The Leisure Economy
I'm occasionally sent a book to review by a publisher. Some aren't worth writing about, many are, and a few are really inspiring. Into the third category falls The Leisure Economy: How Changing Demographics, Economics and Generational Attitudes Will Reshape Our Lives and Industries.
The author, Linda Nazareth, walks the reader walks the reader through the changes which are already starting to take place in our society as the massive and workaholic Baby Boomer generation slows down and many retire. These workers are largely being replaced in the workplace by Gen Y, also known as Millennials, also known as today's college students and recent graduates. Gen Y's priorities are quite different from those of Boomers. The shorthand description that I like to use is that Baby Boomers live to work and Gen Y'ers work to live.
That subtle yet profound difference in attitude brings with it a radical shift in priorities. Tomorrow's workers will refuse to regularly work 50 and often work 60 hour weeks and therefore will have far more time to prepare home cooked meals yet likely won't earn as much. They'll have more time to spend with their kids yet won't have the financial resources to have each of their kids in three extracurricular activities.
If you find generational differences as interesting as I do, you'll want to pick up a copy of The Leisure Economy: How Changing Demographics, Economics and Generational Attitudes Will Reshape Our Lives and Industries.
While there may be exceptions, I agree that baby boomers live to work and Gen Y'ers work to live. Baby boomers seem to look at their work not just as an assignment, but something to look forward to. It gives them a sense of pride and responsibility in knowing that they are still relevant in the workplace. Baby boomers don't take their jobs for granted and understand that other people count on them. I wrote a blog (Calling in for sick time) that talked about how some employees call in sick when they're not. I wonder how many of those employees were baby boomers? Probably not many.
Yes, Gen Y'ers may work to live for the necessities of life and some may not like to work at all. However, many of them work to afford the things they want such as cars, clothes, and electronics. They probably will work less or more hours depending on their priorities. Gen Y'ers need to find the right balance between their work ethic and the baby boomers' work ethic in order to avoid financial stress in the future, for example, when they have children. By the way, I'm a Gen Y'er or Millennial if you prefer.