Gen wut?

Let’s start off on the right foot

“When you put love out in the world it travels, and it can touch people and reach people in ways that we never even expected.” – Laverne Cox

The skinny

Gen X is doing better than expected working from home.

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X-cellent.

Yes, finally some good news for the latchkeys. A recent survey found that Gen Xers showed gains in confidence around communication including conflict resolution and their ability to build and reinforce trust in a new environment.

Hella cool.

For some, yes. But the young’uns had some issues with trust. Millennials saw a three-point drop in trust vs a four-point rise in trust from Gen X.

Surprising.

Definitely. Many employers assumed that younger generations would be more adaptable and need less support, especially considering their “digital native” status. But these trends suggest employers need to address both the technological needs and the “life-situation barriers” impacting teams and individuals.

Still wondering “why?”

Well, because no one puts baby in a corner. Gen X simply has had more time on the dance floor, or should we say more time on the balance log… anyway, they’ve been in the workforce longer and therefore have more support networks in place as well as a more advanced ability to absorb and adapt to nuances in corporate culture. That, and many don't have very young kids at home.

Technology matters: The rate at which Gen Xers say they have quit a job due to bad technology increased by 13 points over pre-COVID-19 measures. Millennials reported an increase of 7 points.

Date with data: 88% of employees feel very comfortable working with colleagues from across generations.

Further reading: Gen X emerging from pandemic with firmer grip on America’s wallet.

The skinny

Millennials are re-defining what adulthood looks like.

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Really?

#Adulting to the max my friend. We’ve all heard the rather sad chronicle of the Millennial coming of age story: two recessions before the age of 40, a pretty pathetic job market, a decade-long affordability crisis, brutal attacks on side parts and, not to mention: RIP laugh emoji, it’s a wonder they can get out of bed in the morning. But it turns out, they haven’t missed the boat, all this is just the (hold back vomit noises) new normal for modern adults.

That doesn’t seem fun.

Well, this theory holds some good news and bad news. Good news is, psychologists agree that yard sticking Millennials’ success to Boomers’ isn’t feasible or fair. Therefore, the whole world can stop harping on the fact that Millennials are late bloomers when it comes to reaching major life milestones like homeownership, marriage and paying off debt. Turns out, doing adult-things later is a trend that’s likely staying.

So, later is trending?

You could say that. Millennials stayed in school longer and therefore got their first-time jobs later on. Unlike past generations who were expected to have “all that stuff figured out” by their late twenties, Millennials have a few more options and put more stock into finding true fulfillment in their professional careers, which takes more time.

What’s the bad news?

Despite changing societal norms, some Millennials still feel like they’re #failing at life and that has a negative effect on mental health. However, there’s another twist in this rollercoaster. The pandemic closed the gap for some Millennials, and many were able to buy homes for the first time.

Fun fact: Those under age 35 saw a 4.2% increase in homeownership and those aged 35 to 44 saw a 4.9% increase.

In case you forgot: Millennials are considered to be those born between 1981-1996 (25-40).

Further reading: Why social media makes you feel old.

Totes quotes: “Even in good times, young adults feel they’re falling behind and not making enough progress.” – Jeffry Arnett, Psychologist

The skinny

Re-opening anxiety is a thing that shouldn't be ignored in the coming weeks.

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Great.

Another anxiety to look forward to! But as vaccination rates continue to climb and many cities and states start to re-open bars, restaurants and movie theaters, people are starting to emerge from the inside-world and are, **gulp** making plans.

My calendar is wide open!

Yes, although many of us are itching to fill in those long-blank squares, it’s important to keep in mind that we all, “went through something” and that “something” shouldn’t be ignored.

But…

I know, I know. I’m not saying, don’t start filling your social calendar with fun things again. All I’m saying is take things slow. Everyone’s comfort level is going to be different, so it’s OK to meet yourself where you’re at. It’s going to be a balance between wanting to DO ALL THE THINGS and feeling extreme anxiety about going out and doing all those said things. Beware of FOMO, because peeps are going to be blowing up social with all their new plans, and you may not “be there” yet.

But, I’m so totally there!

Looks like you may be in for some “sorry didn’t see your text” messages. Both sides of the social coin need to be patient with the other. While some are chomping at the bit to make plans, there are those that are secretly dreading the fact that COVID is no longer an excuse to say no to social outings.

Wanna get lunch?

Ok, if you listen to one thing, listen to this: don’t sleep or ignore your grief. In terms of going out again, we all might be thinking “whoohoo, party, fun!” but it’s important to understand that you may encounter feelings you didn’t expect. Bee patient and kind to yourself and others, because this is a whole new transition period for us all.

Further reading: Now is the time to design your post pandemic work life.

Travel plans: 5 things to know about flying this summer.

Totes quotes: “The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in the mind at the same time, and still retain the ability to function.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald.