No, really. Why all the hate? The narrative of Gen Yers as entitled, lazy, and delusional is becoming more and more pervasive. Not a day passes without a reference to "some kid" who thinks he knows what he is doing (implication: "IDIOT!"). Um...weren't you a "kid" once, too?
I'm confused: I don't believe I'm better than you. I don't feel entitled to anything, especially without hard work. I don't live in a world of delusion. And I don't find myself to be unhappy.
I'm curious: at what age do I become relevant? At what age do my contributions start to matter?
I'm stuck: I can't skip this age, so what am I supposed to do now?
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As one member of Gen Y, I will tell you this:
I am curious - about what I can accomplish here. And I strongly believe that we define the spectrum of possibility in our lives by believing in or doubting ourselves and our abilities. I am fighting hard to continue to believe in myself despite all of the messages that tell me I'm never enough - my age being one of them.
I am worthy - of love and belonging. Just like you. Not any more worthy than the next guy. Just worthy.
I am doing the best that I can - to show that I can add value as a young person while acknowledging that I do, in fact, have a lot to learn. And learning happens in time and with experience. But time & experience do not always equal learning, so I'm throwing myself a bone for being open to the lessons.
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This anti-young person Gen Y narrative fails because it's disempowering - it stems from fear of change, from anger, from regret. This narrative fails because it assumes that there is some magic age at which people become capable of making the "right" decisions (enough said). This narrative fails because it equates entitlement to self worth. This narrative fails because there is more variation within groups than across groups. Most importantly, this narrative fails because we need each other. How can we connect when you doubt my worth on the regular?