Comments on: The "Millennials" Are Coming

Morley Safer On The New Generation Of American Workers

[lisette241]

I was quite amused by the irony in this statement criticizing Millenials [=%u201CThe rest of us are old, redundant, should be retired. How dare we come in, anyone over 30. Not only can''t be trusted, can''t be counted upon to be, sort of, coherent" since I believe that the Baby Boomer generation was the originator of the statement %u2018Don%u2019t trust anyone over 30.%u2019 Apparently they do not enjoy finding themselves on the other side of the coin.
This raises the point several other commentators made as to who, exactly, was raising this generation since the Baby Boomer bosses do not think they should take responsibility for this so-called attitude. Fortunately, I have learned from this article that I was raised by Mr. Rogers, not by my parents. Or perhaps it was the extraterrestrials that we supposedly resemble since older generations are merely hapless bystanders to the invasion of young people.

[lisette241]

As a 26 year old, this article was infuriating on many levels. The broad generalizations, lack of facts and actual reporting in addition to stereotyping should be offensive to anyone of any age. I do not have the time to point out the dozens of offensive and incorrect premises of this article so I will highlight only a few.

There is no way that any article spewing such insults to any other group of people would be considered acceptable by a major news organization. If I were to imply that the elderly were incapable of using knives and forks:
["It''s a perfect storm we have created to put these people in a position where they suddenly have to perform as professionals and haven%u2019t been trained," Crane says. Basic training, like how to eat with a knife and fork, or indeed how to work.%u201D]

Or that they were extraterrestrials:
[%u201Cthe extraterrestrials who''ve taken over the workplace.%u201D]

I would certainly be attacked, but since 60 Minutes is criticizing young people, insults and name calling are to be put up with, otherwise I am merely another spoiled young person, resistant to criticism.

[p4bes]

I personally think it was inevitbale that the millenials turned out this way. We shouldn''t be blaming the kids for what their parents have created. If the baby boomers are going to complain about our attachment to technology then why did they create it for us. Basically the world needs us. Society has changed and whining about it instead of changing with it may be the boomers solution; but the millenials solution is to adapt with it.

[jeannedarc2]

These kids will find out in a post American world--2030- that they are too touchy to compete or else too sick from diabetes to care.

[purplegiggle]

Disappointed and angry are the 2 comments that came to mind during this segment. The was completely frivolous journalism. I am disgusted that 60 minutes would corrupt their integriry with vaste generalizations, agism and pampered so-called "specialists". I am 25 years old and I work and make my own way in the world and work *** hard to do it and I am embarrassed that this is the best of what 60 minutes can do to represent and grossly misrepresent my generation!!

[kdomeier]

I am a "millenial" and i totally disagree with this article. There are many kids in this generation that actually value manners and a good work ethic. Just because technology is increasing and becoming more complex, it is not our fault. What, do you expect us to be sorry for "baby boomers" lack of resources? When im in school and i need something i can text my mom to say i forgot my lunch or i dont feel good. and i use my laptop almost everyday to do homework . and good typing skills and being computer savvy is actually a very valued skill to many employers.

We did not ask to be born in this era, we kinda just showed up, just like you did. so i actually think its really sterotypical for people to say stuff like this. And for people to blame our parents. thats total displacement. My parents dont pump my gas or do my homework, i got spankings when i was young, and i have been grounded many times, just like anyone else.
so who are any of you to judge.

And how can any time period grow and develop without differences and changes. nothing can ever get better without change. so just because you arent used to it, you better, because things arent going to be the same as they were in 1962 or even in 2001. so shut your mouth and get used to that the "millennials" are taking over. =]

[John-G.com]

I can hardly wait until we put the boomers out to golf pasture.
Every generation whines about the next. If each adhered to the older generations'' advice we''d still have men shoveling coal 80 hrs/week in steam engines and sewage running down the gutters of our streets. Yes, underground sewage lines were once seen as frivolity for spoiled-rotten urbanites.
The greatest generation had it easy economically. US industry boomed mid-century because the industrial infrastructure worldwide was destroyed by war. We had no competition. "Work ethic," while essential, was not solely responsible.
Grandpa%u2019s work ethic was to keep the assembly line running regardless of reality. Chrysler filed bankruptcy under that work ethic--200,000 finished cars rotting at the end of an assembly line going full-speed, 3 shifts. Great work ethic--bust your butt to crank out automobiles that will rust in inventory.
The bloated management structure in the US won''t cut its own costs, thus the eternal quest for cheaper labor. If U.S. workers are so bad, why are foreign companies building US factories in record numbers. The Camry has more US parts and labor than the Mustang.
Self-centered work ethic... if someone makes a demand, and it isn''t acceptable, DON''T HIRE THEM. Who is running the company %u2013those who blame labor for their economic ills are incompetent leaders. Grow a pair and lead. Take charge or go golf.

