HR whY?

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Last week I read a post on Blogging4Jobs.com about Generation Y that struck a chord and got me thinking.  The post, “A Brief History of Generation Y” is written by Blake McCammon, a Blogging4Jobs  intern.  For someone jumping in head first I think Blake did a great job at communicating his own opinions and ideas about a subject he is interested in and passionate about.  He got a conversation going.  That is inspiring.

Blake referenced a conversation from a recent #jobhuntchat (Twitter-based messages relating to the job hunt process) that dealt with the topic of Generation Y being an age or a mindset.  He states:

“Technically I believe it is an age group, but with the advancement of technology and the ability to be connected from anywhere in the world, it has transformed into a mindset. Being a mindset, companies are able to promote their business in a more attractive manner relative to a broader spectrum of consumers.”

I do not necessarily agree with Blake’s opinion, although his sentiment is argued frequently.  In my opinion the Generational stereotypes just need to go away.  The term generation has multiple definitions that are applicable today. One such definition is fairly generic:  the entire body of individuals born and living at about the same time.  Basically, a generation is a span of time.  Thus, Generation Y signifies individuals who were born within a certain time frame.

So, remove the term Generation Y from Blake’s statement and I think he’s bringing light to something I have been trying to articulate myself.  Technology has in essence completely revolutionized mankind.  That is a fact.  Whether positive or negative evolution is obvious.    My emphasis is on “mankind” not just individuals who fall within the vague parameters of Generation Y.  Haven’t we ALL experienced the positive and negative impacts of evolution collectively?

Blake continues:

“Gen Y grew up around the Internet, cell phones, iPods, and video games. They are tech savvy, multitaskers in the greatest sense of the word, able to talk on the phone while surfing the Internet and watching television at the same time.”

Sure, I can see this, I am currently listening to my XM Satellite radio and texting my brother with the TV on in the background.  My ability to do this is based on social influence and adapting to competitive needs that have been ingrained in me since I was young.  One may say, “Um, duh – Gen Y.”  No.  I can name multiple individuals who are able to do the same exact things and they range in age from 10 to 65.  Generation Y simply cannot take credit for the social and societal norms of today.  We may be able to adjust the easiest but that is because of what previous generations have learned and shared.

Think about it, the fastest growing generation using social media is the Baby Boomer generation.  What is the reasoning behind this?  Technology is becoming more and more user friendly.  Communication methods have drastically changed – things have become less personal.  Where my mom may have called me in the past, she now sends me a text message or message on Facebook.   People and technology are adapting to the resources that we have.  Who is getting ahead in the career ladder is the individual who has recognized these changes and capitalized on them.

As we have evolved, the need for broad classifications such as Generation Y, Baby Boomers and Generation X have become far less significant.  The norms for business practices have changed, specifically to what Blake references in the beginning of his post.  Buying power has shifted and thus companies have had to shift with this to ensure they are successful.

Generation Y is not a mindset.  However, the generalized mindset of most individuals who were born within the loosely defined parameters of Generation Y just happen to be part of a larger sphere of influence that transcends generations.

Generation Shmeneration.  My name is Steve.  I’m a 28 year old who multitasks, plays video games, navigates a computer with my eyes closed and can text and tweet with the best of ‘em.

Thanks to Blake for the inspiring post.  Great job – keep it up!