What happened to Generation X? They are generally defined as anyone born between 1965 and 1980, sandwiched between 80 million Baby Boomers and 78 million Gen-Y (Millennials). Gen-X has just 46 million members, but they continue to lead the way and set the standards in the startup world.
Gen-X is the group that will bridge the two larger generations of Boomers and Gen-Y. I guess the bridge isn’t as exciting as what has happened on one side or what might happen on the other, so they are often referred to as the “forgotten” generation, or the lost child demographic.
I spotted a book a while back which humorously characterizes the issues, titled “X Saves the World: How Generation X Got the Shaft but Can Still Keep Everything from Sucking ”, by Jeff Gordinier. He has a big generational chip on his shoulder, and his tongue-in-cheek rhetoric is inspiring age-based debates in offices across the country.
What are the legacies that Gen-Y inherited from Gen-X? Aren't Gen-X creations like YouTube and MySpace largely responsible for Gen-Y narcissism? Didn't punk rock begat Rock Band? Gordinier says in his book "We've created all these great websites that now Millennials waste their lives on."
In fact, one could argue that Gen-X actually created the Internet. The Internet then gave each person the ability to voice their own ideas and concerns, leading to new levels of group collaboration. Here are some additional characteristics often associated with Gen-X:
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Individualistic. Gen-X came of age in an era of two-income families, rising divorce rates and a faltering economy. Because they were the first “latch-key” children, Gen-X is independent, resourceful and self-sufficient. In the workplace, Gen-X values real responsibility and freedom.
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Technologically adept. The shift from a manufacturing economy to a service economy occurred during their watch. They were the first generation to grow up with PDAs, cellphones, e-mail, laptops, Blackberrys, and technology woven into their lives.
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Flexible. Many Gen-X’ers lived through tough economic times in the 1980s and saw their workaholic parents lose hard-earned positions. Thus, Gen-X is less committed to one employer. They adapt well to change and are tolerant of alternative lifestyles.
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Value work/life balance. Unlike previous generations, members of Gen-X work to live rather than live to work. They appreciate fun in the workplace and espouse a work hard/play hard mentality. Gen-X managers now sometimes incorporate games and humor into team work activities.
Gen-X is rife with entrepreneurs. In fact, they will likely make or break our country’s ability to transition to the new social Internet society. They have drive and independence. And they have a lot they can teach both the boomers and Gen-Y.
In fact, they currently make up 42% of the American workforce, compared to 32% Boomers (because some have already retired) and 26% Gen-Y (the rest are still at home or in school).
This generation felt the freedom to go into business for themselves, such as the many dot-com companies that emerged during the 90s. They were not as concerned with security, often returning to their parents' home after experiencing college and work for the first time.
For at least the next few years, Gen-X will be the major facilitators of change. They are now or will be soon running your company. Indeed, in these times we really can’t afford to forget this particular group. Show your respect today.
Marty Zwilling
Great article Martin! Thanks for showing a little love to those of us who started with Commodore Vic20s or an Apple IIe and built a global digital economy. I remember being called the slacker generation... they seriously misjudged us, and I love seeing history proving the importance of this "bridge" generation. Bridges might not be "as exciting" but we make the vital connection... and isn't that the point. As a generation raised in broken homes, and day care/latch key is it any surprise that we care about connection and collaboration?
ReplyDeleteIs it any surprise, that we crave life over work? We don't believe big corporate career-path promises; we watched the pension promise-land failed our parents. We were the real casualties of that era, our parents divorced (more than 56% of the time over money - and not because they have too much of it) so they took two jobs and left us alone to be raised by strangers and ourselves. So we start our own businesses. Things we control. We created a world where we can work from anywhere, even bouncing our children on our knees in a home office.
We made offices fun, creative, and connected. We burned the cubicles and switched out the IBM blue suits for Birkenstocks, blue jeans, and casual everyday. Why? Because that's who we we really are, and a suit and a stuffy office prove nothing about your ability to create value. They merely show you know how to surf the political culture of a corporation, usually hiding in the mediocre middle. Money has it's place and it is important, but life, time, and family... they are irreplaceable.
The best part is, our disruptive approach has created some of the most valuable companies in the history of the world. Stodgy blue-chip titans are being pushed aside and made structurally irrelevant by this new breed. We make money all right... lots of it... but not by selling our souls to the company. In fact, these companies prosper because they connect to our souls, make our lives better, and make a difference in the world.
If this is the result of us being slackers... I'd be scared to see what we accomplished if we were actually motivated. ;-)
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