How will the Generation of 15-22 year olds rulle the world?

[Racerbvd]

Well, kids of the guys here seem not to be the norm.. Sad thing too..

'Millennials' don't cite work ethic as priority - The Macomb Daily (macombdaily.com)

'Millennials' don't cite work ethic as priority
18- to 29-year-olds more 'free-spirited'
Sunday, April 4, 2010

By Ian Shapira, The Washington Post

WASHINGTON — Jared Rogalia, 25, a Hertz rental car manager-trainee, is as cranky as someone twice his age when he complains about his generation's work ethic. Here's how Rogalia characterizes his age group: "The first is: really spoiled and lazy. The second is: We're free-spirited. And the third is: They'd rather be poorer and have free time than have a lot of money."

The millennial generation — about 50 million people ages 18 to 29 — is the only age group in the nation that doesn't cite work ethic as one of its "principal claims to distinctiveness," according to a new Pew Research Center study, "Millennials: Confident. Connected. Open to Change." The Washington-based nonprofit organization found that young adults and their elders agree: Baby boomers and

Generation X-ers have better work ethic and moral values than those in their 20s.

In a survey of about 1,200 people of all ages, millennials chose other traits to define themselves: 24 percent said "technology use," 11 percent went with "music/pop culture," 7 percent chose "liberal/tolerant," and 6 percent said "smarter." Only 5 percent noted their generation's "work ethic" — the same portion who chose "clothes" as their distinction.

In older generations, at least twice as many people cited work ethic as a badge of their age group's identity: 17 percent of boomers, 11 percent of Gen X-ers, and 10 percent of those 65 and older. The older three generations also take pride in their strong values or morals and in being "respectful," terms that hardly any millennials in the survey used.

"Millennials may be a self-confident generation," the study concluded, "but they display little appetite for claims of moral superiority."

Some young adults — much like Generation X-ers who found themselves labeled as slackers in the 1990s — believe such generalizations are nonsense.

Maya Enista, 26, chief executive at Mobilize.org, an advocacy group for young adults, said the term "work ethic" is misleading: "It's not about being at a desk from 9 to 5. I work part of every hour I am awake."

Her peers' constant connection to technology keeps them as tethered to their jobs as older workers are, Enista said. "It's a given that we work hard, because the reality is that millennials are the most educated and most in debt."

But other young people in the area — and their older managers — can be their generation's harshest critics. At suburban Potomac Pizza, Omar Haleem, 22, an assistant manager, said he is often put in the awkward position of haranguing colleagues his own age.

"I have to call out their faults and make it real obvious that they're not doing their job," he said. "If they're standing there watching TV, I say, 'OK ... you don't want to work as many shifts?' They leave food on the line that's ready to be delivered to tables or put in bags. They'll order food in the middle of a dinner rush and enjoy their slice and not answer phones, which is really annoying. And they talk on the phone to their friends outside."

Rea Pyle, 34, Potomac Pizza's owner, said many younger workers do not accept that it takes long, concerted effort to build a career. "They've been blessed with parents and grandparents laying the foundation to give them a better life ... but that hunger is not really in them," he said. "But the desire for success is. They want to make money" but don't want to put in the time or effort.

In the high-salary realm of management consulting firms, which hire hundreds of young adults annually, executives say the youngest employees are far more likely to request flexibility to work from home or during off-hours.

Nicole Furst, 38, a senior executive at suburban Accenture, said younger workers there have little interest in putting in long hours simply because that's what previous generations did. "They make it clear that it's not a pattern they would adopt," she said. "They look at all the Generation X-ers and say, 'I don't want to put in all those hours when I am at that point.' "

The influx of a big bulge of workers into the economy, especially at a time of starkly higher unemployment, has spawned an industry of pollsters, authors and consultants seeking to explain the young generation. The titles of books about millennials appear to reveal a certain condescension: "The Dumbest Generation" and "The Trophy Kids Grow Up."

Even more neutral studies focus on the generation's supposedly weak work ethic. In the new book "The M-factor: How the Millennial Generation is Rocking the Workplace" (Harper Business), authors Lynne C. Lancaster and David Stillman report on their 2009 survey that showed almost nothing bothers older workers as much as having colleagues who put in fewer hours, whereas millennials seem wholly unperturbed by that reality of the workplace.

