Need I say the Boomer Post didn't go over too well with BOOMERS. I have been getting hate mail all day long. LOL. Actually they make pretty accurate points about why they will continue to work until they stroke out and why we (Xers and Gen-Yers) need to stop whining and get over it. The feedback from Xers and Gen Y was "thank you for saying it"... "may the Church say Amen" and similar verbal high fives.
The Boomer disgust with my post was pretty strong, but in hindsight I guess the post was pretty strong. (Insert "sorry" here.) I could write a list of what I did not mean and what I meant, but if nothing else I am more sure than ever that there needs to be a forum to discuss what steps should be taken to ensure Gen-X participation and growth in the workplace in terms of organization and corporate leadership. I understand the reasons that Boomers must continue to work. I promise I do. They are taking care of their children, spouses, parents, grandchildren; rebuilding after losing 401K's, homes and jobs; overextended, paying college tuitions and of course they like going to the office every day because they are still a healthy bunch and what else would they do. Golf?
Are we the whining, slacking, living at home, video game playing idiots that the Boomers think we are? I personally don't think so. (Note: by the way most Boomer responders actually admitted that I am an exception to the rule. LOL.) I know some slackers, but for the most part all of my friends and associates are amazing. The grind is a way of life for us.
So what's the deal? In the words of Stevie Wonder, a favorite Boomer of mine. Everything Must Change... Nothing Stays The Same. As a result of this shift, a new dynamic could be evolving. If I know my fellow Xers they are not going to wait around forever. They will inevitably leave the workforce all together and go do something that makes sense for them, their families, skill sets and peace of mind. Xers will do something meaningful that changes the world as we know it. Yes, we are THAT generation and change, while painful is inevitable.
Peace,
Le
2 comments:
Hey Le,
You are a true Gen-Xer because one quality we have is speaking the truth no matter how harsh. I just shared your blogposts with my pre-boomer war baby mother(born 1942). We were cracking up together and amazed at your ability to express so much in two short posts. The true genius of a gifted writer. Kudos my sista! Keep it up and we'll keep reading.
Thank you Marla! I feel like we are experiencing a series of cultural shifts that will impact us all. First we will be impacted in small ways, then in major ways. And because very few people are paying attention, there will be no plan in place to support viable solutions. We are living in a fascinating time in World History. I just don't think many people are paying attention. Thanks for reading Brown Girl and sharing it with your peeps.
Love ya,
Le
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