Are Millennials setting themselves up for failure intentionally? Let’s explore this, especially as it relates to the millennials’ approach to careers and job stability.
Millennials, particularly those in Generation Y, are often caught between their ambitions and the reality of the working world. In 2014, I started pondering whether this generation was inadvertently sabotaging their own success. For instance, a young person I know quit a promising startup because he felt it was “too much like work.” This baffles me because isn’t that the point of a job? It seems odd to step away from a thriving business just because it demands effort and dedication.
This trend isn’t limited to job commitment. Many millennials were raised being told they were special, which can make it difficult for them to openly acknowledge professional setbacks or accept less glamorous roles that don’t match their self-image. During the 2008 financial crisis, it was common to hear of layoffs, yet, personal pride often stopped individuals from admitting they were let go, choosing instead to say they left to pursue a passion—this often raises red flags for potential employers, who value authenticity and may view such claims skeptically.
There’s a pattern here where the reality of hard work clashes with the expectation of immediate fulfillment and recognition. Some of this disconnect stems from the millennial experience and upbringing, which often emphasizes personal fulfillment over traditional work values like loyalty and perseverance.
Here’s my advice to millennials: Embrace patience and understand that career growth is a marathon, not a sprint. Comparing your beginning to someone else’s middle won’t help. For example, building a substantial 401(k) takes years of committed contributions and employer matches, just as real estate investments pay off more significantly over many years due to the magic of inflation and principal repayment.
The notion that one shouldn’t admit to career struggles is damaging. It’s far better to be honest about your circumstances. Employers and peers are more likely to offer support if you’re open about your challenges rather than masking them with tales of unfounded entrepreneurial heroics.
In essence, the journey to professional success and financial stability is long, and often requires sticking it out through less-than-ideal conditions to reap long-term benefits. Millennials might do well to balance their pursuit of passion with a pragmatic approach to career planning, ensuring they don’t sacrifice long-term gains for short-term satisfaction.
