How Different Generations View The Role of Work

Ever wonder why your boss, co-worker, family member or friend who is much older or younger than you view work life completely different than you? As if you are worlds apart! In this blog, we will take a closer look at the life paradigm and sense of identity at the time that shaped the way baby boomers, generation X, Y and Z view the role of work.

First of all, let's nail down what generation you fall under:

1. Baby Boomers (circa 1946 - 1964)

2. Generation X, The Busters (circa 1965 - 1982)

3. Generation Y, The Millennials (circa 1983 - 2000)

4. Generation Z, The Coronial (circa 2001 - 2015)

Life Paradigm

Dennis O'Connor, professor of Le Moyne College defines paradigms as "coherent clusters of values , beliefs, assumptions, and expectations by which we make meaning and in which we are embedded."

1. I want better is the traditional mindset for many Baby Boomers. It was a new Era after the Great Depression and WW2 between 1929 - 1945.

2. Keeping it real is the world in which many Busters were predominantly raised to be influenced under. Between 1965 - 1982 was the age newspapers, magazines and news media on TV. Great world events such as, fall of the Berlin wall and the Cold War tensions transpired.

3. Life is a cafeteria is the MOJO for many Millennials. The arrival of Google, smartphones, and the rise of social media reshaped the way people interacted with one another and navigate the world.

4. I'm coping and hoping is the world that many Coronials are still influenced under. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2019 and the housing crisis throughout Canada dramatically affected the way people make progress. Fertility rates are at an all-time low.

Role of Work

1. Central focus = "Kids these days only play video games, I remember working two jobs since I was 12."

2. Irritant = "Work sucks, but we work so we can earn money for vacation."

3. Place to serve = "I like to work for a sense of purpose and impact for the community, but I never stay at long enough to make a difference."

4. It's my hobby = "I don't want a 8 to 5 job, I like to be a influencer making money in my hobbies and retire at age 35."

Sense of Identity

Our sense of identity is impacted by our upbringing and worldview – how and why we make sense of the world. It shapes our thoughts, opinions and actions. It contributes and influences how we move through the world.

1. I am valuable

2. I am self-sufficient

3. I am awesome

4. I am fluid

"It's easy to build bridges to those in the same generation and walls that divides us from those who are not." – A New Kind of Diversity

Old Mentality vs. New Approach

Regardless of what generation you fall under, we all have the capability for a growth mindset:

1. Listen to me when I speak vs. I'll listen when you speak

2. I know the answer already vs. I'm interested in your perspective

3. Never question my judgement vs. Let's always ask questions

4. I want your respect vs. I want your input

5. This is the way I've always done it vs. I'm looking for ways to make it better

6. I'll figure it out myself vs. Let's collaborate and the best idea wins

7. Never let them see you sweat vs. I am authentic and vulnerable

Are you ready to build on new approaches to remove the woes of work life?

Brilliant Person Career Coaching can offer you coaching guidance to make this a reality.

Yules Chan (BFA, CWS, CCS) is a CPC registered career development professional in Calgary who is motivated in providing holistic excellence by finding your hidden genius through the world of employment.

For more information go to Brilliant Person Career Coaching or call +1 (403) 891-2673 for a 15-minute complimentary consultation. We provide both in-person and online services.