Will the Millennials Leave a “Balanced World” for the Next Generation?

I am in a unique place in my family.  I was raised by parents born in the Great Depression of the 1920’s.  My three older siblings are of the BoomerGeneration  and I am Gen X.  I have nieces, nephews and cousins who are Millennials (also known as Gen Y).  I have empathy for all perspectives.  Of primary concern, I am driven to understand the possibilities of the world my small children will inherit.

This video from Upworthy.com crossed my screen recently.  It is a sarcastic depiction of criticisms directed toward the Millennials, and the response of some, referencing the conditions created by previous generations.   Don’t let the sarcasm distract from the powerful message.  The video is both thought provoking and disturbing.

As the compelling ideas from the video began dancing through my head, they gained momentum and reminded me of what I already know;  there is no reality, only perspective.  Since that provokes the next thought – empathy comforts perspective, I want to share my perception of parenting by generation. 

Depression Parents grew up in a time of insufficient funds and supplies.  The 3R’s that are trendy today, reduce, reuse and recycle, were basic requirements for those parents.  Any work that could be found, food to grow, clothes to reuse, furniture to repurpose – were all undertaken to meet the basic needs of their children.

As any parent, they wanted to plan better for their own children.  The Boomers were taught to be responsible – save as much money as possible, work hard and plan for the future.  Depression Parents had little time to play with their kids or help them with homework, as they often had multiple jobs to support their families.  Discretionary funds for extra sports, lessons, camps were rare and often put aside to pay cash for a future need.

Boomers grew up to a “land of plenty”.  The age of manufacturing and technology was driven by the Boomers.  New jobs were created, new opportunities forged – all with little understanding of the potential impact on the environment.  It became the generation of fast food and disposable products, all in attempts to make the world easier for the next generation.

These parents wanted their kids to have it easier than they did, so they focused on education and extra-curricular activities to help their kids see the world as a land of opportunity, and ensure they didn’t have to struggle as they had.  The Boomers didn’t get as much quality time with their own parents, so they categorized family vacations and extra-circulars a need rather than a luxury.  Boomers were activists for equality.  These parents focused on ensuring their kids were raised with strong self-esteem, so that they could take their education and world travel to build their confidence and make their life mean something.

Gen X kids were raised in increasing wealth.  This era began to feel that anything was possible.  A woman could run a company and raise a family – doing it all well.  Education was important but ‘street smarts’ and practical learning were just as important to earn the required income to live the expanded life that Boomers gave us a taste of. 

Gen X hit the tail end of the Boomer tide – just enough to give them a taste of the high life before the tightening began.  The information age and technology era were in full swing – requiring then to become expert change adapters.

Gen Xers were largely workaholics who also attempted to maintain the parenting standard the Boomers raised; work hard, play with the kids, help them with homework, take them through as many extra circulars as possible – and often sleep less, eat more take out, and become the generation of over-indulgence and increased health risk.

But the news for Gen X is not all bad.   Gen Xers found ways to make businesses more profitable – through efficiencies like outsourcing.  Some leaders have responded to the market changes of outsourcing to other countries by being entrepreneurs – working at home for their own business or other corporations, in an effort to reduce household cost and remove commute time.  Husbands do more at home, and face discrimination at work.   All in an effort to balance the increased demands of home life.

Millennials have the core influence of the Boomer’s, with the additional impact of Gen X.  They were raised to believe they are special, to “explore their bliss” – but get the best education possible to compete.  Unfortunately, they leave university with a theological education, and very little practical experience. 

Their hiring decision makers are Boomers and Gen Xers who had to work hard in a practical environment, before reaping the rewards of success.  They enter the workforce with increased education debt, greater lifestyle expectations, and fewer job opportunities to both pay down their debt and sponsor the lifestyle they have become accustomed to.

The future is unclear to me.  I choose to be positive and believe the Millennials will grasp the teachings of the Depression Parents through to Gen X and find the right balance.  Balance is key to the health of our environment, economy and future generatations. 

As a parent, I know one thing for sure – as Millennials become parents, they will, as past generations have, want the best for their kids.  They will shape their lifestyle, the economy, industry and the environment, all based on what their own perception  of what is best for future generations.

How do we live together in the interim?  Perhaps my best advice is empathy.  I began this post stating, “there is no reality, only perspective” and then with, “empathy comforts perspective”.  I truly believe we, as humans, look back only to do better in the future.  I put my trust in the next generation, to be open-minded, empathetic and then use their immense knowledge to guide the future of my children.  Millennials - use that power with a good balance of drive, humility and empathy – we will be anticipating your success.