That new kid we hired doesn't get it!
In continuing research on “Seismic Generation Gaps” which is a speech topic that I am continuing to add to: I wanted to share with you some of what I have uncovered.
Echo Boomers: those born since 1980 have significantly higher self esteem than prior generations and significantly higher rates of depression.
These kids were told, “You can be anything you want!”
We forgot to add: “if you are willing to work for it.”
They grew up with inflated grades and sports where everyone got trophies even if they were in last place. Now, these kids are hitting the job market and they are stunned with the low pay (in their minds) and the amount of work they are expected to do.
This isn't all kids...but, enough to define this generation.
They fully expected to be the next Google millionaire or American Idol.
This expectation is without even knowing anything about business or being able to sing.
Witness the American Idol “Worst.” Now, those people make sense to me. They honestly think that because “I want it. This is my passion. This is my dream.” they are entitled to a ticket to Hollywood! Remember the mantra: “I can be anything I want!” Simon Cowell coached one participant, “Never sing again!” She replied, “But, I canceled cheer leading camp to be here!”
i.e. I want it = I can have it.
Another media mantra that is repeated so often to all of us that it seems “normal.”
“You are special!”
Barney sang it. The schools innocently teach this in their self esteem curriculum. Look at the TV commercials. They scream: “You are special!” every 30 seconds.
Special? Too special to work overtime? Too special to work (period)?
The interpretation of "special" is: I deserve more special treatment than anybody else. No one seems to question the absurdity of everyone being "special."
One study reported that the average high school senior expected their salary to be around $1 million. They don’t expect to work at anything like a manufacturing plant or even a normal everyday office.
Their job description is one word, “Fun!”
Then there is reality. Work isn’t always fun and the percentage of people making $1 million dollars is still in single digits.
Now, there is an alarming percentage that are chronically demotivated and even clinically depressed.
The new kid you hired?
That kid feels duped and abandoned; even angry.
The kid doesn't understand why.
Next post I'll cover some ways to help him/her to wake up and join life.
As always, let me know your thoughts.
I love hearing from you. :)