Jennifer Miller, 44, director of talent acquisition at Sibley Memorial Hospital, said that even in interviews, younger nurse recruits frequently make schedule demands. "The younger candidates start talking about how their shifts need to fit into a predetermined schedule, rather than working around whatever the hospital needs," she said. "They say, 'I can't work evenings.' I was schooled in 'You don't put up roadblocks at all in an interview.' "

Some young nurses crave more responsibility and grander titles without the years of grunt work that previous generations saw as the gateway to advancement, Miller said. "We had a new grad, she finished a master's degree, and she wanted to be a nurse manager. But she had no nurse-managing experience. I wouldn't have made the assumption that the mere fact I had finished this new degree meant that my employer would find me a new job."

Rogalia, at the suburban Hertz location, said his peers are sometimes easily distracted. "We've had to take disciplinary actions," he said. "We had a new hire who was watching video on his iPhone with his headphones on and the customers were kind of looking around to see what this kid was doing. He was laughing. He stopped showing up after a while."

Rogalia, who wakes at 5 a.m. for work and does not get home until about 8 p.m., said it was only recently that he felt he had a decent work ethic. He lived with his parents after graduating from college in 2007.

"Life was great, but I didn't feel good about myself," he said. "I was lazy. I was working two part-time jobs. I think the older generations do have a better work ethic. My parents pampered me and gave me anything I asked for."

One busy night at Potomac Pizza, Haleem evaluated his younger colleagues, all still in college: sophomore Ryan Mooney and seniors Bill Lustig and Chris Healing.

"Mooney's always in the back room at the computer, trying to win online betting," Haleem said. "Bill, he's always getting yelled at by his girlfriend. Everyone will tell you that she's a great girl. She keeps tabs on him. Let's keep it at that. Chris is always texting with his girlfriend."

They all seemed busy enough, except Mooney, who was looking to skip out for a break at a nearby bar. "Why can't I just leave?" he asked nobody in particular.

Lustig, hungry for tips, overheard and shot back, "You can leave, if you want — more tables for me."

[m21sniper]

The PP forums demographic is definitely not the "usual" demographic in America.

[look 171]

Originally Posted by Rick Lee

I'm sure the current crop of 15-22 yr. old Chinese kids will do just fine ruling the world.

Some of you know that I teach woodshop/ cabinet making at a local high school part time. 3 months ago, I had 3 Chinese exchange students some through my class for 2 weeks. They brough school work from home while they were they were here. One chosed to not go to Universal Studios instead stay home to finish his paper. hats off to him. I am not sure if i can do that if I were over there.

To answer your question Jim, I am afraid too. I see too many kids like the ones you discribe. I don't think it will get better. too many broken homes and parents working too many hours busting their butts earning money instead of teaching their kids the basics of hard work and respect.

[m21sniper]

Seriously, we survived the free loving junkie hippy generation. (barely).

I can hardly believe that the i-generation will be even 1/10th (or possibly even 1/100th) as destructive to this nation as the damn dirty hippies were.

[Rick Lee]

Originally Posted by m21sniper

I can hardly believe that the i-generation will be even 1/10th (or possibly even 1/100th) as destructive to this nation as the damn dirty hippies were.

They don't have to be. They just have to do nothing to correct the course we're on.

[mattdavis11]

I think it's imperative for everyone to know they'll be paying for what's going on right now, and I'll tell 'em. I don't much care what they do, but they better be either, 1) good at it, or 2) able to diversify.

There's an a$$load of college kids making good grades that know only one thing, and one's with double majors tend to be totally clueless as to what revolves around them. It's nice to hear there are exceptions. Confidence is the key.

[Embraer]

I just had this conversation the other day with some of my co-workers. There truly is a sense of entitlement with kids in this age group. Yes, I know I'm not the norm (working since I was 15, full academic scholarship to school, etc)....but these kids are pretty much worthless these days.

...and I'm not talking about non-educated, mentally inept kids. Each semester, I run an internship program at my place of business. I take 2-3 colleges kids per semester, and indoctrinate them into the airline. We're talking kids that have all gotten at least 1200 on SAT's, better than 3.0 GPA, etc.

