Before I went to college I thought that most people found a job they loved and worked there until retirement. That's what my parents are doing. My mom has been at her job for 28 years, and my dad is approaching his 27th anniversary. I quickly discovered that I cannot base my career perceptions on my parents' example.
According to a New York Times article, most of Gen Y has yet to make that discovery.
As college seniors are embarking on their first job search, which attitudes of work will they take with them? The one dealing with passion and satisfaction or the one dealing with grueling and taxing work?
Daniel Pink, author of "The Adventures of Johnny Bunko" who specializes in navigating the workplace, explains how parents influence Gen Y's perceptions of a career.
"They've [Gen Y] been told it's all about them - what they want, what they are passionate about, what they find fulfilling. That's not a bad message, but it's also not a complete message."
What do you think? Were you influenced by the messages your parents gave you about their careers/work?
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Blame it on your parents
Labels:
attitude towards work,
career,
career myths
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5 comments:
I would't say Blame it on your parents..what about so many people that ensure that they don't follow in their parent's footsteps...I think we take a little of how we were taught by our parent's example and then do our own thing...in today's economy the "independent" attitude of an entry level or experienced candidate may change, with less jobs..an employer is really re-evaluating how do you add value..will the candidate stay on or jump ship after a few months.
You are hired and succeed in the workforce, by what you bring to the table...not what your parents did.
I do agree with the blame it on the parents... My friends say it isn't like that any more don't listen to your parents... I used to think a company would reward you for hard work and want to keep you for all you do. The reality is that the ones that stay under the radar, do just enough to get by and kiss butt tend to be the ones that get ahead. It isn't how well you perform your job as much as how much you don't push the limits. Don't get me wrong there are very few good managers that do reward you for hard work, but it is hard to find a good manager. Where is job security? I have found that working for contracting company with beneifts is about the same as being a regular employee somewhere. Layoffs can hit anywhere and at any level.
CTN sounds like a bright-eyed optimist while Anonymous sounds like he has already been jaded by Corporate America. As a Recruiter, I tell candidates looking for a new position to first consider what they want to spend their time doing 8+ hours a day? It makes sense to figure that out first before you start looking for your next, or first, career opportunity. If you like what you are doing, you will be better at it, have more interest in it, and want to achieve a level of success that will merit recognition. If it also adds value to your employer, you will be rewarded for your efforts. If your not, move on and find another employer who will not only recognize the value you bring but will compensate you in a way YOU feel you deserve. Your parents give you advice because they love you and want only the best for you but you don't wear your parents clothes so don't wear your parent's attitudes. AND don't blame your parents for your inability to take action! Remember; it's employment at will, not indentured servitude!
CTN sounds like a bright-eyed optimist while Anonymous sounds like he has already been jaded by Corporate America. As a Recruiter, I tell candidates looking for a new position to first consider what they want to spend their time doing 8+ hours a day? It makes sense to figure that out first before you start looking for your next, or first, career opportunity. If you like what you are doing, you will be better at it, have more interest in it, and want to achieve a level of success that will merit recognition. If it also adds value to your employer, you will be rewarded for your efforts. If your not, move on and find another employer who will not only recognize the value you bring but will compensate you in a way YOU feel you deserve. Your parents give you advice because they love you and want only the best for you but you don't wear your parents clothes so don't wear your parent's attitudes. AND don't blame your parents for your inability to take action! Remember; it's employment at will, not indentured servitude!
It's just common sense. If you love your job, why change? Don't blindly believe some recruiter who will tell you that the grass is greener on the other side of the fence. A recruiter's job is to get people to change their jobs -- they don't get paid for people who stay where they are.
But if you're not happy where you are, a recruiter can help immensely. It took me four job changes to end up where I am now. A recruiter was an essential part of one of those changes.
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