[quarterlife7]

I think this was an absolutely ridiculous story. I am a 23 year old college graduate working a full-time job. I would never dream of rolling into work at 12pm, I could wear flip flops to work but I don''t, I value hardwork and understand that teamwork and good communications skills are all essential keys in getting ahead in the workforce.
Nevermind that admissions to universities, public and private, is more competitive than ever before and that the pressure to succeed is an ever present force in many adolescent minds. Ignore that for many college students, unpaid internships are considered prerequisites for the jobs they wish to hold following graduation, and that people move home to live with their parents because housing prices and living expenses are increasingly high, particularly when combined with repaying the student loans you need to take out to pay for an education (with tuition prices rising each year) that is fundamental to your career.
Apparently, the quality journalism 60 Minutes is known for was thrown by the wayside in favor of lavishing praise on aging managers who refuse to acknowledge that maybe times are changing and are instead putting up with this new and hideous breed of overinduldged primadonnas. It''s alright to not worship at the alter of your company and to be able to balance that with a personal life.

[xiansage]

A natural progression. Every 20 years or so the leading generation hands the reigns of civilization to their children. In all optimism, each succeeding generation shares their wealth, improvements, securities, systems and abilities. With this inheritance the next generation works to build a future more promising than their past. This the first time in our nations history that the "inheritance" of a generation will be a bill past due.

The disposable boomer''s and the greatest generation have left us landfills, toxic and defunct factories, optional education, and a crumbling infrastructure. I hear how great you are. How the people that brought us an S&L crisis, swinging, divorce on divorce, 2 working parents, bigotry, sexism, Enron, Nixon and Bush, oil dependency, a secret police, prescription madness, bad water, bloated unions, a dwindling middle class, and a lot of bad wars have this work "ethic".

What does anyone want to work for? To get ahead. If you are a disposable part your work may afford you room and board. If I were an aging Boomer or Great one I might consider looking in the mirror before throwing stones at a generation whom you begat, who fights for you on foreign soil, and whom you will screw over. If the youth are out for number one, is it any wonder?

If you are appalled by the Millenials work ethic I suggest you check the time card on the soldier with their guts hanging out. Ask him or her if he can spell sacrifice. Spoiled indeed.

[ldridley]

I watched the piece on the Millennials wondering what planet these youngsters were from? No wonder American firms are moving their jobs overseas. If this is the best our future wokrers have to offer it won''t be long and all the jobs will have gone overseas and these kids will be scratching their smart assess wondering what went wrong!

[trishholland]

As I sat in watched the segment about the Millenials, I would have sworn you got all this info from my daughter and her friends--the "it''s all about me" generation which is addicted to the most repulsive shows on the MTV channel--Clearly, they live through these fantasy shows where every thing is about their own gains. They are overdramatic *** shows which these kids are fixated on. These kids can watch these shows nonstop, and over and over-always knowing the outcome. I have even witnessed friends yelling at the TV screen at the contestants. It is downright scary. Until we clean up Television and the BS "reality" shows, these kids are not going to have a clue about REAL LIFE.

[yakaboskib]

When I first watched this article being broadcasted on television the first thing that came to my mind is "Since when do I own an IPod which I bring into work which I come late into?"

Then the second thing that came to my mind is "I thought when your a journalist your not suppoed to make such brash generalizations?"

I''m 19 but I have pride in my work and would hate to jerk my boss around like the people described in this article do.

And on a side note I don''t blame you old people for wondering about the idiotic inner workings of the newer generation of people as I''m just as confused as you are.

[rugby_pengui]

Is it a wonder that American Business has gone outside the U S to find workers who are motivated and grateful for work as opposed to self centered, spoiled undeserving American Brats. The work ethic of young America is abysmal!

