The Privileged Generation

Out for coffee with a friend earlier this week, the subject of the new generation of workers came up. As we chatted about our post-college job search, grueling interviews, and the eventual offers, she pointed out that part of the difficulty that of finding a job stems from the fact that we are proud members of the "privileged generation." Now I've heard this arguement before: the 20-somethings of today's world want it all and want it now. We grew up being told that we could do anything we wanted -- encouraged more than criticized, we believe that with enough effort and a good education, we will rise to the top.

What our parents, teachers, mentors, and advisors forgot to tell us is that there's quite a large gap between the time we're told this and the time it proves true. They failed to mention all menial tasks and annoying grunt work we'd have to put up before we arrive. Their constant encouragement didn't include speaches about 'paying your dues' and so, my generation, "the prividledged generation' has had to learn the hard way that that if we want to be president, CEO, or own our oun business, we're going to have to put in some hard time of answering phones, taking messages, and opening mail.

You may be smart and you may have great great ambition, but (what I'm learning) is that a huge part of early years on the job is about handling the small details of the big picture. Sending out a press release? Guess who gets to manage the database of publications and reporters? Preparing a mass mailing? Guess who'll be collecting quotes from mail houses and list rental companies? Phone calls, filing, and organizing details. These are the resposibilities of an entry-level marketing professional, and it's these tasks that this 'privileged generation' has such a hard time swallowing. Filling this position, however, is as necessary a part of climbing the career latter as getting a degree.

I'll grant you that much of this is easier said than done. It takes patience and a few self-reminders to smile though the tasks, work diligiently, and stay focused on the next step. As my friend mentioned during our coffee outing, it's in our nature to be impatient and want it all now. And perhaps, this driven, ambitious attitute will be a major driving force in our future success -- determining what story we will tell when the power is (eventually) left in our hands. But first we need to get there. And right now, getting there means answering a few more phone calls and taking a few more messages.