As alluded to throughout the thought-provoking article, “How Millennials Became the Burnout Generation” by Anne Helen Petersen, beginning with millennials and foreseeably the following generations, a “satisfactory” life is becoming more and more unrealistic.
Peterson explores this statement through a quick traipse into the growth of millennials, the generation that includes people born between 1981 and 1996. This generation entered the workforce during a period of exponential growth in the IT industry predominantly marked by the quick turnover of technology and the emergence of social media platforms. It became challenging for people to brand themselves towards a company in an increasingly competitive job market. So, millennials’ focus soon became establishing this “brand.” It’s why efficiency and convenience are at the forefront of millennial values.
As the focal point of success became branding, work standards rose and it tipped the scales. The nine to five work day became an utter utopia as millennials figured out that working the 80 hour week and always being “on call” was the way to garner a competitive advantage. It soon caught on, and this competitive advantage became the norm.
In just one sentence, Petersen summed up the struggle by stating, “Things that should’ve felt good (leisure, not working) felt bad because I felt guilty for not working; things that should’ve felt “bad” (working all the time) felt good because I was doing what I thought I should and needed to be doing in order to succeed.”
Unfortunately, people have become products to feed the consumption society of America. It would be naive to believe that this “burnout” generation is strictly affecting millennials— it will and has trickled down to the following generations.
Generation Zers—those born between 1997 and 2015—are dealing with “burnout” too. Perhaps one of the most distinct differences between Gen Zers and millennials is that Gen Zers have a different interaction with technology. The technology consumption current teenagers and pre-teens experience is vastly different than what it was a decade ago. We Gen Zers never had to learn how to use smartphones, tablets or computers—it is second nature. Interestingly enough, because we live in a period of time where we have, arguably, too many options, it becomes difficult to stand out from the bulk of society and grasp at the opportunities available. In acknowledging this, the “burnout” phase continues to evolve, as do the expectations for each generation.
The question for Gen Zers becomes: How do I stand out? We’re often told in high school to create a well-rounded profile of ourselves. Be sure to have some leadership experience, garner volunteer hours, receive good grades and show that you have productive leisure time by playing sports or maybe joining the debate team. Every aspect of our lives is part of the structure of our brands. Yet, how can you stand out when every high school student is told the same thing? Easy, work harder. Instead of 100 volunteer hours, do 200 hours. Instead of making the honor roll, reach for high honors. With this methodology in mind, the standards continue to rise and the concept of a balanced life becomes an enigma.
It reaches a point where it becomes difficult to understand why you’re doing what you’re doing. Is it because you were told that steps x, y and z will lead to the successful life that’s so desired, or is it because you genuinely enjoy what you’re doing?
The problem that needs to be addressed, is how the coming generations can market themselves without burning themselves out. It must be acknowledged that there is no standardized way of living. What works for someone else may not work for you—and that’s perfectly fine. It’s also perfectly fine to focus on your interests. It shouldn’t be necessary to clock in 100 volunteer hours for a cause to which you aren’t dedicated. Not only will it waste your time, but it will not contribute greatly to the organization; if anything, it makes you blend in with everyone else.
We must adapt to today’s current job market. A college degree is merely a foundation for your future—it’s not an influential asset. What makes you appealing is your experience. Instead of spreading yourself thin, recognize what interests you. If you’re majoring in marketing, then look for marketing internships and network with marketing professors. Search for opportunities, and grasp for them. In doing so, it’s possible for a cultural shift to occur that no longer places a person’s value on the quantity of their work, but rather the quality of what they do.
Don’t settle for the norm, because that won’t cut it anymore. If anything, doing that forces you to overwork yourself just to meld in with everyone else. Prioritize your time and recognize your potential, and once you begin to value yourself, companies will begin to value you, too.