[eryou-2009]

While I admire parts of the millenials viewpoint, ie., family is important, I would not want them working for me. I think you should enjoy going to work and what you do, but, I also expect when you are at work, you will do what you are paid for. Having employed high school and college students of this generation, I am not playing therapist to an individual who puts one individuals papers in another persons file, just to get done. I also taught classes for about 17 years at a major eastern university, and ran into the same attitude. I am here, sometimes, pass me. Not everyone excels in every field, and sometimes you deserve to fail, either because it is not your forte, or because you must WORK harder. Spelling is nonexistent. I question the opinions of your so called experts, as I expect they probably treated their kids just the way they described this situation arose.
As for me, I would rather have a group of part time older individuals, who are there when they are supposed to, and do what they are supposed to, and care about their work. Heaven forbid one of these people provide your medical, legal or financial services. This could be a lawyers heaven, think of the law suits against companies whose employees did not care. Oh, that''s right, the lawyers did not care enough to show up or prepare.

[alfiso]

This explains the Millennial young man I
work with. It''s a pretty broad generalization but many points explain his attitude. One of his earliest comments to me was how did I feel working with someone who "outranked" me - referring to the fact he had a degree and I didn''t. I only have 4 decades of experience

These young people had better remain out of hospital work. Medical work is do what a dr orders and do it now. Wear proper dress. Work holidays and weekends.
Praise I''d in short supply. Pat yourself on the back as Drs rarely do. Be proud you help save lives

[dmogilski]

I could''t help noting the juxtaposition of the story on the millenials and Memorial Day. Did the soldiers who died in Iraq have the same choices? I am the mother of a child born in 1979 and 1982.

I remember the "self-esteem" and the fear the right had of "critical thinking skills." I moved my children out of a city to a rural area where we encouraged our kids but also spoke of responsibility and consequences for actions. They did their homework, not me.

As a manager hiring this age group, I "coach" because that''s my style and I was mentored myself. However, to be coached by me must be earned. I am proud to say that every employee I''ve coached is succesful.

I''m prouder to state that my daughters work hard, have a work ethic where they know they must
earn their promotions (which they are getting), and live independently (although each boomeranged back home once).

The school of hard knocks is not fun, but how can you appreciate the peak when you''ve never seen the valley?

[xiansage]

Mr Safer, in his absently apparent ways just decided that there was no such thing as Gen X. As someone from Generation X - that''s generation in-between the ruling generations of the world - I am a little disappointed that the keys to the next era will be passed over our heads. It''s nice to be considered a transitory footnote between the massive generational vanities at large. Way to go "Me" generations!

[xiansage]

Mr Safer, in his absently apparent ways just decided that there was no such thing as Gen X. As someone from Generation X - that''s generation in-between the ruling generations of the world - I am a little disappointed that the keys to the next era will be passed over our heads. It''s nice to be considered a transitory footnote between the massive generational vanities at large. Way to go "Me" generations!

[FLHT02]

This is really a tasteless, stupid story. How could CBS in their idiotic thinking believe that this is some form of reality? While these kids are still wanting to play "romper room" there are men that match them in age that are serving and dying in Iraq and Afghanistan. The idiots are reaping the benefit of what others provide and believe somehow that they created it. They don''t want to make the same mistakes that their parents generation did, well they already have but are not smart enough to realize it. Their legacy will be the example of what happens when the US education system falls to 48th in the world. There should be no need for all those high paid consultant to instruct them on how to be. A little time on active duty with one of the Armed Forces would straighten out the attitude problem. What a pack of morons and that goes for their parents too for allowing this to occur.

By the way I have a child in this age group and he is in no way like them -- he is a responsible person.

[hypnotoad72]

Maybe these kids will finally force some positive change on some of these corporations. If corporations have to bend to attract these "spoiled" workers than we will all get some of the perks too.

Unfortunately what I"m seeing at my company is they are not hiring young people at all, only hiring offshore for the "entry level". I''''ve seen this at other companies too, for all the hype about the millenials they are just not hiring them for skilled positions. It appears the foreigners are cheaper and more subservient and self-abased.

Posted by SharnCedar
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Worse, people currently in positions don''t often get chances to move around and hire from outside, or offshore. I hate to go into tinfoil conspiracy garbage mode, especially when there is some truth to that article, but with everything offshored, combined with other people saying if tax cuts for oil companies are rescinded that they will move offshore too... (now you see why I said ''tinfoil conspiracy garbage mode.)