Random Rant: Gen Y or Just People?
January 19th 2011 02:23
I may seem to be on the cusp of having kids surrender their seat to me on a bus - but until that time I still feel as though I have at least a handle on emerging technology and music while still being actively engaged in sport and knowing that the world is not the same place it was even 10 years ago.
But having grown accustomed to a professional world where heirachy and experience actually count for something other than leers and smug criticism of it being old school - I've actually tried to help two young people this week get a foot in the door as far as their chosen careers are concerned.
Now without going into too much detail, let me say that on the surface both are intelligent and well mannered early 20's who have been brought up by relatively middle class parents in a relatively fortunate environment.
Both are about to finish their degrees and insisted they are prepared to 'start at the bottom' and 'prepared to do the hard yards' in order that they make their way in the world.
Buoyed by this, I made a few enquiries and have managed to have been able to get one some local work experience with the prospect of later paid employment and the other the opportunity to move directly into the workforce.
Now here's the rub!
Case 1: Having thanked me for securing work experience - a few caveats then started to come through about what they would and wouldn't be prepared to do. This was followed by a request for not one but two half days over the space of a week and a later than normal start - because 'it's difficult to get a train that early in the morning'.
Case 2: You'd think that having said you're ready to start at the bottom and work you're way up then that's what you mean. In spite of having a role ready and waiting, the concept of travelling more than 45 mins by car to your place of employment and the fact you're informed that their may be some weekend work for which you would receive only time off in lieu - might be a small price for a pay cheque each week. Throw in the fact that 'it might be below my level of qualification' and you have someone who probably has an inflated overview of their own abilities - which til now have been confined to the lecture theatre.
Gen Y all over? Or just people?
You tell me!
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Comment by pinkfrench
Pink Thoughts by a Truthful Soul