The Millennial/Gen Y Fishbowl
“Parents just don’t understand.” Remember that jam? Yah… me either.
But seriously, DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince knew what they were talking about when they rapped, “Parents just don’t understand” – and over two decades later, the same sentiment rings true for Millennial’s, or Gen Y.
Since becoming fascinated with generations, bridging the communication gap between them, and helping my peers find inner peace, I have been bombarded with article after article all reflecting on the same thing; Gen Y’s negative traits. There is a major lack of understanding where those traits are concerned because the authors of said articles are often coming from a space of generation bias, or from lack of experience actually interacting with members of Gen Y. It shocks me how my peers are like fish in a fishbowl, the outside world constantly looking in- fast food chains trying to win us over, insurance companies sorting our needs…
This morning in particular I read an article from Women’s Agenda, “Why the millennial generation may be lacking drive”. The author of the article Marina Go shares information derived from a global study of teenagers sharing hopes and dreams of their futures. Go states, “Of most concern to me was their belief that they wouldn’t succeed, before their careers had even begun.” She worries that rather than laziness, Gen Y’ers are lacking “drive” to succeed.
A few ideas immediately flooded my brain, and the most prominent was that disconnect between generations in the definition of success. I’ve written about this before, but it bares repeating.
To me, success looks different – and I think it does for many Gen Y’ers.
When Millennial’s Boomer and older Gen X parents were starting their careers they may have been more successful, sure. The reasons for this vary from the lack of necessity to have a University or College degree, to the thriving automotive industry, to the steady increase of “real wage” which stopped in the 70′s, etc… Many family members and in-laws are examples of this. Good white collar careers, great pensions.
Success is relative, and there are layers to it. Too often we say successful and really mean materially or commercially successful. As a work-from-home parent, this concerns me. By this definition my sons will surely not see me as a success, simply because I choose to care for them instead of work outside of the home.
There is no question that the employment situation in North America is shifting and many Millennial’s don’t know where to turn. But, let’s not assume that because we are not doing something the same way as previous generations, that we may be in trouble. That our traits are not serving us well.
Millennial’s are entrepreneurial – we’re resourceful – and my favorite thing about this generation that makes me be proud to be a member is that generally, we care about the greater good. With the right guidance and mentoring from older generations, members of Gen Y may just be the most suited generation yet to take on some of the global challenges we face as we move into mid-life (thanks to many of our positive traits).
That said – I truly believe this can only happen with that collaboration and mentor support.
Perhaps instead of questioning how Millennial’s will fare – Boomers and Gen X’ers should reach out and share knowledge and experience. The world would do well with a service, much like a dating service, that matches Mentors and Mentees.
I’d sign up for sure – true community at work.
The Psychology of “Selfies” ~ Weigh In
So – I’m kind of fascinated with the psychology behind “selfies” right now. (If you’ve never heard the term, a selfie is a self-portrait taken primarily these days via Instagram.) I tried to find one of myself on my Instagram feed, but the picture above is the best I could come up with which is actually more of a selfie of my 4 month old.
It seems so simple – a self-portrait – but it’s not.
Personally, when I see a selfie, I can’t help but wonder what is going through someones head when they take the picture. Sometimes it’s obvious – they feel great and it’s shining through. These are the pics that make me smile. I love them.
Sometimes an insecurity is just as obvious. It almost hurts to look.
But, it’s the individuals that consistently take their own pics that really make me think.
Is it narcissism? Or is it simply healthy self-esteem? (You can listen in to The Current on CBC where Anna Maria Tremonti chatted about this subject on Jan. 30th, 2013.)
I don’t have any major declarations on the subject, it just fascinates me. The ever changing landscape of social media is providing us with no shortage of new social experiments.
I’d love to hear your thoughts – do you follow anyone on Instagram that goes heavy on the selfies? Do you think it’s just healthy self-esteem or do you lean toward narcissism?
Gen Y’s Soul-Searching Guide to Finding A Job
We all have our hobbies. For some that includes playing instruments, for others it’s baking, knitting, golfing, etc… My hobby? I’m interested in the study of Psychology. I like reading something and catching a little sidebar that begs for further research and allows me to connect the dots or add another layer to a theory.
Most of my research into psychology has been focused on Gen Y, after all I began this blog after an exploration into what is coined a “quarter-life crisis.” My hobby became a passion and I decided to when write this book, focusing on Generation Y’ers and our search for happiness.
Search indeed. Over the past few months media outlets have been consistently reporting the same thing; Gen Y’ers are stressed because they can’t find work.
This isn’t a shocking revelation. It’s been this way for some time. Many Gen Y’ers can’t find a decent, well-paying job after graduating College let alone something meaningful which they crave. The change-the-world trademark characteristic of Gen Y is unlikely to flourish when the main focus is to simply find a job. Find any job. Recently Macleans magazine reported a staggering 1.2 million individuals in Canada under thirty are working part-time jobs while hoping to land a full-time one. At this rate, that ideal job we daydream about; the one that gives us meaning – it is simply not in the cards.
The question remains; how can resilient Gen Y’ers find a job in this current market? I have some ideas.
A new way of thinking? Check.
Questioning beliefs? Check.
Soul Searching? Check.
Below are my soul-searching tips to help Gen Y’ers navigate these rocky unemployment waters…
1. Drop the degree
If you’ve spent years pouring yourself into textbooks, and hours upon hours studying for exams, you’re undoubtedly proud of your accomplishments. You EARNED your degree. You have the letters after your name that you dreamed of.
