Generation Integration: Roberta Matuson Unites Boomers, X-ers and Millennials in the Workplace

Sorry, But Your Parents Aren't Always Right

I have recently received notifications from parents who are thrilled their offspring have found jobs. From the sounds of their enthusiasm, you would think these kids are now employed by a prestigious organization like Google or the National Wildlife Federation.

Sadly, this is not the case. Some grads are working as rental agents, while others have taken part-time work with retailers. These jobs don't require a college degree, nor do they justify the $200K that has just been invested to set these kids up for a better life.

Don't get me wrong. I'm all for paying your dues and learning the business from the ground up. However, I suspect some of these kids took these jobs without doing their homework. They probably didn't ask to speak with people who used to have the jobs. Therefore, they have no idea if their next move, within the organization, will require relocation. Many are still receiving a "paycheck" from their parents, which means they still haven't figured out they cannot survive long-term, making these kinds of wages.

Newly minted grads are advised to ignore the encouragement they may be receiving from their parents for a job well done. Instead, take a step back and look at your life. The life that you would like to build. Is the job that you are currently in going to help you get there? Is it really a stepping stone or are you being weighed down by the rock that is tied around your ankle.

I'm not suggesting that you go out and quit your job. However, I am suggesting that you begin to dream again. Go back to your alumni placement office and ask for help in finding work that is more closely aligned with your degree. Polish up your resume and prepare yourself for a full job search. Show your parents that you don't need their help in order to thrive in this world. Believe it or not, others have done this in worse economic conditions. Ask for their help and learn from their experience.

Don't discount outside help. Now that you are a bread winner, you can decide to invest in a better life. Don't be afraid to raise your hand if you need some help. Click here if you are ready to reach for your dreams again Job Search Programs .

 

See You Later, Alligator!

I gave a presentation to members of the Northeast Human Resource Association (the local SHRM chapter) the other day on what companies should be doing right now to prepare for the recovery. I opened the presentation with some statistics, which many found shocking.

Here is what I shared:

A recent survey from Adecco Group North America, highlights the increased dissatisfaction workers in America have with their employers. According to the survey:

• 54% of employees plan to look for a new job as soon as the economy turns around.

• Sentiment is even stronger among younger workers. Of those ages 18-29, 71% say they are likely to look for new jobs once the economy turns around.

I don't know why these numbers are surprising, as most of us know at least one person who will be jumping ship as soon as they can. Yet, CEO's are still in denial. How do I know this? Because they are walking around saying inappropriate things like, "Our people are lucky to have a job." "Let them go try and find work somewhere else."

Instead, they should be listening when their HR Manager walks into their office and says, "We need to talk." They may actually have a point and a few suggestions on what can be done to improve employee morale and retention. Sure you can slam the door and stay in denial. But don't be surprised if there is no one left in your office, when you finally decided to open your door.

What the Heck?

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so I'll keep this posting brief. For the young people in the audience, this piece of high-tech equipment, he is trying to place this disk into, is a typewriter. We "older" folks used to use these back in the day when we used to walk five miles in the snow to school (oh wait, that was the other generation.)

There was no spell check in those days, so we actually had to pay attention in school or at least have a dictionary close by in case we needed assistance. I'm thrilled that we now computers that do spell check. Of course I would caution those who rely on it too heavily to proof their work, as mistakes can easily slip by.

Images like this one remind me of how fast technology is moving. I'm doing my best to keep up. I've now deep-sixed all the cassettes and have become an i-pod junkie. One can only imagine what's next. Kind of exciting, eh?

Summer Retreat

Today's on-line New York Times features a beautiful animated piece on what it feels like to leave your summer home at the end of the season. A perfect short video to watch before packing your car for the last time and heading home to begin the school year.

Summer Retreat, by Jeff Scher

Enjoy.