It’s time to set the record straight on Generation Y

THEY are tech-savvy, don’t fear change, have big plans and believe there’s always room for improvement. So why do Gen Y get such a bad rap?

Are millennials cocky? No, just confident

WHEN chatting about Generation Y with friends the other night almost immediately the words ‘spoilt’, ‘ungrateful’ and ‘difficult’ entered the conversation.

While Gen Ys themselves may be used to the less-than-flattering word associations, it’s time to set the record straight.

Generation Y — the demographic born in the 80s and 90s and more recently referred to as ‘millennials’ — are lots of things.

Cocky? No, just confident.

Too eager? I prefer to call it ambitious.

Fast thinking and tech savvy? You bet.

And I would know — I spend my days and nights working beside them, bringing ideas to fruition and striving to help solve problems for everyday people. I, too, am a Gen Y.

I don’t know whether it’s just a case of every generation getting slammed by those that come before them or if it’s one huge misunderstanding. But if there’s one thing you need to know about Gen Y, it’s that we’re unique and we’re good value. Here’s why.

As well as being better educated than previous generations, we’re also the ideas generation.

We aren’t afraid to dream big and make waves faster and younger than previous generations, and when we get knocked down, we get straight back on the horse and keep on going.

Some of us may be tough to manage in the workplace, but that’s only because we’re not satisfied with the status quo — we challenge the system (and sometimes our managers). We have big plans and believe there’s always room for improvement.

Here’s to us!

We break down stigmas and are widely accepting — of sexual orientation, religion, gay marriage, you name it. And change is not feared, but rather, essential — it’s exciting and it’s embraced.

We love technology and know how to use the wealth of digital knowledge available to make decisions that are far more informed. A generation of computer nerds, software engineers and gamers we may be, but geek chic is so cool right now. Being smart should be celebrated.

We’re socially aware and environmentally minded — we recycle more than most, eat organic, and ride bikes. We take career breaks to volunteer overseas and honestly believe we can change the world for the better. Our actions speak louder than words.

So while we don’t expect you to understand our work habits, tech obsessions, style or music preferences, we do ask that you give us a break and get to know the real Gen Y.

Fred Schebesta is the co-founder and director of comparison website finder.com.au