The world we now live in has changed so significantly compared to what the baby boomers grew up in that they might never understand. I don’t see why it matters if somebody comes in at odd hours, because with the advent of internet/intranet the same work can easily be done from home or any other location, or at any time, and still be available to the rest of the team.

I also don’t see why the older generation thought it was acceptable to ignore their children for work, most professionals I know do work 50-60 hours or more, and “make it up” to their children by buying them things. Why would our generation make the same mistake?

I am glad other people feel the same way.

I’m glad you wrote about this. My first reaction to the article was concern. I heard this generational complaint once before and had disregarded it because personally as a student, and as a member of the Public Relations Student Society of America Chapter and Senior Class Council at my university, we have always been commended by faculty and professionals. Then when I read the WSJ article, I realized this was something I should look into.

First of all, I want to say that I am the first person in my family to go to college, and my family does not pay for my tuition, rent or any other expenses. I grew up not very well off and my parents were never involved in my schooling. In fact, when I got into the university of my choice, my dad hinted at not allowing me to go. This may make me different from a lot of the millennials because I was not given everything or doted on. Because of this, I am overly gracious and it’s hard for me to accept praise.

But it’s ok. I’m in a great spot, I do love my parents and recognize they are very proud of me–this is not what this is about.

It offends and shocks me that there are millennials out there who would act in ways described. It portrays all of us in a bad light.

I believe in working hard, going the extra mile and sacrificing. Maybe it’s because the field of public relations is so competitive right now that I know I have to shine or else I could be easily replaced. I fully understand I have to “pay my dues” and do grunt work from time to time. I don’t expect excellent pay, benefits or flexibility YET. I know I have to work for it. I stay late regularly, work through my lunch hour even though I’m not getting paid, check and respond to work e-mails on days when I have class. And I have been recognized and awarded for my work.

I can understand the frustration of professionals who feel a lack of respect from young workers, particularly when it contrasts from their experiences working as an up-and-coming professional. But I don’t believe they would think a kiss ass who never voices their opinion would be someone who take on a leadership role, either. Our generation is notable and powerful because we shake things up.

With that being said, it is very important that millennials, myself included, remind ourselves of who we are. We are interns and entry-level workers. We don’t know everything and we aren’t equal to executives or supervisors. We may think we’re smarter than others, and if we are, it will surely be found out.

Sorry for the long comment!

Deborah, thank you for sharing your experiences, I hope I gave you a little more confidence in our generation!

The kids are on the attack! Nice post my friend.

Check out our response to the same article here:

http://www.ifweranit.com/2008/10/23/millennials-in-the-mystmy-letter-to-the-wall-street-journal/

Drop me a line sometime. I think we might have a lot in common.