Read more about what Dr. Jeff Bailey has to say about Generation X, their workplace stress and what it means to be sandwiched between two "self-absorbed generations."
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You know what has stressed me out more than anything in my career? Being bored. So much has been written about a lack of commitment Generation X has to the organization. Bailey writes that Xers are "willing to migrate from one job to another without regrets or a sense of obligation."
That may be true, but Generation X's lack of loyalty is not the genesis of the problem. It is merely symptomatic of a much larger issue, one that is corrosive and negatively impacts the long-term success of organizations.
Based on nearly two decades in the workplace, I think Gen Xers disconnect and move on because they lack sufficient career-building opportunities. They may have the job title and the job description, but their careers can be summarized as collection of cameo appearances (small, non-speaking, uncredited roles) in the Boomer career trajectory. The walk-on roles get very old, very fast. As if anybody wants to spend years as a brooch - some "lowlife carving of a person's head or bust." Eventually, Xers leave for opportunities to be the doctor, not just play one on TV.
What do you think? Is Gen X is stressed out in the workplace? If so, why?
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7 comments:
Jen,
This is absolutely true and not only for Gen X. Job hopping is a result of not being full filled and a solid paycheck is no longer good enough. Having a balance, great culture, and development opportunities translate into happy and productive employees.
Jessica Miller-Merrell
@blogging4jobs
BORED IS SO WRONG. I'm a Genxer and have never been bored. I have never had a job where I just sat and collected a paycheck. Because that job was already taken by the guy/gal hiring me. They usually hire during Sept/Oct, just in time to get you trained so that they can take extended Thanksgiving and Christmas vacations. You're given a lot of responsibility and work because no one else is around. In fact you're worked to death. They want everything ounce of energy you have given to the office. Do they care that we have nothing left for our families? The lack of loyalty is on the hiring side, the older person who is pulling the strings. If the boss wants loyalty then the boss should provide a living wage and the same respect that the boss demands. GenXSlave
I think you nailed it. Boredom!
@JESSICA - What do you make of the comment from Gen X Slave? I have to admit, I know there is a large chorus of Xers out there that do feel like this - and according to Gordinier and also Erickson (I think), Gen X is the workhorse of the American labor force. In reading Erickson's book, she writes about how most Xers got jobs that were transactional. I believe that is true - and those people were and are workhorses.
@GENX SLAVE - Very much appreciate your perspective and insight. I know you're speaking for a lot of Xers. It's like you're either one or the other - bored and overworked or overpaid and underutilized. No wonder we get relegated to one-word characterizations. Bratty and whiney are in their, too.
@ANDI - So, I know you're not bored and just started a new job? What's your secret????
I've been working as a freelance writer for eight years now, and I have a really hard time imagining being back in a "real job." I can't speak for the generation as a whole (especially since I'm so removed from the idea of a day-to-day workplace), but I can say what frustrated me: I felt like my time was often wasted and I was bored when the work levels ebbed from time to time; and I felt like my potential was not being tapped (particularly in terms of creativity and leadership). The best way to solve all of those issues was to go into business myself.
I am definitely bored at work, but then my job is boring. I didn't take it because it would a dynamic opportunity. I took it because it fit my family's needs. Working at a library, the pay is low but the schedule is flexible and the benefits are good. However, that is about to change. Budget cuts will slowly erode the reasons I took the job in the first. But then it's about time to move on, after going on six years. And this time I'm looking for something not so boring, but still fits my life.
Is that asking too much? You tell me.
I am bored in the workplace because job after job, I get the glowing reviews and end up slamming my head against the concrete ceiling because there is no room for advancement ANYWHERE.
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