Greater Lily Star Baptist Church
3716 Terrace G, Fairfield, Al 35064
205-787-3105
greaterlilystarb@bellsouth.net
Millenials
Also known as: Gen Y, Nexters, Generation Next
Approximate dates: 1982-2004
Defining characteristics: Grew up during a time of economic prosperity, then many entered the workforce during a recession. Surrounded by the rapid advance of technology, particularly the Internet.
And their values are just about in line with those who came before them. Their attitude towards work differs; they expect quick advancement, and don't expect to stay at any one organization for very long, a legacy of living through the financial crisis and the resulting weak economy.
Also identified with the hipster stereotype/subculture, and with being glued to their smartphones rather than engaged with the world or their jobs.
Challenges: Facing a particularly difficult job market at the moment. Not that long ago, a college degree was a decent guarantee of a good job. Now, that's not the case. Many recent graduates can't get a job outside of retail and hospitality, let alone in their current major. Many have high student debt as well, as the cost of college rises and wages stay stagnant.
Not forgetting that the problems with Baby Boomers retiring that falls on Gen X, will fall doubly hard on millennials.
Generation X
Also known as: Baby busters, the MTV generation
Approximate dates: 1965-1981
Defining characteristics: Grew up in the political climate in the aftermath of Watergate and the Vietnam War, during a series of recessions, the Reagan presidency, the AIDS epidemic, and the end of the Cold War.
Research finds Gen Xers are more likely to be independent and value their own career over organizations. They value autonomy and freedom at their jobs, and are not as work-centric as older generations.
They're more socially liberal than the Baby Boomers, and they're the first generation to fully embrace the Internet.
In the '80s, the stereotype was that the generation was intensely self-involved, greedy, and narcissistic. Now, since they make up so much of the workforce, it's hard to pin it down.
Challenges: The older members of Gen X are currently at the top, or near the top of many organizations. As more and more Baby Boomers retire, they'll have to foot the bill, and that bill's getting ever larger.
Also, many don't have skill sets that really apply in the current job market. Unfortunately, it's not always easy to change tracks, especially for those later in their career.
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