How does Generation X feel in its work environment in relation to Baby Boomers?
Generation X has been qualified by the Baby Boomer generation as "slackers", a generation with no vision that defies authority and has nothing better to do than hang out in coffee shops and smoke cigarettes. I would like to know how Generation X (1961 to 1980) views itself in regard to its actual contribution and position in the workforce.
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The US Census Bureau defines the Boomer generation as ending December 31, 1964. I only know this because I missed the deadline by seven months. Since I'm considered Gen X, I have to work two years longer before I am eligible to retire. Not that I expect to receive any benefits from SS or Medicare. I don't. The oldest Boomers are about 63 right now. We already know the our SS and Medicare programs are going to go broke in the next decade. It irks me that the government has forced me to contribute to these programs for decades knowing that the benefits will be extremely small or non-existent.
On the other hand, most of my friends are in the Boomer generation. They aren't planning to retire soon. As long as they stay in the workforce, there will be fewer jobs and fewer opportunities to advance. I don't believe in forced retirement though since that would be infringing on their freedom to work if they choose. By the time the Boomers leave the workforce, I will be too old for it to matter.
I don't know who is saying those things about Gen X but they are untrue. Especially the part about smoking cigarettes. The percentage of smokers has dropped every year since the 70's (which is before some Gen Xers were born).
I think that we will always be in the shadow of the Boomers. Especially people like me who are right on the border. We have made contributions to society and the business world but not as many as the Boomers due to far fewer numbers in our generation. I can understand why someone might see "some" Gen Xers as slackers. If for no other reason, because the age when a Gen Xer leaves home and becomes independent is much older than when the average boomer took on those responsibilities. But this is a societal trend and Gen Y is becoming independent even later than Gen X.
This is just my two cents. I'm sure if you were to get an answer from someone born at the other end of the Gen X generation it would be a very different perspective than mine.
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