I am disappointed that a blog post entitled "I Can't Find a Good Employee from Generation Y, " was printed on BNET's website. The article was an exercise in flagellation. The indiscriminate charges against members of Generation Y demonstrate that the author sought simply to vent her anger and came to the following "original" conclusion that has been floating in the media sphere concerning collective apathy and laziness of this group:
It seems impossible to find good hires from the generation of 18-to-25-year-olds today. With the huge pool of unemployed people, it's just shocking to me that there aren't hard-working people available to choose from.
As someone who works hard, did not have the privilege of my parents paying or contributing towards any of my higher educational degrees (I hold a BS and MS), articles like this which promote the failings of an "entire" generation are in my opinion over generalized and quite ridiculous.
I think parents have spoiled these kids so much over the last decade -- they've taught them that everybody has a Gucci bag.
The parents I know happen to teach their children money does not grow on trees and for those who can afford to give their child the Gucci bag, it is their prerogative.
The author must live in a reality that is far different than those witnessed by, let's say, someone living in the Bronx, the New York City borough, which contains the poorest congressional district and the young Gen-Y'ers I happen to know who worked their way through college or those who took time off to save money in order to afford the rising tuition at community colleges.
There are lazy people in every generation; that's a just a fact. This pervasive attitude that the shortcomings of a nation fall on the backs of one generation is short-sighted.
The author also states:
There are a few gems out there, but they're really hard to find. The overwhelming majority are over-privileged youth.
To this I respond to her check out my Facebook and find the gems who have entered the Peace Corps, the Fulbright scholars, the social workers, public health associates, others working their way through dental school, those working for a little over minimum wage because they believe it will someday pay off. Go to classrooms in colleges and universities across the country and meet the future entrepreneurs of America. Go to churches and meet the young people who have given their time and money to go work in the red light districts of India or have been in Haiti helping people pick up the shattered pieces of their lives.
I urge the author to speak to the mentors and coaches and parents across America who have helped raise some wonderful individuals who simply by their presence make the world a better place. Let me not forget to introduce myself; Hi, I am Martha St Jean.