Sunday, December 7, 2008
Are We Trophy Kids?
In response to the Wall Street Journal article "The 'Trophy Kids' Go to Work," I feel the author has pin pointed some defining characteristics of the millennial generation and tends to exaggerate on other areas. There is no question our generation feels the need or requires a sense of entitlement. It is that cushion of safety and security that we need. Our hardworking generation desires to fast track their way through the corporate ladder and land into the CEO position. The question is "how much time will it take?" In terms of the corporate work place, I do not feel the need to completely change my personality compared to the way I am on my own time, but believe it imperative to be professional. Why some of us feel the need to leave our cell phone on ring, constantly text and facebook throughout the work day, I do not understand. When in the work place on company time, I find these behaviors extremely disrespectful. There should be a clear division between personal time and work time. Granted not everyone enters the corporate sector and this may not be applicable to them, but it should be an unwritten rule for those that it does affect. The 40/hr work week is a myth if you expect to go somewhere in life and absolutely ludicrous for fellow millenials to rely upon it. "For this generation, work is not a place you go; work is a thing you do."
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2 comments:
A clear division for work and personal time is a necessity, I believe. Companies have asked their employees to keep cell phones on and always be available, whether at work or not. For example, my dad can't even take a personal day without being required to be available to suddenly do work. It's like you're "at work" no matter where you go. if you have clients they could call you at unreasonable hours.
I both agree and disagree with your "disrespect" comment on cell phones and facebook in the workplace. First I disagree that it is disrespectful to have your cell phone on ring, if you are using your cell phone for work purposes (gathering information, speaking with clients, setting up appointments, etc.) then I don't see that as being disrespectful but as doing your job. However, I agree it is disrespectful when you bring your personal, or non-workplace life into the office. That along with going on Facebook are disrectful and morally wrong; however, I recall an article written within the past month or so, that did a study and showed that people who go on Facebook while at the office actually get more done! (I know this sounds completely ridiculois and I will try and locate the article). Going along with what Jen said, if my parents were to take a day off from work, they may not have to be readily available to suddenly go to work but they will still be checking up on what is going on, making and recieving phone calls to and from clients to keep everything in order. I do think there is a boundary on both parts (the client and the advisor (if you will)) and that should be the normanl weekday work hours so to not invade upon the others personal space.
Back to the main question, are we trophy kids? I don't think we are, but I can definately see how we can be percieved that way. With everything available at your fingertips, I do feel like many kids think they just jump to the upper level positions in the workplace; now, this may be true for some companies (best of luck to those), but I still think we have to earn our way to the top. I understand when I graduate I may not be doing dream job, but I do understand it will take a lot of time and effort to get to that dream job and doing so will make earning that position that much better.
pat
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