Here is where things get tricky and what you need to know: you are not your degree.
When we receive recognition, even after we’ve truly earned it, it is easy for our egos to invoke and take over our rational minds. We subconsciously identify with our accomplishments.
Doing this doesn’t serve you in your quest for both happiness or a job. You need to break the barriers of that box you’ve put yourself in and think of your degree as only one aspect of your accomplishments and qualifications.
2. Become a dreamer
Not everyone is a dreamer. Not everyone has massive goals that they want to accomplish. And that’s okay – but in today’s job market, you have to think beyond your qualifications. There is simply too much competition.
Start thinking about your passions. There are some amazing resources out there to help spark this side of your brain. Stop thinking of passions as hobbies, and start considering them as possible career choices. After all, we can expect to have over 10 career changes during our working years.
Dream away.
3. Diversify Yourself
After you’ve dreamed, do. Become a jack of all trades. Even if you have a full-time job, always consider night courses, distance courses, online courses.
This diversification can allow for may things to happen; you could discover a passion and start up your own business, or you can better prepare yourself for your next career leap.
The old saying, “education is power” has many meanings here, and while it may not feel like power as you struggle to find a job, you will be doing yourself a favor by continuing to learn.
4. Be You
During the chaos of our twenties, we often lose ourselves and eventually come around again as we get older. The trick is to by-pass losing ourselves and instead, allow ourselves to be comfortable in our own skin.
There is both peace, and comfort in knowing that you are being authentic in your choices, and actions every day. When we are struggling to find a job and become desperate, we can lose that truth.
The way to accomplish this during these turbulent times is to look inward. There is no better time than now to begin a meditation routine, take quiet walks, or spend time in Mother Nature. This grounding will help you to authentically derived decisions.
Wisdom Wednesday ~ A Quote from Kahlil Gibran
It was no easy task today to select JUST ONE quote from Kahlil Gibran‘s Masterpiece, The Prophet. It is one of my all-time favorites, and I think I could select Wisdom Wednesday quotes for a year based on The Prophet alone.
Today, “When love beckons to you, follow him,” stood out to me.
Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day/Generosity Day/V-Day, and thanks to the efforts of many dedicated individuals, love has taken on a whole new meaning.
It’s not just about romantic love anymore, it is about a more universal love.
While once a seemingly straightforward sentiment, this quote now speaks volumes about the many layers of love.
How will you spread the love tomorrow?
A Shift in Consciousness ~ Proof is in the Findings?
Call me crazy, but I love the research side of being a writer.
I know some dread it, but opening up a file with graphs or delving into the history of a subject always puts a smile on my face. Maybe it’s the remnants of a childhood obsession with Nancy Drew mysteries kicking around in my head, always looking to solve something. Regardless of where the love stems from, I’m forever doing research. From the year and a half it took me to fully complete my book proposal, to the two-hour search for a new post I’m working on.
Just today I got my hands on a brand-spanking new report that is very relevant to this site, and I am excited to share the findings. Released by Sparks & Honey and the massive media outlet GaiamTV, the new report titled, The Explosion of Conscious Media, takes a look into what truly does appear to be the rising level of consciousness around the globe; it is pretty much a confirmation of this truth.
What is Conscious Media? Here is their definition:
And what topics are covered in the area of Conscious Media??
Thought this diagram was so interesting. Where do you fit in on this journey? If you find yourself on the left, take heart, you CAN make huge strides on your mind/body/spirit journey in a short time!
Some key findings:
+ Over 100 Million Americans consume Conscious Media
+ 55% of Americans are undergoing a major life transition and are open to the idea of personal transformation
+ Some of the top media titles of all time are Conscious Media, including the movie Avatar and the video game Journey
So. What does this mean for all of us?
It means that there is a shift occurring. That people are waking up. That we are slowly but surely moving away from fear-based living and walking into our truths. That perhaps one day, maybe when Gen Z is entering their Mid-Life, it will be commonplace to view yourself as global citizen that cares for the health and well-being of every individual on the planet.
Source for images & study findings can be found here via GaiamTV & Sparks & Honey.
New Regular Feature ~ Monthly Mentor Series Kicks Off February 4th!
Last year I interviewed five women for the “Women Who Inspire” series; this included Christy Turlington Burns, Gabrielle Bernstein, Tara Sophia Mohr, along with others — and it was a hit. I had an amazing time putting it together and it was clear that you all loved it as well. We felt inspired and many of you discovered new mentors.
Recently, I contemplated firing up the series again, but decided to take it a step further. Today I am excited to share details about a new regular feature, the Monthly Mentor Series, a spin-off of the Women Who Inspire series.
The Monthly Mentor Series will feature Q&A’s with both men and women from a variety of different backgrounds. I will feature authors, business coaches, psychologists, spiritual gurus, and more. There are so many individuals out there that have amazing and world-changing work they are doing, and I want to help them spread that message and make it easier for you to receive it.
I’ll be kicking off the series in February with Tara Sophia Mohr.
Stay tuned for am amazing Q&A on Monday, February 4th!
<div align="center"><a href="http://www.theconsciousperspective.com/take-the-non-judgment-pledge-sign-up-below" title="Non-Judgment Week"><img src="http://www.theconsciousperspective.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/NJW_1.jpg" alt="Non-Judgment Week" style="border:none;" /></a></div>
