Myth Buster: Millennials’ Career Goals are Similar to Those of Older Workers
The major difference in workplace expectations between the generations is really company culture. Millennials desire financial security, leadership, and professional development, but at the end of the day company culture is still king. Both Millennial (born 1981 – 1997) and Gen X (born 1965-1980) workers have a desire to tap a variety of sources to inform their decisions – much more so than independent-minded Baby Boomers (born 1946 – 1964). In the workplace, Millennials are less looking for the fast track to their dream job and more looking for an opportunity to develop the skills to get there. This generation wants their manager to help them grow, not hand them a participation trophy. Data shows all three generations change jobs for similar reasons. According to a recent article, “Millennials, Gen X’ers and Baby Boomers all cited the same top four motivating factors for changing jobs: to enter the fast lane (by far the most popular for all generations), shoot for the top, follow one’s heart, or save the world.” Millennials are constantly looking for growth opportunities and they will have more job satisfaction if they are able to voice their needs or passions.