Progressively, for the last 3 years, the quality of my interns has gone down the toilet. For the most part, they're unmotivated and lazy. In 18 interns I've had, I'd say that 3 were hardworking, inquisitive, and had a good attitude.

Last summer, I had a girl who would sit at her computer and play games. When queried if she could help with a project, it was like pulling teeth to get her to do anything. I sent her home several times. ....and she still didn't understand that being sent home was not a reward, but a reprimand (even after being told I was disappointed with her performance).

After this semester, I will be canceling our internship program.

[look 171]

Originally Posted by Embraer

I just had this conversation the other day with some of my co-workers. There truly is a sense of entitlement with kids in this age group. Yes, I know I'm not the norm (working since I was 15, full academic scholarship to school, etc)....but these kids are pretty much worthless these days.

...and I'm not talking about non-educated, mentally inept kids. Each semester, I run an internship program at my place of business. I take 2-3 colleges kids per semester, and indoctrinate them into the airline. We're talking kids that have all gotten at least 1200 on SAT's, better than 3.0 GPA, etc.

Progressively, for the last 3 years, the quality of my interns has gone down the toilet. For the most part, they're unmotivated and lazy. In 18 interns I've had, I'd say that 3 were hardworking, inquisitive, and had a good attitude.

Last summer, I had a girl who would sit at her computer and play games. When queried if she could help with a project, it was like pulling teeth to get her to do anything. I sent her home several times. ....and she still didn't understand that being sent home was not a reward, but a reprimand (even after being told I was disappointed with her performance).

After this semester, I will be canceling our internship program.

Interships or community services are now require at some of the schools, that why you the pulling teeth. THat's the adult's at the school's fault.

[Embraer]

nah....it's not a requirement for the school/program that we harvest our interns from. These kids are interns, with the hope that they will impress us, and let them join the flight line with a reduced amount of hours than any other off the street pilot would get.

....and even if it was a requirement, I still couldn't place blame on an adult. When I was 20 years old....I was an adult. I didn't know what I know now, but I was certainly hardworking, motivated, and smart enough to know what kind of impression to leave on people

[m21sniper]

Originally Posted by Embraer

I just had this conversation the other day with some of my co-workers. There truly is a sense of entitlement with kids in this age group. Yes, I know I'm not the norm (working since I was 15, full academic scholarship to school, etc)....but these kids are pretty much worthless these days.

...and I'm not talking about non-educated, mentally inept kids. Each semester, I run an internship program at my place of business. I take 2-3 colleges kids per semester, and indoctrinate them into the airline. We're talking kids that have all gotten at least 1200 on SAT's, better than 3.0 GPA, etc.

Progressively, for the last 3 years, the quality of my interns has gone down the toilet. For the most part, they're unmotivated and lazy. In 18 interns I've had, I'd say that 3 were hardworking, inquisitive, and had a good attitude.

Last summer, I had a girl who would sit at her computer and play games. When queried if she could help with a project, it was like pulling teeth to get her to do anything. I sent her home several times. ....and she still didn't understand that being sent home was not a reward, but a reprimand (even after being told I was disappointed with her performance).

After this semester, I will be canceling our internship program.

If i had to show up and work for free every day you wouldn't get very much out of me either. Interns should be paid at least minimum wage, i suspect if they were they'd show up with a lot more enthusiasm.

These are basically unpaid slaves. It's crazy to expect all that much out of them.

[Embraer]

Originally Posted by m21sniper

If i had to show up and work for free every day you wouldn't get very much out of me either. Interns should be paid at least minimum wage, i suspect if they were they'd show up with a lot more enthusiasm.

These are basically unpaid slaves. It's crazy to expect all that much out of them.

1. They apply and compete for the internship. They should want to be here.

2. They "work" 2-3 days per week.

3. They are paid in flight benefits, jumpseat privileges, and networking.

4. Lunches are paid for.

5. They are doing basic research and office work. They are not mining coal in Virginia.

[m21sniper]

Clearly they are not impressed with the "rewards," or you'd get something out of them.

