I (finally) went through the layoff grinder about a year ago after two decades in corporate America. Thankfully landed a more fulfilling and reasonable gig, but I'm honestly still decompressing.
What about the Gen Xers working in the trades and factories? Same burnout? I ask this because I feel like these workers are often overlooked in generational assessments.
In my research, I came across data points that it is worse. Offshoring, constant re-learning, no stability, and constant downward pressure on wages for "unskilled" workers. Some of the trades are doing well because areas of specialization, like electricians, plumbers, and masons, are in demand, and there aren't enough apprentices to carry on these skills.
There are some greenshoots of progress here and there. Can't speak for other school districts, but the one my sons both attended have partnerships with local trade unions and businesses for apprenticeships.
Add to this the loads of raising children in a crumbling society plus the unpaid care work for our elderly parents and you know why we are quietly losing our minds.
The myth of "putting in one's time" is especially acute in industries like aviation where Gen Xers were sandwiched between people hired before deregulation and those hired in an era of LBOs, mergers, 9/11, and bankruptcies. There are (I think) 8 of us in my station with 25+ years. It's suppose to be our time in the sun. It's...not.
Completely relatable. Even though I'm technically an elder millennial.
It took 20+ years in corporate - and at least two extreme burnouts - to finally learn some boundaries. To be fair, I truly enjoy some aspects of my job. But no more running myself into the ground to keep the bigwigs happy.
Silver lining - I've learned a lot and now get to apply it to things that are actually fulfilling. I feel like a lot of people don't realize how many transferrable skills they've picked up during their years in corporate life.
Hustle culture only works when you are your own boss, everyone else gets used and abused.
I like to play a little mental game whenever I consider buying something. I break down the price into how long I need to work to get it (say, two hours) and ask myself, “is this worth the worst two hours I spent at work?”
If I decide no and put it back, l tell myself, “now you can retire two hours earlier.”
God I hope my Gen X attitude carries me through this, because between inflation and kids off to college and parents' memory loss, oh and fascism, I'm going to need it. And I was out with the kids last weekend and one found these great fake platitudes in a calendar, and I was reminded of despair.com. Bless the humorists and writers like you, Lawrence, who can encapsulate this so well. <3
Talk about growth potential and guaranteed employment for plumbers and electricians! If I were doing it again I would seriously think about either vocation.
So good. I felt this in my weary Gen X bones.
Me, too, S.W. After a 25+ year career, I am exhausted, weary, and wary of any corporate job, knowing the cost attached to it.
I (finally) went through the layoff grinder about a year ago after two decades in corporate America. Thankfully landed a more fulfilling and reasonable gig, but I'm honestly still decompressing.
**SAME**
What about the Gen Xers working in the trades and factories? Same burnout? I ask this because I feel like these workers are often overlooked in generational assessments.
In my research, I came across data points that it is worse. Offshoring, constant re-learning, no stability, and constant downward pressure on wages for "unskilled" workers. Some of the trades are doing well because areas of specialization, like electricians, plumbers, and masons, are in demand, and there aren't enough apprentices to carry on these skills.
There are some greenshoots of progress here and there. Can't speak for other school districts, but the one my sons both attended have partnerships with local trade unions and businesses for apprenticeships.
Add to this the loads of raising children in a crumbling society plus the unpaid care work for our elderly parents and you know why we are quietly losing our minds.
The myth of "putting in one's time" is especially acute in industries like aviation where Gen Xers were sandwiched between people hired before deregulation and those hired in an era of LBOs, mergers, 9/11, and bankruptcies. There are (I think) 8 of us in my station with 25+ years. It's suppose to be our time in the sun. It's...not.
Kevin, exactly! Our generation got passed over like we were nothing. It's insane how invisible we are in the workplace....
Completely relatable. Even though I'm technically an elder millennial.
It took 20+ years in corporate - and at least two extreme burnouts - to finally learn some boundaries. To be fair, I truly enjoy some aspects of my job. But no more running myself into the ground to keep the bigwigs happy.
Silver lining - I've learned a lot and now get to apply it to things that are actually fulfilling. I feel like a lot of people don't realize how many transferrable skills they've picked up during their years in corporate life.
Hustle culture only works when you are your own boss, everyone else gets used and abused.
I like to play a little mental game whenever I consider buying something. I break down the price into how long I need to work to get it (say, two hours) and ask myself, “is this worth the worst two hours I spent at work?”
If I decide no and put it back, l tell myself, “now you can retire two hours earlier.”
God I hope my Gen X attitude carries me through this, because between inflation and kids off to college and parents' memory loss, oh and fascism, I'm going to need it. And I was out with the kids last weekend and one found these great fake platitudes in a calendar, and I was reminded of despair.com. Bless the humorists and writers like you, Lawrence, who can encapsulate this so well. <3
100%!!!!
Talk about growth potential and guaranteed employment for plumbers and electricians! If I were doing it again I would seriously think about either vocation.
Thank you for sharing, I will be reading it in a moment