**Please note, the information on this page, and the pages that follow, was obtained via Priam Publications, who was gracious enough to let me post this information. This is originally work published in the March/April 1997 edition of "The Futurist" and is written by Bob Lysyk.
Generation X
For my personal introduction to Generation X, click here
"Generation X," as they were dubbed in a 1991 novel by Canadian writer Douglas Coupland, realize the numbers are on their side. They are now mainly in their 20s, and they see themselves as very marketable in the workplace. They feel that they can be patient when choosing a job, and they can look for the best wages.
Negative View of the World
This generation has watched more TV, and as a result has probably witnessed more violence and murders than any other generation in history. In addition, their gloomy view of the world has been shaped by numerous negative events, such as the Persian Gulf War, escalating crime, riots, AIDS, the nuclear threat, and pollution. Their parents practiced birth control and abortion and were highly concerned about "making it" financially. About 40% of X'ers are products of divorce, and many were brought up in single-parent homes. Many young people believe that their economic prospects are gloomy and that their chances of finding the job and salary they want are bleak. Some resent the baby boomers in a big way. They feel the boomers spent too much time partying and messing up the world that they have inherited. Now, the X'ers have to fix it, and they see the boomers as being in their way. This has made them very cinical.
Home-Alone Individuals
Couple the high divorce rate with the fact that many were latchkey children and you get a generation who may have had more time alone than any in history. They are also the first to spend considerable time in daycare.
More Diverse
Generation X is much more diverse than their boomer predessors.
Less Loyalty and Commitment
The loyalty and commitment to the workplace that previous generations had is gone. Generation X'ers watched their grandparents slave away only to recieve a gold watch and pension upon retirement. Young people feel there is no such thing as job security. They strongly believe there is life after work.
Keep Options Open
Generation X?ers take longer to make job choices. They look upon a job as temporary instead of as a career, partly because they want to keep their options open. They are always looking to jump ship when they can upgrade their situation. They often leave a job at the hint of a better position.
Technoliterate
This is the first generation of workers that is truly computer literate. Many have used computers since the first grade. They are able to work with a variety of software programs and comprehend them quickly. They do not fear computers and are constantly looking for new cyberspace challenges.
Stay at Home Longer
This generation seems to do things at a much later age then their parents. They graduate from college later, stay at home longer, and marry much later. Many who leave home often come back again, sometimes more than once.
In contrast with the baby boomers, who couldn?t wait to leave home, Generation X?ers save their money so they can live better when they do leave. It may be that some just want to delay the time when they are on their own, because they spent so much time alone as children.
Communicating Differently
Generation X grew up with information technology. They are comfortable with sound bites, close-up cameras, and quick change, sharp images. They like advertising that has an attitude. They like to read copy that uses short, snappy phrases, charts, diagrams, and cartoons. They want their information concrete, concise, and to the point.
Crave Attention
Many of X?ers parents were busy in the morning getting ready for work and too tired to have any quality time with their children at night. X?er classrooms were often overcrowded. It was hard for the X?ers to get noticed, so as adults they have a need to be noticed. Often, they seek that attention in the workplace.
Propensity for Fun
Many spent time after school entertaining themselves, so it?s only natural that a good time, whether at work, school or home, is a priority. They take work seriously, but they disdain the workaholic, slave-to-the-job mentality of their parents and bosses. Work is only a means to their ends: money, fun and leisure.
Often Question the Boss
Authority figures and bosses are an anomaly to the X?ers. They don?t like to take orders. They often ask why when they are told to do something, and they want to know what?s in it for them.
This generation doesn?t automatically respect people because they are older or possibly wiser. They feel that people must prove that they are worthy of respect. Ironically, they themselves want to be respected immediately and unconditionally.
Unrealistic and Materialistic Views
Whether from watching TV or from being spoiled by their guilt-ridden, seldom-home parents or grandparents, X?ers have come to expect a whole lot for nothing. They have a strong propensity for instant gratification, wanting it all and wanting it fast.
It is not uncommon for X?ers to get out of high school and expect to be paid well despite minimal skills. Many disdain low-wage ?McJobs? at fast-food chains. Young college graduates look to start at high-paying positions with power and perks. They have little patience for working their way up. Yet, the X?ers feel that making money is not as important as experiencing life. To be a workaholic is to have no life. Consequently, a paradox exits between how they view life and what they think they need from it.