For my part, every young guy i ever brought on to repo for me was always extremely enthusiastic, often too enthusiastic. (Much like rookie cops and soldiers are also extremely motivated- too motivated)

I hired a few girls over the years to work with me as a repo partner too. One was a smoking ass hot Army reservist who later ended up in Iraq. She was a pretty good worker, and my so easy to look at.

[Embraer]

If they compete and want to be an intern, then they should be responsible and do their job. It's 2-3 days a week, for a semester. Again, they're not slaving at all.

You really just don't understand the whole situation. These kids have never worked a day in their life. They come from well-off families (their dads are usually VERY senior airline captains). They want to reap the benefits of putting the experience of an internship on their resume, but do little to earn it.

[m21sniper]

All i'm saying is that if they were paid even so much as minimum wage, i am willing to bet you'd get a lot more out of them.

I am sure they're spoiled and you're judging them properly, but even spoiled brats will give you something for some spending money.

[audiman08]

Old(er) generations have been calling-out younger generations for eons. There have always been groups of young people who seem to represent the majority of youth in older peoples' minds. In the 50s they were beatniks or greasers, in the 60s hippies, in the 70s more hippies and disco-loving cocaine feens, in the 80s punks, in the 90s grunge,.....and now they are these emo kids with their shaggy hair and terrible music......

[m21sniper]

80s was metalheads man, come on!

[onlycafe]

this is not to be taken as a blanket indictment of all of the kids today, so no letters please.

and turn down the sound so you will not hear all the swearing.

Rocket Up The Butt! | SplodeTV.com

[fintstone]

I am sure that there are many impressive intellects and hard workers out there....but I would have to agree with some of posters that a large portion do not seem to have quite the same work ethic as previous generations. I have a lot of extra work and routinely offer voluntary overtime...but the only ones that I can ever get to work extra are those in their late forties and older. Never in my life would I have turned down such a lucrative opportunity...and often worked a second job for very low pay to supplement my income.

I think giving everyone a trophy and everyone an A or B is finally catching up. The huge social welfare programs that are disguised so that one is not ashamed of themselves for accepting it like section 8 housing, foodstamps (now called "SNAP" and is a credit card), WIC, and earned income credt...as well as the many tax credits that are provided so that most do not really pay any federal or state taxes.

[Crowbob]

Or you should pay them more, Fint. Seriously, I dont find it necessarily a negative that young people value their time more than money. After all, money is quickly becoming worthless. I see lots of very hard working young people who will never get out of the debt handed them so why bother trying? As you seem to imply, it's not the kids' fault. Nor is it a lack of work ethic, IMO. It's a lack of opportunity. It's a natural and reasonable response to a no-win situation. The work ethic is obsolete because there's no pay-off. Given their circumstances, I don't blame them one bit. I hate it, it is ruining the country but these days, the word is out that when you put your nose to the grindstone, you end up with a flat nose, period. This is where my cynicism comes from. It has taken generations to get us into this hole and it will take generations to get us out, beginning in November, I hope.

[fintstone]

Originally Posted by Crowbob

Or you should pay them more, Fint. Seriously, I dont find it necessarily a negative that young people value their time more than money. After all, money is quickly becoming worthless. I see lots of very hard working young people who will never get out of the debt handed them so why bother trying? As you seem to imply, it's not the kids' fault. Nor is it a lack of work ethic, IMO. It's a lack of opportunity. It's a natural and reasonable response to a no-win situation. The work ethic is obsolete because there's no pay-off. Given their circumstances, I don't blame them one bit. I hate it, it is ruining the country but these days, the word is out that when you put your nose to the grindstone, you end up with a flat nose, period. This is where my cynicism comes from. It has taken generations to get us into this hole and it will take generations to get us out, beginning in November, I hope.

I can't pay them any more...there is a set pay schedule...however, I find it hard to imagine a "20 something" turning down $40 to $60 an hour...plus, working extra would significantly improve their promotion opportunities. I recently had an opening which would be a promotion for the same employees..to be the supervisor for their small section (with about a 6 to 10% pay raise). No one was interested and I am filling the position from outside. How could one have any more "opportunity?" I see it as nothing but "lack of work ethic."