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Work Ethic - Is it Generational

buckeyebri

Transfer Portal Phenom
  • I have been pondering the work ethic of the generations that surround me in my work life and I am starting to see some strong but general patterns emerging amongst the various age groups. Important to note, as well, is that this is in a professional environment. As I said these are general patterns and not everyone I am around in these age groups is the same, but here is what I have observed:

    The 50 crowd - These seem to be the head down, man I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and I don't want to screw anything up getting there. As well as, the group who are really interested in mentoring and training the younger crowd.

    The 40's gang - These seem to understand that the company doesn't necessarily owe you anything. They may still be pushing for that high corporate role and no that their time is limited to grab it. They seem to understand the need to do what it takes to get the job done and are more willing to work weekends and nights to earn that promotion.

    The 30 somethings - These folks want to work no more than 40 hours a week, make good money, come and go as they please, be promoted, and generally expect the moon, the sun and the stars from the company.

    The 20 just out of college somethings - I have found a real mixed bag here. Some still feeling they are in college and just want to make some money and have fun. They will work some extra, but definitely want their time off. Some who are in a huge rush to get their career going and don't want to be held back for anything especially taking time to gain experience in their field. And some who are just plain good workers willing to soak up whatever they can.

    Again these are general observations and not largely in depth, but based on my experiences and I would be interested to see what others have been experiencing and observing.
     
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    I don't think age makes the man. Because I tried to take your ideas and apply them to my work place and it didn't correlate at all. Some are go getters, some are cynics, some are giving, some are selfish... people are people.
     
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    I used to work with a fifty year old dude that ran an excavator, but wouldn't hesitate to jump out and get dirty. I've also worked with a few older guys that I wanted to shake the life out of.

    Same goes for every age group really. In my experience, there are workers and there are people that don't want to work.
     
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    I don't think it's generational at all really.

    Those that want to work and do a good job will. Those that don't won't.

    I've seen it pretty much throughout every generation. Although let me tell you that some fedgov civilian workers get paid really well to sit on their collective asses every day.
     
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    I see i all the time at work and it has nothing to do with the generation. I work for my dad who owns a small business where operations have to routinely put in 60-70 hour weeks and the only break they get is for lunch and smoke break if they take one. If they don't want to work they are told don't come back because we can find people are willing to work. If we need extra help we get them off craigslist and the same applies to them. I've seen 18 year olds and 50 years olds work their asses off and not complain once.

    Then I will go to the convention center for work and see everything from 18 to 60 year olds working for the unions doing relatively nothing and taking 4 or 5 days on a job that should take a day.
     
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    bigballin2987;1473143; said:
    I work for my dad who owns a small business where operations have to routinely put in 60-70 hour weeks and the only break they get is for lunch and smoke break if they take one.

    DependsAstronaut.jpg


    Depends....for when you can't have a bathroom break.
     
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    I think there is some reason at work here. Parents want their kids to have more than they did, so kids get more and expect more for less effort.

    The Greatest Generation remember the Great Depression and how little they had for supper most nights. How little money they had. How little they owned. (they may have been better, happier for it?) WWII had a tremendous effect on this country because of so many seeing death and destruction on such a massive scale. Those that came back were changed.
    Just as the Vietnam War had a profound effect on this country and people.
    Major shocks change society and people. This economic meltdown will have an effect on many. Many will have to work later and harder. Maybe we become a less consumerist society? Maybe we will value our free time even more?
     
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    Generational

    I do not believe that the work ethic is generational. Instead I believe that the dynamic of work ethic has many factors.

    Culture-Standards of Society-Family History and the Culture of the Family

    Just to make a point. There are people who come from tons of money who have children who have a tremendous work ethic. There are also people who come from nothing and yet through diligence and character have great work ethics and find a way to succeed.

    To sum this all up, in so many ways one dynamic rises to the top of the list fr work ethic and success. That dynamic is CHARACTER.
     
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    I got 'riffed" from my teaching job 2 years ago, while two of the laziest teachers in the school who were also in my department kept their jobs. Honestly, I don't think a lot of bosses/managers like to truly emphasize working hard/doing your best at your job because THEY will be judged if they cannot findf adequate replacements, or are perceived as difficult to work for. It is much easier to not rock the boat and let the underlings slack off. This happens in public schools as well- Report: CPS keeps bad teachers | Cincinnati.com | Cincinnati.Com .
     
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