Hard work pays off? Depends on your generation...

 

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Hard work pays off? 

by Andre

Generational stereotypes have always been around - the older generations are out of touch, the younger ones have no manners. The list goes on forever and this is hardly news. However, Millennials and even Gen Z joining the workforce has sewn the seeds of conflict, perhaps unsurprisingly so considering the shifting perceptions of work between Millennials and Baby Boomers in particular. 

Baby Boomers make up a disproportionate percentage of the workforce. They have grown up with the principle of success through hard work, and the sentiment of loyalty towards their employer, and that actually worked for them. Speaking from personal experience, my grandfather, born in the early 1950s, spent his entire career working for the same company, without higher education, and was able to comfortably support a household of five on a single salary. This is utterly inconceivable for the average Millennial and for many feels impossible to achieve. 

With most senior positions filled by Boomers, it is easy to see why these different worldviews can result in conflict. The Boomers’ tried and true methods, which proved so successful for them, are no longer viable, and yet this would have seemed inconceivable only a couple of decades ago. All too often this shift leads to blame, with Boomers interpreting as lazy and entitled the behaviour of Millennials, who themselves believe the Boomers to be at fault.

In my experience, a lot of this conflict arises from a lack of understanding as well as the unwillingness to understand the opposing viewpoints of different generations, paired with over-generalized judgements about big groups of people in different, incomparable contexts. Until we start talking, and especially listening, to each other better, this conflict looks set to continue.