Have you ever felt intimidated by co-workers who have been in the career game for years and seem to know all the workplace ins and outs? Well you better sit down, or at least grab the arm of a chair, because I have some news that will blow your socks off: those co-workers are just as intimidated by you. Why? Because you are Gen Y of course–the hot new thing in the office, full of fresh ideas and with an attitude of getting your own way while climbing the career ladder of success at a steady pace. Many of your co-workers are probably still trying to figure out if those of Gen Y origin are friend or foe.
As a Gen-Y-er myself, I have discovered a few simple rules which are sure to improve our generation’s somewhat tainted reputation and advance your career that little bit faster by keeping everyone on side, no matter their generation preference.
Rule #1: Be nice
It seems simple, but a few nice words, a ‘thank you’ and a ‘please’ may save your Gen Y bottom from being shunned to the edge of the office social circle, where you may live forever without a pay-rise or promotion in sight.
Rule #2: Keep an open mind, but don’t throw away your loyalty
I was once privy to the results of a staff work survey, where all staff members were asked multiple questions about their workplace expectations. One question in particular caused somewhat of an uproar: “How long do you expect to stay in this company?” The average time frame was about three years. I wasn’t overly surprised, but I had a distinct feeling that the growing Gen Y population in the workplace could have had something to do with the result.
It’s common that Gen Y staff will consider leaving after only a year, sit idle until something better comes along or set a used-by date on the time spent in one company. But don’t discard your loyalty completely. Keep an open mind about your position, work hard and don’t throw in the towel straight away. Of course it’s okay to leave, but make sure you leave knowing that you really did give it the best of your efforts while there.
Rule #3: Accept that things won’t always go your way
This is a given. So you should get used to it early.
Rule #4: Set your own goals
Don’t wait for someone to give you a goal or you’ll become bored and feel unchallenged. Setting your own goals is an important step to building your skills and getting yourself noticed in the company ahead of the person sitting next to you.
© Jacqueline Batterham
