Millennials Are Perfect for Startups.

Kouame N'Dri
3 min readJan 30, 2018

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Photo by Getty Images

Millennials have such a bad reputation when it comes to the workforce. The old heads say we are lazy, entitled, and downright arrogant.

What they do not understand is that we love to be part of something different. We strive to leave a legacy by building something innovative.

We are risk takers, opportunity snatchers. We are curious by nature and rebels against the traditional path. Our elders guide us one way, but we want to see what’s on the other side. Society places us on one track, then we begin to wonder the possible what-ifs of in different scenarios.

The true definition of living life with no regrets.

The same principles are applied when it comes to the workforce. The “traditional“ 9–5 jobs aren’t going anywhere anytime soon, while the window of creativity and innovation are small and shut fast.

That is why millennials are perfect for startups. That is why they love them as well.

Impact

Due to the fact that most startups have limited manpower. People within a startup could take on many roles and responsibilities. Voices are heard and impact is felt. Not only millennials but people, in general, love the feeling of being wanted. When you are working in a startup, you play a very pivotal role within the company. A role that is not easily replaceable, a role that is your own.

We want to use our talents and strengths to do what we do best and love everyday. They are not simply looking for jobs, they are looking for a way of life. A way of life that is full of learning and development to enrich their careers. The debates about what does work and life balance looks like does not live within this generation. When the work is engaging and meaningful, their career is their life.

Creativity & Innovation

Millennials love the idea of being pioneers. They would rather create something great than be part of something great. In a startup environment, creativity and innovation are usually the foundation of the company. Within a startup environment, creativity is maxed out to produce a great product or service. Innovation and creation become more important than salary; collaboration is more valuable than the hierarchy. These values that are important to millennials are typically found in the startup community, rather than the corporate world.

The Lifestyle

Let’s keep this point short and sweet. Being in a monotonous situation is just not fun. In other words, the corporate lifestyle is just not fun. I understand there are a lot of old heads reading this right now and are thinking I have no idea what I am talking about. Maybe I don’t, but what I do know is that creativity and innovation do not live in that environment, that is something we are just not interested in being part of.

The long days are gone where you staying at a company for 10 years is the norm. Not to say that we have commitment issues, but we just love taking on new ventures and challenges. Ventures hat align with our values, skills, and experience. A venture that is revolutionizing the industry and we might be the vital piece in making that happen.

Conclusion

Millennials embody the foundation of startups. They are inflicting innovation and creativity in a way and at a pace that was never done before. To many, we might be over the top, but at the end of the day, we are the future. Our behaviors and motivation might be criticized today, but it will be instilled into society norms tomorrow.

This piece was inspired to provide insight and one’s mindset. If you liked reading this and have comments, concerns, or general feedback, please feel free to share. I love to engage in discussions.

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