Accurate Representation of Millenials in the Workplace?

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kv52oVIcUKk&eurl=http://nextforce.collectivex.com/]

Check out this clip from a 60 Minutes segment on “Millennials” in the workplace.  Although we’ve heard some of the stereotypes before, the video makes our generation of workers out to be very narcissistic, casual and even a bit lazy.  I suppose this could be an accurate representation of some, but I’m really hoping it isn’t true for all of the workers in the twentysomething age bracket!  Have you ever scheduled work around your yoga class?  I sure hope not!  Or refused to follow the dress code, or stay late once in a while?  Eek!

The video suggests that twentysomethings are all about themselves: their plans after work, their texts, their friends.  That we were raised to do extracurriculars for fun and participation, not to put in hard work practcing and mastering something.

Another very interesting point that I personally resonate with is the fact that many recent college graduates decided not to work traditional summer jobs growing up, but instead volunteer or travel because they feel that it looks better on a resume.  Although  I feel diversifying experiences is very important and these experiences are valuable, many of the best lessons I’ve learned came from working 2 or 3 summer jobs at once- many of which were not glamorous or fun.  Those summer jobs teach you how to be on time, deal with authority, and also motivate you to do great things with your own life so you aren’t stuck working at that type of job for the rest of your life.

I fear that those who spent their college years climbing mountains, traveling, and building homes for the poor may face a huge Quarterlife crisis (or let down) once they graduate and find out that working in an office (or hospital, or wherever you work after college) is not so adventurous and glamorous after all.  That disappointment has the potential to lead to a lifetime of being unsettled and feeling that any job you are doing is just “not enough.”

Let me know your thoughts!