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Ryan Healy is a recent college graduate. He is a founder of 
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I’m not sure if anyone noticed or even cared for that matter, but last week we changed the Tag Line on our banner. The banner originally said, “Why the typical 9-5 doesn’t work for Gen-Y.” It now says, “The voice of Millennials at work.”
Our reason for doing this is two fold. First of all, we had a lot of people questioning why we were talking about a “9-5″ in the first place when most people get to work earlier than nine and leave well after five. It was a metaphor. We changed it.
The main reason for changing the banner is we are sick of using the term “Gen-Y.” Ryan and I have pondered which of the seemingly endless names given to our generation we should use when referring to ourselves. Originally we figured people would not know who we were referring to if we didn’t use Gen-Y. This is the mainstream term for our generation and we want to share our stories with as many people as possible, so this was the logical choice.
However, after thinking about where this name came from and what it implies we decided not to sell out and use this derogatory name to discuss our friends, peers and each other. Think about it, Generation Y implies that we are merely an extension of Generation X. Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against the Gen-Xers I know, including my cousins and co-workers. The problem is, Gen-Xers get a bad wrap. According to Wikipedia, “Generation X is generally marked by its lack of optimism for the future, nihilism, cynicism and lack of beliefs and trust in traditional values.”
Whether this is true or not, is not for me to decide. How can we be regarded as merely an extension of “Gen-X” before we even have a chance to prove ourselves? I cannot contribute to the use of the name Generation Y simply because it is mainstream.
The next problem is deciding which name to use if we aren’t going to use Gen-Y. I have heard names like, Echo Boomers, Generation Next, Generation Me, the list goes on and on. First off, #Echo Boomers is ridiculous because once again we are being described as an extension of yet another generation. We are a new generation, with new values, new beliefs, new goals and a whole new outlook on life and work. We need a unique name that allows us to decide who we are and what legacy we will leave.
The only logical name that Ryan and myself could agree on is Millennials. Howe and Strauss coined this term in their 2000 book Millennials Rising, and it is finally starting to catch on. The book describes us as “The Next Great Generation” and they make some pretty bold predictions about what we will accomplish as we begin to take the reigns in this country.
The one issue I have with the term is that they claim the birth years 1982-2000 represent the Millennial generation. In other words, the high school graduating class of 2000 was the first wave. Most Gen-X descriptions claim the last wave was born in 1977. So where does that leave those born between 1978 and 1981? I say if you consider yourself a part of this generation then you are. If you better identify with Gen X, then that is cool too.
Millennials is the first truly unique term for our generation and it was first used by some smart guys who truly believe in our potential for greatness. I’m all for positive thinking, it can’t hurt. We have decided to embrace the term and refer to ourselves exclusively as Millennials. Hopefully we can live up to the expectations.
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Good thoughts guys. Being born in 1980 myself, I often wondered where that landed me. It is interesting because I have tendencies that are Gen X and Millennial, but I mostly relate to the Millennial side.
Obviously demographics are generalizations about an age group so it is very easy for people to slip in and out of a group. I know that there are boomers who do not relate to their own generation just as there will be millennials who feel the same way. I like the idea of separating from Gen X or the boomers, it gives a more independent identity to the generation.
“How can we be regarded as merely an extension on ‘Gen-X’ before we even have a chance to prove ourselves.”
Thank you for bringing up this important point. So often I get frustrated by people who want to shove us into some kind of universal generality and profess loudly the studies that say we’re destined to act one way or another when very few of us are actually old enough to know where we’re going yet.
Researchers, I’m sure, will find us far more interesting if they stop all their pontificating and watch to see what kind of path we’re charting for ourselves.
Don’t get hung up with birth years. Jaerid is on track. It has more to do with the values you develop as you mature and which generation’s values, goals, and self-expectations exert the greatest gravitational pull on you. I’m suppose to be a (borderline) traditionalist, born in 1945. But my life has been that of a Boomer, albiet an early one. As for that damn Gen Y tag: I hate it. If for no other reason than it indicates there’s only one generation left. I hope your generation, whatever you’re eventually called, lives up to its expectations, because I’m damn optimistic about what you will accomplish on so many fronts.
Rick,
Thanks for the comment, its always good to hear someone from the boomer/traditionalist generation who believes in our generations potential. I agree that birth years are not the best way to distinguish between generations, and your personal values, goals and expectations really define who you are. Who knows what we will be known as when all is said and done, but im sure it won’t be Gen-Y.
Ryan
Here’s what I hope for all generatons: a great exchange of ideas so the young can pick up some confidence and knowledge from us, and, in return, give exciting concepts - and understanding of today’s technology - to us. We are facing a great opportunity to blend all this into a great future for American business and society. We can pull it off or we can blow it, and the key is all generations understanding that we each have something to give…and take. A friend of mine, Janine Moon (check out her websiteat www.workforcechange.com ,I think) recently said that mentoring is the key, but only if we understand that mentoring can work both ways…up and down. We can help our young workers avoid walking into spinning propellors and, expect in return, some advice on getting caught up to what today - and tomorrow - can offer us in terms of advanced thinking. Let’s hope it all works out!
Ryan,
I was born in 1978 - but I would not like to take sides with either group. What I have realized is that at different points of time, I am thinking along the lines of a different set of people. Does this mean that I am a “hybrid” (!) - of course not.
As you soak up workplace and social experiences, your perspectives are constantly changing. Due to this, it is very probable that your attitude towards different situations will be pretty different.