Generational Differences
The March 2009 Entrepreneur Magazine has a great article concerning how generational differences affect the workplace. I am a Gen X’er and I definitely see the difference between the “kids” (Gen Y’ers) and the seasoned vets (Baby Boomers) in how they do their work. The article concerns differences in technology use and problem solving, but I’ll just write a few words on the differences in technology use.
I don’t IM or text message very much. I find it annoying and disruptive when the windows pop-up and makes a sound while I’m trying to work. It’s second only to the office busy-body that stops by my cube to gossip when I’m trying to solve a crisis. The Gen Y’ers are always on me for not having my IM running. My sister won’t even answer her cell phone, but will text back immediately asking what I want. Does anyone in their 20’s use the phone for speaking any more?
I don’t own an iPhone and the iPod I received as a gift just sits on my dresser collecting dust. I prefer CDs and plain old DVDs, not Blu-Ray. Besides, my car has 6-CD changer and no input hole for an iPod. I own a HDTV, but it’s a rear-projection from 2001. You may call me cheap or behind the times, but the technology still works and it’s what I grew up with. Check out Broke Grad Student’s post on CD purchases.
Stereotyping entire generations may be unfair, but what do you think?
2 comments
I have a lot in common with that description of Gen X – I don’t care for IMing/ texting.. not at work, not at home (if you turn the speakers down that should get rid of the popping sound though). I don’t have a DVD player, I have my VHS from a long time ago. If I have a dvd I want to watch, I do so on my computer (dvd drive). My desktop computer is from year 2000. I did recently buy a laptop computer. I don’t have an ipod, mainly because everyone else has one
I use my phone only for speaking, and nothing else, except occasionally taking a picture with it. My old stuff works for me, I’m used to it, no reason to fix or change what’s not broken.. and I find that sometimes an ‘upgrade’ is more like a ‘downgrade’.
My age? 19 years old. Most people my age are as mentioned in the article though. I think the difference is I was born in Russia and lived there for my first 8 years, and that is why I don’t fit the American stereotype for my generation. (I’m also interested in stocks/ wall street which is why I clicked the link to this blog from the Broke Grad Student.)
Thanks for the comment, LN! Young children in the US are bombarded with TV ads that groom them to become consumerists as adults. Habits are hard to break, especially those that we learn very early on and are constantly reinforced. Kids are exposed to over 100 commercials a day. It’s no wonder as adults, these shopaholics (meyself included) rack up credit card debt to feel better about themselves through acquiring material objects.
Check out some crazy stats here:
http://www.newdream.org/kids/facts.php
Visit any time…it’s free!
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