The Kids Aren’t Alright, Part III: It’s A Hard Knock Life
By Mitch Berg
Reading Derek Thompson’s piece on “Millennals” in the Atlantic, it was easy to feel depressed about the future of “Generation Y”. I had to keep remind myself “watch the selection bias – watch the selection bias…”
And eventually my patience was rewarded; I’ knew we’d eventually find a kid who didn’t make me want to slap them:
“You just have to buckle down and stop whining.”
I’m a Gen Y’er and feel pretty content with American society. I went to a run-of-the-mill liberal arts college (without a prestigious scholarship), majored in the humanities, and set off to work. Before I started graduate school, I had several jobs, some good, some not so good. But I reminded myself that my sole goal in life at this point should be to make as much money as I can and pay off loans.
And, y’know, learn to be marketable – but why quibble?
This piece makes it seem as though Gen Y’ers are all altruistic academic/athletic super workers, and they simpler aren’t. Many Gen Y’ers complain about the lack of jobs, but refuse jobs they don’t want to do. It’s equally dumb to apply to jobs you’re not qualified for (just because you have a college degree doesn’t automatically qualify you to run a retail store, for instance. Granted, it’s not rocket science, but it’s understandable why store managers would want to hire professional and mature workers with experience).
After reading some of the other Gen-Y’ers, I’m amazed that one of them recognized this.
I understand that many regions are more depressed than others, but I still feel there are plenty of jobs out there to keep one busy. I washed dishes, I cleaned cars, I dug ditches, waited tables, and was even lucky enough to score a couple of high(er) paying internships at respectable firms. You just have to buckle down and stop whining.
Words to remember at every stage of your life, whatever your generation.
More later…
