This is it. This is the powerful post that the entire platform of The New Hustle was conceived upon. Warning: only the dedicated few who ‘get-it’ will read this post in it’s entirety – it’s lengthy for good reason.
Of the Millennial Generation? You need to read this. Not of Generation Y? You need to understand this.
What is a Millennial
I’ve seen about 7 different definitions – but it comes down to the largest generation thus far in the world’s history: 80 million ‘kids’ born anywhere between 1977-2001 – plus or minus a few years.
The first wave have entered the workforce, to a rapidly changing social, economical and technological environment.
The Millennial rap sheet
Seems every other ‘google-alert’ I receive on Millennials is downbeat. While opinions speak on the majority of issues that afflict the majority of Millennials – it must be noted that every generation is made-up of individuals that just get it – and those that don’t (if you don’t know what I mean, you don’t get it).
That being understood, three fundamental things you must know about us (that get it):
- We were raised to live first and work second
- The internet is our second home
- We desire change for the better
Spoiled, shallow and selfish
Yes, yes and yes. We were raised in the New Economy, and times were good. Many of us got anything we wanted, immediately. The internet and cable television had more of an influence on our take on the world than our parents did. We had no doubt we’d be featured on MTV’s Cribs one day.
I don’t think this is entirely new to any younger generation with high ambitions and desire to craft the life of their dreams.
But now times have changed, we’re entering a world where job opportunity and security don’t mean what they used too. 30% of Millennials are uninsured, make up 1/3 of the unemployment rate and average $27,000 in debt from credit cards and student loans after graduation (source: 80 Million Strong movement)
We’re competing with more experienced, skilled workers for the same entry level position. Companies are cutting costs – raises aren’t coming as often and layoffs are becoming a regular. This brings me to my next point.
Progressive, resourceful and tolerant
I believe we will succeed. We will succeed because we are capable of doing one thing better than any generation past: change (aka adapting to the times). This is not new – this is a human condition – but because of the technologically and socially open and tolerant environments we were raised in, we’re better suited for it.
We recognize flaws in our character that are holding us back from our best selves. We understand that the ways of the business world we were raised is collapsing before our eyes. We’re grasping new opportunities that are becoming the new era of business – applying our generational touch to the pulse of the global, socialially-entwined revolution.
We care about the environment, the well being of those less fortunate than us and most importantly, we care about ourselves. I am a firm believer that without swagger, without a love of self – you can’t help anybody else. This is one thing we’re good at.
Only time will tell
Ultimately, time will determine our success. If you’ve actually read the entirety of this lengthy post, you get it. You will be the change, the positive impact the world is hungry for. Settling for status quo and mediocrity is not in our generation’s DNA – nor was it in the WWI’s ‘Lost Generation’ who fought and died for the freedom we take for granted daily – nor was it in the Baby Boomer’s generation who brought peace and love to a whole new level (literally).
We’re different and the same all at once. The distinction is that we have click of the mouse access to all the tools and resources to learn and grow in to extraordinary human beings.
The New Hustle is here to be a catalyst of change – promoting daily, consistent improvement. By improving ourselves, we improve our quality of life – and the world around us. Join the movement.
Let Your Light Shine – Nelson Mandela 1994 Inaugural Speech
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our Light, not our Darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you NOT to be? You are a child of GOD. Your playing small does not serve the World. There is nothing enlightening about shrinking so that other people won’t feel unsure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of GOD that is within us. It is not just in some of us; is is in everyone. As we let our own Light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
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