Career Advice Blog

I really enjoyed being introduced to this blog. It is unlike any other blog I’ve read. All about “Brazening the Corporate World” and it gives advice on the interceptions between work and life. Love it! And as a career coach myself I really enjoyed getting some brillant advise on how to be a young women in the world of crazy career punders.
Please check it out blog.penelopetrunk.com

Here are my notes about a brillant talk Penelope did recently.

10 things about Generation Y'ers (18-30) in the workplace and why it drives Baby Boomers crazy:
Don't know what generation you are? Take the test

1) Gen Yers are conservatives; they live with their parents even after graduating from college. This allows them more financial flexibility to find the right job including fit, pay, location etc.

2) Gen Yers are job hoppers. On average every 18 months they change jobs, companies etc. They do this because they outgrow their jobs quickly and they want new, bigger challenges. They expect a higher learning curve then previous generations. Because of this they progress fast, out learn baby boomers by age 35. And if you think that job hopping will hurt their resume and chances of getting their next job, think again. You can’t pass on everyone if everyone is doing it.

3) They have NO loyalty to the company. But they are loyal to a good boss or a great project.

4) They ignore the importance of education, getting a 4.0. They know it doesn’t matter. Experience matters. So students are focusing on internships and real work experience over high grades. Also female students work considerably harder in school than male. And with little benefit. The 4.0 doesn’t matter. Guys are getting the same jobs as long as they have the people skills and problem solving skills. So girls, stop working so hard. It is making it harder for you to get into top schools because you are so competitive and are setting the bar higher than it’s ever been.

5) Gen Yers are entrepreneurs and they know that they can fall back on this if the job doesn’t work out. Back to mom and dad’s free basement. They think they have great ideas and can turn to pursuing them if the job goes bunk. Start up, internet company, whatever. And they are successful. Look at Mr. Zuckerberg who started facebook, a billionaire — at the age of 23.

6) They are NOT willing to pay their dues or take entry level jobs. No more $12/hr job, fetching coffee for their boss for 2 years before they can get a promotion into a real job. They won’t do it. They have options. So hire someone who wants to be a secretary if you need your dry cleaning picked up. Not an entry level marketing kid.

7) They demand a team structure and they don’t believe in a hierarchy. This means if you think you are the boss and they are the peon, think differently. They don’t respect you any more or less because you are the Director of the department. And if they don’t buy into the hierarchical system then I guess it doesn’t exist. The peons have to cower to the boss in order for the boss to have power. They won’t.

8) They like to leave work early. They believe family and friends are more important than work. It might drive you crazy but they will come up with all kinds of excuses. My great uncle is dying; my college buddy is in town, whatever. So compromise and set a standard of work/life balance.

9) They demand constant feedback. Accolades, recognition. Their parents were the ones that had stickers on their SUV’s that said “my sons an honor student”. They need to be recognized. They consider it your job as their manager to manage them. If you don’t they won’t respect you.

10) If you don’t take them seriously (including all 10 of these things listed) THEY WILL LEAVE. And they have options. I know it’s hard to hear but they will push you beyond the limits you think you can go. But you will be a better manager, business owner, director, because of it.

* The best advice for bosses: Be honest. Put it on the table with your younger staff.


When you check out penelope's blog be sure to read the following posts. They were my favorites!

*Research that reveals new paths to productivity
*Advice from the top: Marry a stay-at-home spouse or buy the equivalent.
*How to get a job that’s way beyond your experience
*Writing without typos is totally outdated
*Don't wait for retirement to live the good life. Do it now


I'd love to hear your thoughts on this NEW blog.