Gen Y: Should You Stay or Should You Go?

I have pretty strong feelings about the world of work.  I make no secret about that and thankfully many of you who read this blog or have spoken to me about the mission for my website know this and are already on board with who I am.  Michael Benidt knows me and was kind enough to forward me an article that perfectly personifies why I’m doing what I’m doing…trying to change the world we work in.

Yes, I’d like to do it right now.  But tilting at windmills doesn’t work.   There needs to be a groundswell.  Then it needs to become focused and then things will change.  Articles like this and many conversations I’ve had tell me there already is a groundswell.  I’m hoping this blog can help focus the conversation and begin to change corporate America.

So what do I think about the conflict facing this Gen Yer?  I think it sucks.  I hate bait and switch in the HR world and it should not be tolerated.  My 40-something self would walk.   But I already have a resume and some savings.   Many 20-somethings do not.

So now the question becomes what would my 20-something self do?

I would not worry about my marriage.  That’s just a fact, it’s not a statement that my marriage is a fairy tale, it’s not.  There are many bumps in that road.  I just happen to know that this would not be the one to derail us.

I would stick it out until my 1-year anniversary with the company.  I’ve said that a resume doesn’t need to be a straight line up.  And I mean that.  But it also can’t be a series of short dashes.   And while sticking it out I would take some steps to get myself ready for whatever may come next:

Stay Healthy – I heard on NPR yesterday that one wealth manager, John Spooner, was practically mandating his employees to exercise. Exercise helps with stress and clarity.  Perhaps your marriage isn’t as strained as you fear, perhaps sticking with the job temporarily is doable.  I know this sounds laughable with the commute and the work schedule.  But head outside for a short walk – 20 minutes a couple of days a week may do wonders for you.

Try HR – Don’t be disgruntled and emotional – but state the facts of your concerns and ask for their help.   This is what they do for a living.

Find a Reference – Your reference for a future job does not have to be your immediate supervisor.  It can be someone who worked with you or helped supervise you on a specific project that can speak to your skills.

Investigate What’s Next – Are there more layoffs coming?  Is there any way (very discreetly) to position you to be laid off?

Listen to Others – If you’re on twitter, ask for advice.  There are lots of recruiters that hang out there.  Also, search the Internet for interesting blogs and articles on career advice that resonate with you.  This one is by no means the only one or the best one.  I read Penelope Trunk often and she really knows Gen Y. I’m sure she would also have a very strong opinion on this subject.

Network – Online or face-to-face. Once you’ve listened, start talking.  Again don’t be disgruntled and emotional.  But state what you’re looking for and how someone can help you.  You may be surprised to learn how many people are willing to help.

Check out the Temp. Market – In a bad economy that is usually the place to find work.  But this downturn is pretty extreme and it may not be a viable alternative.

Try to Breathe – This will pass and you will look back later and wonder what all the fuss was about.  (Says the old lady.)  But it really is true.  The shame is that you never realize it until much later in life. I’m sure at 20-something I was hyperventilating over these types of issues, too.

That’s my two, ten, twenty-five cents.  Now I’m throwing it out to the community.  Do you agree?  Disagree?  Either comment here or on the original blog post. This woman’s looking for advice…let’s give her some.