To the fuddy duddys

One of the things I am enjoying about regular blog writing is the trawling for topics to write about. I go through blogs, articles, newsletters and pretty much anything else I can read and digest as inspiration for my blogs. I come across a lot of rubbish but every now and then I hit on a gem. It also gives me the opportunity to synthesize ideas, think, form topics of conversation and get into lively debate with my friends, family and work colleagues.

I do come across information that I really don’t agree with, in particular this week, one that really hit a nerve. It was specifically focused on ‘generation Y’ and, as a Gen-Yer, I found it rather condescending. It involved ‘rules’ about how Gen Ys should suck it up. Such things as “life is not divided into semesters You don’t’ get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you ‘find yourself’. Do that on your own time”. There were 11 rules in all. That was number 9. I won’t pick apart every ‘rule’, because I’d be here forever. But I had a verbal rant about this article, not because I don’t welcome debate about generational differences and work ethic, and not just because it was so blatantly closed minded, but that it came from a certain training association whom you would theoretically expect to be open to new ways of doing things. Because isn’t that what learning/training is about?

You have to question why, when there is so much L&D internet traffic about e-learning, m-learning, social learning etc etc, that they have an article such as this? Another I came across from the same publication consisted of a woman’s journey towards making pecan pie, and how that was an illustration of why one should not procrastinate. Someone tell me how that adds value to my profession?

As an L&D specialist still learning how things work, and how to best deliver learning and development strategies I turn to whatever resources I can find. These usually involve YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, blogs, google, the local library and even IPhone games like Tiny Village (hey, I’m researching IPhone games as a learning tool!). I also look to leadership wherever I can find it, including my friends, colleagues and professional associates. But I have no respect for people who want to bag me off because of what generational category I happen to fall into.

I am a Gen-Yer, and proud of it. I value the opportunity to try new things and to innovate. I want to ‘find myself’ in my work because I am passionate about what I do. I enjoy my freedom and being able to leave work early so I can go to my yoga class. In return I will work my ass off, I will achieve things you wouldn’t expect and I will always strive to have an open mind and be at the forefront of my field.

So to those fuddy duddys who want to lament the challenges of the younger generations in the work force, I say, “get used to it”. Because the world is changing faster than you and unless you’re going to open up your minds in a radical way and soon, you’re going to need us more than we need you.