An article in the Wall Street Journal on Tuesday, October 21st  titled “The ‘Trophy Kids’ Go to Work” discusses the challenges a traditional company faces with a new generation of employees. The article focuses on individuals born between 1980 – 2001, referring to this generation as “the millennials”. Before you continue, please read the article to form your own opinion.

Being a part of the millennial generation, the article discusses the couple of years I have been in the workforce. Similar to the students in the intro, I never would have guessed that the first impression my peers and I have given upper management is that we feel entitled to anything.

According to the author, Ron Alsop, “If there is one overriding perception of the millennial generation, it’s that these young people have great — and sometimes outlandish — expectations.” He goes on to say that “they want to be CEO tomorrow“, which is a description I’m proud of. This article and many others about Gen Y in the workforce only bring to light the negative perceptions held by older workers. Here I address some of the comments in the article and present one millennial’s point of view.

“They want to be CEO tomorrow“

Yes, I do want to be CEO tomorrow. At least I know what I want and how to achieve it. I consider my generation very focused, instead of wasting our time with anything we find out what we want and how to get it. And if what we thought we wanted is no longer desired, we can move on instead of finding ourselves in a rut.

“Millennials have a stronger sense of entitlement than older workers”

The article cites a study from CareerBuilder.com stating that millennials feel entitled to higher pay than the older workers did when they joined the workforce. The study prefers to make this blanket statement without realizing that the cost of education is much higher than twenty years ago, leading many millennials join the workforce in debt. It also disregards that this generation although officially joining the workforce full time after college, has the most work experience through internships and part time work prior to graduation of any generation. So, if coming through the door with an expensive education and already knowing many of the ropes doesn’t demand higher pay, what does?

We also don’t see any harm in wearing flip flops TO the office as long as we appear well groomed IN the office, or wearing our Ipods at our desks as long as the work gets done and we dont’ miss any calls. These feelings come from a sense of not wanting to hate work. We understand how much of our lives are spent at work, so why not make it a pleasant experience. Firms that recruit us tell us they value work life balance and we believed them. In the recruiting process, no one mentioned that work life balance doesn’t apply to first years because we haven’t earned it yet.

“These outspoken young people tend to be highly opinionated and fearlessly challenge recruiters and bosses”

I come from a generation that challenged my parents in their ways of thinking. In high school we challenged our teachers, and in college our professors because we feel that our opinions matter and recognize that just because you’re older, it doesn’t mean you are right. It comes naturally to us to want to be heard at the office, we have fresh innovative ideas, and a good idea is a good idea, no matter what level of hierachy came up with it.

“Millennials were bred for achievement”

The millennial generation was raised to be well rounded. As early as elementary school, children are taught that good grades aren’t enough. Sports and extra-curricular activities are important. In high school, guidance counselors continuously articulate the importance of the well rounded student. This generation has been working hard from an early age.

With all of this hard work, comes the ability to play hard. Constantly surrounded by technology, the millennials have mastered the art of completing necessary work, while at the same time enjoying the benefits of technology. We are the ultimate multi-tasking generation, watching TV, listening to music and doing algebra homework at the same time.

“We are multi-dimensional people living and working in a multi-dimensional world.”

I think this single statement sums up the way I feel. My peers and I don’t feel that our jobs make us who we are, we learned early on to be well rounded individuals. In this economy, the comment, “Be happy you have a job” doesn’t inspire me to work harder. My life isn’t over if I left the traditional workforce. I was raised believing I could be anything I want to be. I envy my peers who have left the corporate world to be their own bosses. I know they worker harder than I do, but at least they know that every task and every action has meaning. They don’t’ need to look for positive reinforcement, because they are living it everyday.

Its also not our fault that we have constantly received positive feedback in our lives. From stickers and candy, to payment for good grades. We are just a product of our environment. When we played soccer on the field, we didn’t create the ultra competitive soccer mom. Maybe the baby boomers need to stop living vicariously through their children and see the that kids they raised are now the young adults joining them in the workforce. I commend the article for ending on this note. Sharing some of the blame so to speak.

The article sheds an interesting light on how I’m treated in the workforce. When I joined my company I was told that they only hire the best and the brightest. I’m sure each of my peers at their respective firms was told the same. So here we are, Ready to be CEO tomorrow.

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