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Gen Y “The Lost Generation”
under30ceo | Oct 27, 2009 | Comments View Comments
BusinessWeek’s cover story “The Lost Generation” frames Gen Y as a pathetic generation surrendering to our circumstances. Yes, the economy is piss poor, but is it true that “young people can’t even grab on to the first rung of the career ladder?”
Millennials are not helpless and are certainly not entitled. This may be exactly what the doctor ordered–a wake up call. The level of frustration stems from a generation who believed all their life, as long as they showed up for class they’d be funneled through a system and handed a job with their diploma. After growing up in a time of prosperity, many of millennials are now learning that job paying $50k is no longer interviewing. Take Dan for example, our cover boy. “Dan Schmitz, 25, a University of Wisconsin grad, hasn’t had a job in months…I’ve applied for a whole lot of restaurant jobs, but even those, nobody calls me back.”
…Allow me to interject…
Dear Dan,
WTF are you doing curled up under a tree in the picture? While I don’t know your exact circumstances you don’t give Gen Y a very good image. You look victimized, feeble and weak. Thanks for being our spokesperson.
So what do you do everyday Dan? Do you stay under that tree and hope one of those restaurant jobs calls you back? Is serving food the only thing you could think of? Don’t you know every single high school and college student probably applied for that same job? Isn’t there something you can do besides feeling sorry for yourself?
Listen Dan, if you were that hungry you’d dig holes all day, but that probably doesn’t sound too inviting does it? It probably sounds like something our grandparents had to do in the depression or something. I know it doesn’t sound much like opportunity but Monster.com isn’t the only way to grab the first rung of the career ladder.
There has never been a luckier time to be alive. We are connected to opportunity every day at our fingertips. The power to come together online, rise up as a generation and collaborate has never been stronger. Please Dan, do something. There are millions of things you could do to make our world a better place and improve your reputation as an employable individual who contributes to society. So let’s start simple.
Go pick up garbage. I’m serious, go to a not so nice part of Brooklyn, pick up garbage and bring your camera. Instead of looking pathetic you are going to look empowered. You are making a difference in the world. After that, it’s time to tell some friends. It’s no use doing something good if you don’t tell anyone about it–it’s time to become a leader. Take those pictures and post them on Facebook or start a blog. Do something productive today besides surf Craig’s List; why not make a contribution?
Speaking of Craig’s List, create a posting telling your community about your project. Start bringing together your unemployed friends and random people off Craig’s List and create your own opportunity. Send your blog post to the local newspaper as you grow your project and get some media coverage that makes you look like a driven young man ready to take on the world.
Now you have something to talk about in that next interview. You went out and met people, you created some credibility in your community, so when you go into those restaurants they’ll have a reason to call you back. Go to local businesses who you’d be interested in working for and tell them about the project. Don’t beg for a job on your hands and knees, ask them to get involved and give back to the community.
Imagine connecting with other people in similar situations across the world through Twitter and sharing how you created lasting change during your period of joblessness instead of coming “to be seen by employers as damaged goods.” Now you are in a position to showcase your skills you learned at UW and at least stop feeling bad for yourself by sitting on the couch all day. This day in age gives us huge advantages to become leaders and make the world a better place–please take advantage of this opportunity.
Sincerely,
Matt Wilson
Matt Wilson is co-founder of Under30CEO urging people to drop the 9-5 and get passionate about something. Follow him on Twitter @MattWilsontv as the Gen-Y spokesperson looking to help every young entrepreneur on the planet.
Photo Credit Jennifer S. Altman
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Filed Under: Featured • Personal Branding • Startup Advice
BRAVO! This is an excellent article on the mindset you must have if you want to consider yourself an entrepreneur. This needs to be followed up with action, the ability to adapt, hard work and the mettle to perservere through tough times. It's a positive, forward thinking mentality that you have to be able to maintain.
I'm a bit bothered by the bulk of the initial comments. Why the focus on finding something to blame? It's educations fault? The economy? The generation? The previous generations? Who cares! Whatever went wrong wherever is simply an opportunity to learn a lesson and do something with it. Times like these spawn innovation from people who have what it takes to succeed.
It's not easy and it doesn't happen overnight. Trust me: I'm a GenX “What NOT To Do Guru”
But those tough blows and mistakes only make me stronger!
It's no one's “fault” (in reply to the previous posts). We're not merely victims of our surroundings or upbringings. Sure, we're all *influenced* by our education, our news sources, our social networks and our friends, but people choose the life they want to lead. If you want to throw your hands up and say “not fair,” just know that you're wasting your energy.
Better yet, Gen Yrs, we aren't the first group to be portrayed in an over-simplified, slightly sensationalized version of the truth on the cover of a national publication. Doesn't mean it's true and it certainly doesn't mean we should be affected by it. Dan's inward hunch and furrowed brow don't have any effect on my work ethic. I still rock my world and I know the readers of Under30CEO would agree: our fate is in our own hands, matter the circumstances, challenges or economy. When the going gets tough, we get creative.
