As a Generations in the Workplace speaker the most asked question is, “How did they come up with the dates that define a generation?” Wikipedia states that A generation is “all of the people born and living at about the same time, regarded collectively. The Center for Generational Kinetics tells us that a generation is a group of people born around the same time and raised around the same place. People in this “birth cohort” exhibit similar characteristics, preferences, and values over their lifetimes.
When I present keynotes on the Generations in workplace, and give the dates that each generation falls into, many come up and say that they do not fit- they are more like a ______. I tell audiences that there are other factors that contribute to your generation. Let’s look at GenX- If you were born between 1965 and 1979 and your mom did not work and you did not have lots of independence, you may be more like a Boomer(1946-1964) than a Gen Xer (1965-1980). The same goes for Boomers or Millennials (1981-2000), no matter what your age, if your mom worked and you were left alone to be independent and more personally responsible, you may relate more to Gen X.
SO…Take the Quiz and see how much Gen X is in you. The more you say YES.. the more you are like Gen X than your generation!
Is There a Little Gen X in You?
1. My life defines me and my work is a means to an end, consequently “I work to live.”
2. I am a self-starter, and I am willing to work hard when I see that it’s necessary, but don’t interrupt me when I am focused.
3. I am a saver $$$$$ and I save for the future.
4. I enjoy doing DYI projects in my free time.
5. I use social media to engage with my friends, and I value their reviews and suggestions.
6. I find that I would rather work on my own, where I want, and when I want—telecommunications work.
7. I have been known to be direct and even abrupt, and I can’t tolerate BS.
8. I keep my personal life separate from my work life when possible.
9. I admit I am a little overprotective of my kids and accepting of the term “helicopter parent.”
10. I value my friends and their opinions many times over that of my parents.(sorry Mom)