I read a Fast Company article that highlighted an Amy Poehler quote from a year ago.
“The Boomers are all about money.
Gen X is like, ‘is it all about money’?
Millennials are like, ‘where is the money’?
And Gen Z is like, ‘what is money’?”
– Amy Poehler (Gen X)
From there, they mention that actor Freddie Smith (a Millennial) took the quote one step further and described how each generation’s economy helped shape their attitude toward money.
What was most interesting is that Freddie skipped right over Gen X.
This is a trend I’ve been seeing repeatedly my whole life.
Part of this “forgotten” generation squeezed between the Boomers and Millennials.
Most seem to miss the value and perspective we bring to the table.
Especially in the workplace.
Now, more than ever, the “big” generations need us.
We are the bridge in industry.
We sit between the knowledge of the Boomers and the emerging innovation of Millennials.
We know that Millennials are the children of the Boomers.
Both generations are ready for that transition of leadership from parents to children.
However, Millennials aren’t quite ready.
So, one of two things are happening:
Boomers are delaying retirement and/or…
Millennials are struggling from having too much responsibility too soon.
In parallel, Gen X is being squeezed out of organizations in droves.
Their salaries are high.
They are in middle management roles (waiting for Boomer retirements).
And they are seen as eligible for retirement (even though many aren’t).
I think the time has come to refocus on this lost generation.
Understand what shaped them.
And, most importantly, recognize the value they bring to organizations today.
Your Turn
What do you think?
Are you seeing challenges in your organzation?
Are you part of the Forgotten Generation? How are you feeling?