Awh the blame game… I love this one… Ok, so let's blame it on education… Well then since we are going to play this game let's look at the rules of the education blame game……
Here's a little history lesson on our education system. Our current education system was modeled after what is called the Prussian-style compulsory education System. This goes back to Napoleon’s defeat of the professional forces of Prussia at the battle of Jena in 1806. Here's a link if you want to know more about it. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prussian_education...
How about instead of the blame game we simply call it for what it is… There are people who “Can Do, Will Do, and Do It” and then there are those who sit back with their hands out. Do you honestly think this started with Gen Y… Nope if you take a look back through history you will find that it's part of the lifecycle of any great nation. Great nations become great because they have great people (the visionaries, the givers) who set the foundation for everyone else (everyone else being the takers). The further you get away from the ideals of these nation builders and the fewer and far between the “Visionaries” you create an imbalance between “Givers” and “Takers” This is what is called a civilization killer. When you have more Takers and less Givers finite resources are overused, used up, and you start the decline. Unfortunately we are in the decline. Too many people are standing around with their hands out instead of giving back. You will find this imbalance in the demise of every great nation that has ever been… NOT just GenY…
I would strongly suggest reading Me 2.0 by Dan Schawbel. This author is amazing and is all about personal branding and social branding. Read his book and following some of the ideas and more than anything be confident in yourself!! I have a job whenever I apply for one, the second i walk into the interview I already have the job!! Im confident, i can sell myself, I dress my absolute best (suit, tie AND jacket) black leather porfolio extra resumes AND AND AND AND personal BUSINESS CARDS. or you can become an entrepreneur which is what I am in the process of. I am sick and tired of teenagers being labelled as lazy and partying all the time!!!
Do something with your life and stop being so pathetic!!
Regards,
Well put Nick… I am also a responsible capitalist. This year I created a new social responsibility platform within my company that organizes large charity events on a quarterly basis. We choose two different local charities to support and throw all of our resources behind creating killer events that not only involve my company but others as well. It's a great way to get yourself out there, meet new people and support some really good causes. Self Serving… Yes, we have gotten in front of a lot of large corporations that otherwise we may not have been able to reach with a sales call, but we have also built strong relationships based on more than just business. Plus it's fun, and gratifying.
I love the point of this this comment, ellebelle. We all need to be responsible, pointing fingers does not accomplish anything, it is a huge resource suck. Unfortunately, it has been the social norm for far to long. We need to be more proactive, we need to be accountable, we need to be brave enough to do something for ourselves.
“Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.” ~ Albert Einstein
Conformity Sucks!
Decide what you want,
Decide what you don't want,
Grow some cajones and do something about it.
Do something that'll make a difference and
get your butt moving forward toward your goals.
Need ideas? Talk to your grandparents and
their friends. Odds are, their stories of what they
did and the conditions they faced will blow you away.
The Bizweek article is nothing new… there's
always a new label for the generations, especially
the up and coming ones.
It's up to us to make things happen in our lives,
so get up get going…
and have fun doing it!
take care
I am all these things for myself. I cannot change anyone, or motivate anyone.. This is what I subscribe to. My choice is to always take the higher road regardless of how much it hurts in the end the view is always spectacular looking out over everything I have made… On a less philosophical note, anyone who wants to wine and complain can suck it.
Thanks for the shout out!
Well said Hersa. We can point fingers all day long but that only alienates groups of people and creates more animosity instead of working together to move forward.
We do however have to get to the root of this problem–all people whether they are in business, education, parents, generation x, y or z need to realize it's time to pull up the people around us and inspire them to create positive change. We can all agree people need to become more active in seeking what they want out of life, their communities and country.
John Exley! Whaddup Bro! Jared. I think we have send an email or two. Matt. I love the writing style, reminds me of, well, me. (That's a joke…. You are a much better writer than I.) Can't wait for you all to break out the “BLING.”
Agreed, Matt. It's exactly that positive, take charge, create positive change attitude that made this such a wonderful and inspiring article. Well done!
From the perspective of an older person who would never consider myself wiser, your suggestions are on track. They are the “back to basics” things I grew up with, but with a twist on using new technology to our advantage. For those that say they have no experience, go back to every person you did anything with, be it work, volunteering, family friends who know you well and even professors and teachers. Ask them for recommendations.
Your idea of picking up trash is perfect too. Go recycle something! Tutor some children in need, paint houses for senior citizens, the list could go on and on. Get more referrals. Tell everyone you're looking for work.
Get online and become an authority about something you enjoy. Blogging is totally free but the connections you can make and the money you can earn is right there for you.
Good to know that ears are open and heads are being turned over at their offices!
-Andrew
I completely agree, Matt! Although Generation Y has been labeled all kinds of bad things like entitled, coddled and overly-privileged there's no need to accept those labels without putting up a fight. Think outside the box (Gen Y is good at this!) and create something. Who says we even need to climb this corporate ladder, there is more than just one path to the top!
Tremendous post Matt. Way to step our and be the voice of this generation!
Seriously?! Stuff happens all day long – the economy, politics, life, etc..etc. If we lived our lives constantly watching and fearing – then ya… go curl up under that tree.
Matt – I love your take on Dan.
