Each generation carries stereotypes along with its deemed name — whether it’s Gen X, Baby Boomers, Millennials or Gen Z, we all have heard plenty of jokes about our supposed character traits and habits. As a Millennial myself, I have to say it seems like so far, we have taken the brunt of it. Millennials are often described as lazy, unprepared and slow to settle down and enter the workforce. We are the supposed “snowflake generation” whose parents sheltered us from the real world and gave us participation trophies.
Millennials aren’t the only generation that endure less than gleaming stereotypes. Gen Xer’s — age 42-57 — are often called the “Day Care Generation,” “The Latchkey Generation,” or “The Forgotten Generation.” It’s said they became accustomed to being on their own as children due to their parents’ high divorce rates. At work, they have a reputation for advocating for work-life balance, and managers sometimes believe they aren't interested in career advancement or greater responsibility.