Motivations and Managing Regrets for Millenials

One of the key characteristics of a millenial is for him/her to find meaning in the workplace. This can come in many forms — from motivation from the bosses, a firm belief in the product, adequate training, money, benefits or the people they are working for and working with. This in turn, will effect the level of happiness or contentment.

I had a discussion with a trainer who constantly trains top management people down to rank and file employees, and it was mentioned that finding meaning the workplace is of prime importance especially to those in Generation Y. A member of Generation Y will find something in a workplace and if it isn’t found, then he/she will decide to look for it elsewhere.

I am one of those who have looked elsewhere.

Upon my resignation I told my immediate and intermediate bosses that I was transferring companies because I felt that the company I was going to would give me a global training perspective my current company wouldn’t give me. That motivated me to get out of my comfort zone and try something new.

Yet, it nagged me that perhaps there were other motivations such as looking for more money, looking for a promotion, or simply the workload. While I mentioned those as factors, I stuck to the training as the primary reason to those I talked to. Deep inside, I always wondered if that was only it.

I write this story because the other day, my previous company had promoted several of my colleagues — and I was asked by some people if I should’ve stayed or if I regretted moving.

And the truth is, no. And that incident helped me justify to myself the true intentions of leaving — which is to be trained and trained well. I am immensely happy for those who got promoted, yet I don’t have any “what if” moments had I stayed. And I can truly tell myself that I am happy with where I am.

I write this because as a member of Generation Y, we tend to be spoiled for choice and we tend be unsure of the repercussions of our actions. Being honest to yourself seems difficult when offers come in, when you are shaken out of your comfort zone, and when times get rough.

Keeping your motivations in check is always a good thing and a good exercise. Finding meaning in a workplace is easy when the anchor is held in. But don’t bring up the anchor when there’s a little problem — see how long it holds and when the waves are too strong. Then decide if new waters are necessary, or if where you are is where you should be.

Maybe I was just lucky with how things turned out. But I always know what I want. And if that’s in place, things should be easier.