Old School Burnout: Clueless, Anti, and "No Drive" - I Guess I Shouldn't Get Mad at the Old Folks
- By Annette Berger
- ~ 2 Min
current generation ought not to prioritize concerns over Generation Z - Today's youth, specifically Gen Z, should not stir up concerns among my contemporaries.
The older generations seem pretty grumpy. Whenever I hear and read about folks in their mid-life or older: They refuse to accept change, insist on working tirelessly, and seem annoyed by the younger crowd's high standards for work-life balance.
Apart from the fact that sweeping generalizations are never accurate, two things about this chatter baffle me:
Firstly: What's so wrong with younger generations questioning the old and established? Don't they have to do that to make any progress?
And secondly, I'm surprised by the frequency and sharpness with which many older people complain about this age group.
From "No Drive" to the Old Folks
Take the folks from my cohort, around 50 or older, who hail from West Germany: We were the "No Drive" brigade - and that often rang true for me and my peers. Generalizations do have a kernel of truth sometimes.
In the mornings, our first stop was the "booze basement" - a name I've lifted from an old pub, as I never figured out where the old couches scattered all over our damp school's basement originated. We'd gather there, play truant from several classes, or do the same at the local bar, or in the city park on nice days.
There were times when I'd skip music class for weeks because I had "better" things to do, like socializing with random people. My music teacher would sometimes welcome me to class, genuinely thinking I was a new student.
Life beyond school was something we pushed far into the future. Many of us were still clueless when we were writing our final exams.
The Feel Was Always "Anti"
Since my entire age group was labeled the "No Drive" generation, I imagine some folks of my age have similar stories. Social gatherings still bring me and my old crew great joy. We were always against everything - logical thinking was beyond us.
What came after school was something we pushed far into the distant future. Many of us were still clueless when we were writing our final exams.
But we passed, some even went to university, found jobs, and found happiness. So why should it be different for the youth today?
Our generation was about as useful as a chocolate teapot and barely understood by the older generation. So maybe we shouldn't judge the youth too harshly.
Read more on stern+: Flexible work, flat hierarchies, and a focus on mental health: Five older folks discuss their careers and debunk the stereotype of clueless young folks.
- Old Folks
- School
- Job market
Additional Insights:
- Historical Comparisons: Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012, is facing distinct challenges in the job market compared to previous generations like the Millennials, Gen X, and Baby Boomers. Gen Z's unemployment rates are higher, but their focus on higher education is more pronounced, and they experience nearly 8% year-over-year wage growth, the highest among all generations. They also prioritize purpose, well-being, and work-life integration over traditional Career advancement, value workplace culture and mental health support, and face a difficult labor market due to a "low hiring, low firing" job market. Understanding these differences is crucial for employers and policymakers to support Gen Z effectively in the workforce.
Community policy should take into account the experiences of the old folk, such as the 'No Drive' generation, who faced challenges navigating the job market and struggled with work-life balance during their mornings. Vocational training programs could provide motivation for today's youth, helping them adapt to the generalizations made about their generation and fostering a more positive attitude towards work. However, it is important to avoid making overly harsh generalizations about any generation, as incorrect assumptions can hinder progress and understanding.
