The term “millennial” has such a negative connotation and countless stereotypes attached to it, but I’m here to say:
I’m a millennial mom and I’m proud of it.
We want more flexibility and accommodations in the workplace. What’s wrong with that?! I’m confident that every generation can benefit from a healthier work-life balance. You can thank our generation for helping to encourage such balance while demanding fair compensation for our time and talents.
We job hop. Okay, Boomers. {I mean no disrespect.} You often say the phrase, “if the shoe fits…” Well, the shoe fits. And so does the next shoe, and the next shoe. The workforce is competitive. Recruiters are increasingly popular and employ all sorts of tactics to fill their open positions. If another organization wants to offer us something bigger and better and our current organization isn’t working to promote loyalty, then {in many cases} we would be foolish to not take the next step to further our careers and our families’ well-being.
We take the easy way out. Well, they don’t say, “work smarter not harder” for fun! Just because it’s easy, doesn’t mean it’s subpar. Enter the Instant Pot, Amazon Prime, grocery delivery services, meal delivery kits, laundry services, automated email messages, text messaging, mobile detailing, pet grooming, etc. The list of modern conveniences goes on and on. I know our parents walked to school uphill {both ways} in the snow, but you can’t tell me that given the chance to catch an Uber, Karen would have chosen that 10-mile hike.
We are social media, internet and screen time obsessed. We sure are! While there are negative implications, there are also benefits. We can be in constant communication with distant {and local} relatives and friends which helps to maintain relationships, plan playdates, keep track of schedules, etc. We can access incredible amounts of information in seconds without ever leaving our homes. {*Googles: What sound does a giraffe make?} We are informed about local and world news from various sources without having to wait for the weekend newspaper. And despite the warnings to limit our children’s exposure, I’m pretty sure we all watched unlimited Saturday morning cartoons as kids and still managed to turn out just fine.
We all want a trophy. Honestly, I don’t know anyone who enjoys working hard and trying their best only to be ignored. We understand the importance of affirmation and recognition in personal and professional settings, and I think that has allowed us to have more compassion for each other. So, hand out the high-fives, pay the compliments, pass out those gold stars, and pay-it-forward in the coffee line. I promise nobody will get hurt.
We like avocados too much. Okay, this might be the only one I can’t really justify, I don’t get it. {Unless our generation is more health-conscious and just wanting to consume those healthy fats.} But as a millennial mom, I am on board and I dice those finicky things up for my kids to make sure we are doing our part with this {really long-lasting} avocado-consumption trend.
