Is Gen Y as Entitled as Everyone Thinks?

Posted on 07/09/10 in Blog, 4 Comments

The most popular story on NYTimes.com on Thursday, “American Dream is Elusive for New Generation,” was extremely depressing. Not because it accurately portrayed (again) the tough job market, but because the main source, 24-year-old Scott Nicholson, graduated from Colgate University, applied for jobs, turned down a $40,000/year job and is now down-on-his-luck unemployed.

I’m sorry. What?! Who does this kid think he is?

I have many, many friends who would sell their souls for an entry-level job that pays $40,000 per year. This article did nothing but perpetuate the stereotype that Gen Y’ers are nothing but spoiled children with huge senses of entitlement thanks to our Boomer parents.

Sure, if you have a college degree, there are probably certain jobs that are “beneath you,” professionally speaking. But I have friends who have waited tables, worked at gyms and worked retail post-graduation. Unemployment is steady or rising (we’re at about 9.5 percent right now), and this particular graduate felt he could do better than a $40,000 per year job.

I’m not suggesting we all settle for the first full-time job offer we get. But we can avoid being too picky. Nicholson could have met valuable contacts if he had taken that job. Who is he meeting now, as he sits in his parents house sending out resume after resume, cover letter after cover letter?

Even a job that is “beneath you,” whether it’s waiting tables or at an insurance company, can offer valuable benefits. Maybe you’ll wait on an executive, charm him and get a meeting. (Or at least, have the opportunity to give him your resume.) Hey, stranger things have happened.

I’m tired of our generation being portrayed as “entitled,” and I’m tired of people who prove that stereotype to be true. Be picky about what you do for a living. But don’t pass up opportunities to meet new people, or snub those who could have been valuable professional contacts.

What do you think?

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About the Author

Shannon Otto is a freelance writer and marketing professional based in Atlanta. A forward-thinking communicator, she's fueled by coffee, yoga and the thrill of a deadline. Shannon graduated from the University of Georgia in 2009 with a bachelors degree in journalism and is a passionate believer in the power of networking.

Visit Shannon Otto's Website
  • http://twitter.com/jheu Julia Heu

    Don't be so rough on him. He's really trying hard. He even has a back-up: bar-tending. I didn't realize bar-tenders were so lazy. That's what he is, LAZY! Not entitled, just pure lazy. So over these generalizations of “our generation”.

  • emilyjasper

    I just saw this post, and I've been talking to others about how not only is it bad if there's a situation like you describe above, but if young employees can't even handle the tasks that are apparently so beneath them. While we shouldn't take just anything, people need to think about the big picture. Will an entry-level position here open doors? Are there opportunities for special projects or travel? I traveled more (and internationally) in my entry-level job than in my management. I wouldn't trade working in Geneva for anything. But it came with the entry-level job that I made sure to do my best at. Good post!

  • Shannon Otto

    Thanks for responding, emilyjasper. I understand that everyone has a dream job — so do I! And I can appreciate someone feeling down if they can't get a job offer for a professional position. But this article was extremely frustrating to me. I think many in our generation don't understand the big picture, just like you said. Everyone has to start somewhere!

  • Shannon Otto

    You're right Julia; I'm also tired of generalizations. I know everyone is different, but he is depicted as slightly lazy. I feel like there may be better things he could do with his time than just sending out resumes to anonymous job listings. Thanks for the comment!