We are Generation Y

We are more about the meaning

Are we wanderers? Are we lost? Are we workaholics, or do we just want to live?

Some of us might be all too familiar with the generational gaps. How it shapes personalities and destroys others. The clashes we go through daily, in every decision and every step we take. Needless to say the countless times of feeling inferior for the fact that we’re younger in age, and presumably less experienced.

In case you were wondering, Generation Y is the generation following the Baby Boomers and Generation X. This terminology is known to describe those born from the late 1970's to the late 1990's.

It’s not my intention to state the term “Generation Y” and refer to a battle between generations; this wouldn’t be appropriate nor helpful. In fact, most labels are designed to set people against one another for no good reason. The message I am trying to send instead has to do precisely with how our time, era or whatever directly or unconsciously impacts almost every important decision we make.

The difference in age, mannerism, and overall life-goals between these generations are extremely big, that a huge gap was created due to miscommunications and the inherent belief that youth haven’t experienced enough, aren’t responsible enough, don’t know enough. The problem is, to them, we are always young!

Baby Boomers were raised following extreme times, a world war followed by massive flourish with the desire of shaping the world in the direction of making tons of money — hence, capitalism. In their best efforts, they raised the following generations with the same expectations. A fundamental difference arised however, one they weren’t expecting.

Generation X lives to work, while Generation Y works to live.

Generation Y has multiple passions and is more global than any of its predecessors. A huge amount have lived or worked abroad for some time over the course of their lives. As a result, we have engaged in ideological and cultural exchanges that have become embedded in our identity, both individually and as a generation. Generation Y wants to create, achieve, travel, and find other means of happiness. The concept of setting a dream and putting a plan in place to follow and achieve that dream, rather than just thinking about money and worrying about “the future”, is essential to us. Our elders can be viewed as teachers and guides, perhaps one of the biggest lessons we’ve learned from Generation X is not to forget the most important thing, the self.

How often does an idea — humble or miraculous — land in the mind of a mid-twenty year old, involving a personal project, a professional dream, or a change in life paths, Seek advise from an elder and most likely the advise is “That is too important to leave for chance” as in that is a risk you don’t want to take. Instead of hearing empowering words that drive you to set that goal, figure out a plan, and go out and start living your life the way you wish to live it, you feel lost and hesitant. The concept of time changing and the universal progression we are seeing unfold before us isn’t always well-matched with human attitude. Well, older generations should know that every time has its KINGS.

Generation Y has a different concept of the self, of authority, an unlike set of motivations and desires, and most importantly, a different rhythm of how we want to achieve goals.

Having said all this, it has been a strong belief that there are simple ways to reduce these clashes, most importantly knowing for a fact that generations won’t meet on all aspects of life. This may be due to time changes, varying perspectives and life experiences. Acceptance of their guidance can be helpful but doesn’t mean you have to adapt and mold, ignoring your own goals and dreams. Just play smart and be sure that while acceptance is a strong tool, patience and positivity are where it’s at. So for those of you struggling with the generational mystery, know this — don’t expect to change others, rather change the way you deal with others, while focusing on you, the self.

Generation Y is more about significance and value than making money.

Cheers,

R.S.