Comments on: Is Generation Y Really Lazy?

By: Mycobal

Mycobal — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 02:40:00 +0000

Self driving cars? Virtual cell phones? You wish! What I find most disturbing about the X and Y generations is their naivety as to the decline of America as a superpower, and the decline of the value of their own educations, and the rapid decline in the standard of living for the middle class. They have a normalcy bias, expecting life in America to continue on as it has without paying much attention to what made America great in the first place; work ethic, innovation, sweat and blood and genius. We are in debt beyond reckoning. China and India and Russia are free now. At least free to compete in the global marketplace. There is no room to slack. They are hungry for success and eagerly strive with great ambition and drive. They are going to beat this country, they’re already doing it now. I look at Americans and think to myself, we’re screwed. It’s going to be real bad and we deserve it. We got rich, we got fat, we got lazy. Most Americans are clueless and don’t see it coming. It will blindside the majority like a freight train out of nowhere. And as for Gen Y, well they are the most naive, most preoccupied, least informed, least interested. They’re like children playing at an amusement park that is on fire and they can’t see the fire and cant hear the sirens or the screaming voices of reason. They’ll get it eventually, and wonder why somebody else didn’t do something about it before it was too late.

By: Josh Opinion

Josh Opinion — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 08:51:33 +0000

As a GenY'er I believe some of the conception of us being lazy comes from the fact that we are so tapped into the internet, use mobile phones, and can do everything we need while seated gives us the perception that we are doing nothing. Techonology no doubt has allowed everyone to do everything fast, efficiently, and silently. Our generation hasn't made itself known yet, but it will quickly emerge in the coming years… trust me… I am tired of the stereotype some people give us of not doing anything. We are still exploring where we can take ourselves, the traditional path of getting more and more education and advancing our careers is out the door. The foundations previous generations laid for us allows us a wealth of opportunity literally at our fingertips… we have just not decided how to focus our attention… but the time is coming soon (at least in my opinion).

Great post…

By: cathmary

cathmary — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 23:59:29 +0000

I agree with terrencewing as far as “not everyone sees Gen Y as lazy or disrespectful”. And, yes, this argument IS as old as the hills. I'm someone born in the early 60's (technically a Boomer, but relate more to the Gen X description). And I see it now in the work place — Gen Y as the younger generation is perceived as a “threat” to my peers — but back in the mid 80's when we got out of college WE were the “threat”.

And, yeah, the older generation always sees the younger one(s) as spoiled… some of you may well be, but the Gen Y colleagues I know personally are no more spoiled than I was. (Having better technology is just a fact of progress — not being spoiled.)

By: terrencewing

terrencewing — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 23:41:21 +0000

Not everyone sees Gen Y as lazy or disrespectful. I agree 100% that this argument is probably as old as humanity. The younger generation is always seen as a threat for the future. Despite this we have progressed as a species. Gen Y by the sheer numbers is a tsunami at bay whose overwhelming power (in numbers) is being felt by all. The challenge with Gen Y is not laziness it is their ability to persuade older generations and recognize the mistakes of history. I have the highest faith they will develop this skill and appreciation as they become more vested in financial responsibilities like homes and children. They have the luxury, which is provided by the older generations, to become the freedom fighters of expression by all means necessary. However, history has taught us the consequences of free expression (Drug abuse, Aids,etc). Despite these historical lessons, Gen Y seems to ignore the value of the lessons we already discovered. You can't persuade the other generations when you essentially tell them they are irrelevant which couldn't be any more naive a perception. The bulk of power and wealth still lies with the older generations. The only way Gen Y can truly influence change is to recognize they are part of a greater puzzle and the other pieces are just as important.

Gen Y is a diamond in the ruff. They're accomplishments are microscopic compared to the older generations but they have so much potential. I recognize this and am thankful for their tolerance of racial diversity, willingness to take risk, their honesty and straightforwardness, their love for innovation, their connectedness to each other, their drive for social reform and saving the planet. The list is great and goes on. I don't see them as a threat but a great partner. In their youth, they need mentoring, respect and opportunity, not unlike every one of us when we were that young.

My advice, drive on Gen Y. Overall, you are pushing for many of the things we all want. Simpy realize we do share this responsibility to evolve and have to do it together if we really want to grow.

By: terrencewing

terrencewing — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 16:41:21 +0000