ys. Still, her advice to Gen Y is to play against “type”. Gen Ys must show they are willing to stick with one job, give their all to tasks they might not enjoy and be prepared to learn the ropes thoroughly before pushing for a promotion. Don’t dwell on whether this is a fair thing for you personally.
Just be aware of the cliches and turn them to your advantage.
