I can’t speak for everyone, because we’ve all had our different experiences, but there are several items that stick out for me regarding #4. The one that had the greatest impact on me? I’ve watched my father get jacked around by corporations his entire life. From my understanding, this is significantly different from how things worked for the previous generation—where many people could work at one company their entire career. I watched as corporations merged, moved, downsized, and disregarded his wellbeing as a loyal employee. Corporations have effectively raised a completely non-loyal generation of workers. It isn’t to say that I won’t work hard at a job or take a specific job because of it, but I’m wary and will strive to be the least dependent on these bodies as possible.

The second item that seems to have had a great impact on me (although a less direct response for #4) is my experience with politics in general. Keep in mind that I’ve only been politically self-aware for a little over two presidencies. I’ll try not to delve into political arguments, because those are irrelevant to my point. But what I’ve experienced seems to be an extreme polarization of politics. The left and right seem to be anchoring into their positions, neither of which satisfies my own thoughts and ideals. Meanwhile both major parties seem to cater only to the needs of the big corporations while disregarding the needs of those they represent.

I’d love to hear your response, especially to my political rant. Have things always been as polarized as they seem to be now?

Thanks,
Offspring #1

I enjoyed reading this and I appreciate your comments. I am a baby boomer in my 50′s I must tell you that I really enjoy Generation Y. I recently went back to college, just for the experience, and I have had great experiences with the younger students. I hate to say it but the Gen Xers were a bit difficult. Gen Y’s are friendly and easy to approach, intelligent, happy to help, and have respect for individuals from all walks of life. I am really looking forward to seeing what Gen Y does for our world.

I do have a question that I am hoping you will answer regarding your point #4 (we learned from you). I believe that you have seen a lot. I have too (parents divorced several times, wars, etc), so I am hoping you might be a bit more specific on what the BB’s passed on that is of value to Generation Y.

Thank you!

As an example, I learned how to work hard but always thought it was more about how smart you worked. If you can get the same thing done in half the time, why not? As a knowledge management professional, I also appreciate the value of blogging and using social media to share information and co-create knowledge. Also, money has never been a primary objective of mine. I guess that’s pretty weird for a boomer, but there were an awful lot of us back in the late sixties and early seventies who seemed to think that way. It seems most of them just gave up and decided to take the path of least resistance. Jackson Browne did suggest such a thing in his lyrics to “The Pretender”, but I guess I didn’t realize just how thoroughly some had gone down the garden path.

At any rate, I hear ya sister. I am entirely supportive. I pursue and embrace change and I think y’all are doing a bang-up job. As they say, “non Illigitimi carborundum”.

The articles's summary text is already a given in our minds. Your understanding of our generational sacrifices is already figured into life's formula, i.e. we EXPECT you to see that larger picture with maturity. Your own journey to experience life through the learning process of making mistakes is not to be tampered with. It is good that you recognize a life is one of his/her own making, one to be carved out by your own hand. It is good that you perceive through your observations of our actions the generational methods we use to deal with the challenges we face . . . as you ultimately will also. We seek merely to give you the proper tools to do the job and for the long journey ahead.

Though the time machine settings may be different, with technology replacing antiquity, cyberspace replacing postage, certain principles will remain timeless. You will forever be challenged with life's ups and downs albeit differently. Always carry the right tools. Your shipment of hardships and grief may have a different label but the need for guidance, hope, and love are all the same.

Medical breakthroughs and conquests of prior unmanageable diseases and plagues are replaced with new mutations that threaten populations. Loss of loved ones will endure despite all earthly efforts.

As the larger picture continues to materialize in your minds through the passage of time it is then that the tree begins to bear fruit. Wisdom is a gift given only to the experienced soul and not to the foolhardy. Positively persist onward without cessation until success results. There is no other viable approach.

And when the mantle of success is reached along your journey . . . it then becomes time to pass the torch.

Baby Boomer RCF