NYTimes article on Millennials

Interesting column by one of the NYTimes more populist writers, Bob Herbert, who consistently takes a stand for the poor and oppressed.

Why “Millennial”?

Some of you* may have thought to yourselves, why is this called “millennial social worker”? I can’t even spell millennial (think double “L”, double “N”)! Well, I will shed some light on this mystery.

* please allow some artistic freedom here in assuming that 1. people are reading this and 2. said readers may be plural.

I not only fall into the category of the millennial generation (or Gen Y), but I identify with it too. One of the hallmark characteristics, of course, is our reliance and savvy with computers and technology. And this relates to my job because today I was issued my blackberry. Yep. This is a huge step up from my last job where my phone and desk were on the other side of the building of a computer that I shared with the other 10 clinicians in the office. Grrr. But we are in happier times now where I have a blackberry, which is a handheld device that works as a phone, can check my email, and surf the internet. Not quite as cool as an iPhone (full disclosure: I love Apple), but I am happy. Additionally, to make my life and job easier, I have a laptop that I can take with me as I sit for hours waiting for my court hearing to happen.

I guess the other thing that I have to say about being a Millennial is that a job is not a paycheck for me and I expect it to be more than just that. I want to think that my 8-10 hours a day have made a difference; I expect benefits from work beyond just financial (ideally, Google-like) like discount gym membership, bus pass, etc; and I want to feel like I am part of a cohesive team and that I am always learning.

So I have now worked a full week and I feel good about where things are going. But I am sure there will be some bumps in the road…