People who say Gen Y is lost has not looked up from under the rock or desk they've in habited for the last 10 years. By the way, I think the same thing was said about the generation that came before mine.
Coming from one particular generation does not make a difference. Self-starters from Gen XYZ are making the change / thinking differently (defiant even) re business, giving back, relationships, etc. Challenging the status quo.
If I got a nickel for naming every established company out there (including the Fortunes) that was established during a recession, I could retire. I'm going out on a limb and say this: there are opportunities out there. Tons of it.
Let's not squander this crisis. Entrepreneurs, innovators and opinion leaders are already thinking of what they will look like when economic order in restored.
Hi Patricia, thanks for your response. I think you are right–it doesn't matter what generation you come from, we all need to step up as a society. The BW article happened to be aimed at Gen Y, but there are a lot of people out there who are struggling to find employment who could be doing much more about it!
Can't wait to see where we are when we come out of this–it'll only make our generation stronger.
Haha… Awesome dude.
Very very Awesome.
Matt, I do not believe that Ayn Rand herself could have put it any better. The first line of the “interjection” says it all.
Excellent post. I could not agree more.
I have a 23 yr old Nephew that dropped out of school when Hurricane Katrina hit and up-rooted everything he knew. Here is an excerpt from the Resume I created for this “never employed” unmotivated young man:
My family was displaced from New Orleans, LA when Hurricane Katrina hit in late 2005. As a result I was unable to continue my High School education and am working to obtain my GED. I have spent the last four years caring for family members that were injured or became disabled, including my mother, two aunts and my grandmother. I also cared for my now 5 year old nephew so my older sister could attend college and work to aid my family in recovering from the total loss we endured. Part of my family has since relocated back to Louisiana and I am free to begin my own work career.
PROBLEM: This resume has never been used. He was raised by a single mom that wouldn't even let him play sports. Always told he was worthless and has pretty low self esteem. I DO NOT WANT TO ENABLE HIM, I want to figure out how to EXCITE HIM to get his GED, hold his head up, stop smoking dope and find something that EXCITES him other than grafitte, rap and numbing.
I personally am very ill with Sweets Syndrome and he just moved in with me and my elderly mother and really does help around here…but I would rather he help himself. I have offered to study for the GED with him, to no avail, I do not enable his vices and I (as we all know) can not make him want this for himself. But there has to be a way to insppire this kid! ANY IDEAS?
Interesting posts. Here is where I am and what I would like to get feedback on: I have 23yr old Nephew that recently moved in with me and my elderly mother. He is a help getting both of us to Dr appts and around the house but that is not what I want for him. Here is an excerpt from a resume I made for him:
My family was displaced from New Orleans, LA when Hurricane Katrina hit in late 2005. As a result I was unable to continue my High School education and am working to obtain my GED. I have spent the last four years caring for family members that were injured or became disabled, including my mother, two aunts and my grandmother. I also cared for my now 5 year old nephew so my older sister could attend college and work to aid my family in recovering from the total loss we endured. Part of my family has since relocated back to Louisiana and I am free to begin my own work career. This is all true….This resume has not been seen by one company!
He has no ambition to get his GED or look for a job. He would rather get up, get high and waste his life. He was raised by a mother that would not even let him join sports, he was always told he was lazy, not smart, not worth anything, never praised when he did something right. Now he is here with me and I want to HELP him find his way. NOT ENABLE him INSPIRE him. But I am at a loss! I know you can not make anyone change or “do it for them” but there has to be some answers on INSPIRING this young man. He loves to write Gafitte style, make up rap songs, and of course facebook and myspace.
ANY INPUT is welcome…all you WISE ones have any game plan ideas for Aunt KIM?
Haha, hey Matt, I'm glad you think I'm a master of objectivity.
Let's light a fire underneath some of these Gen Y!
Hi Kim, I responded to this in the forum you started in our community.
Check it out http://www.under30ceo.net/profiles/blogs/how-to...
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100% faggot. Enjoy your condo and Prius, Yuppie scum.
Very well spoken. Differentiate yourself.
[...] pick up garbage,” says Matt Wilson from Under 30 CEO. “ I’m serious, go to a not so nice part of Brooklyn, pick up garbage and bring [...]
dan is nothing but a typical gen y drop kick all theses bums need to stop blaming everyone and everything and wake up and grow up time to bring national service back make there little brains develop give them sonthing to think about instead of them feeling sorry for themselves
dan is nothing but a typical gen y drop kick all theses bums need to stop blaming everyone and everything and wake up and grow up time to bring national service back make there little brains develop give them sonthing to think about instead of them feeling sorry for themselves
This was a great post. I never laughed soo hard until i read the part ” WTF are you doing curled up under a tree in the picture?…
But the article resounded with me, young grads are just hoping and waiting for the dream job/career to land smack dab in their laps. Get off your laurel's and do something already!!
BahamasDread
This was a great post. I never laughed soo hard until i read the part ” WTF are you doing curled up under a tree in the picture?…
But the article resounded with me, young grads are just hoping and waiting for the dream job/career to land smack dab in their laps. Get off your laurel's and do something already!!
BahamasDread