I have to admit, I love Maggie McGrary’s rant post on “Generation Whine” even if it is a little hyperbolic, because sometimes it’s good to get things off your chest. And also Elizabeth’s comment, since I too once “lived on Ramen and cynicism” during some extremely lean and impoverished years as I worked to build a career. I suppose this is my version of a previous generation’s “walking to school without any shoes uphill both ways” and perhaps it is just as useful as an experience barometer — which is, to say, not very.
However, I can say with assurance that the reason I started and grew a career in associations is because I adapted to the needs of the organizations and the people who employed me. Yes, I’ve spent almost my entire career introducing new things and new ways of doing business in the associations I’ve worked for. But in order to get to that point, I had to first understand the culture that existed — and had to adapt my communications and work style to “fit in,” at least to some extent, with those cultures, all of which were established by people (staff and members) who have generally been older than I am.
The gist I get from Jamie’s response on this post seems to be that “aging generations” (wow, does that sting — of course, aren’t we ALL part of an aging generation?) need to adapt to the way that Millennials work. To a certain extent, he may be right. (I also agree that there can be very valid reasons to quit a job after two weeks …. once.)
But what about the responsibility of all workers — of all ages — to “grow up” a little (maturity means accepting that you don’t always get your way) and adapt, when necessary, to different expectations?
I’ve written about this before and stand by it: Only you are responsible for your own career, and nobody owes you a damn thing.
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