My Gen

My Generation
My generation includes people who were born between 1981 and 2000, and this generation is characterized by technology and independence. I definitely fit into this generation because I have always been attracted to new developments in technology and from very young I was very independent; this generation is characterized for being the first to have access to new technology such as cell phones and personal computer. For example, I remember when Nokia announced the first cell phone, and all my friends wanted to have it regardless that no one could call anyone because not everyone had cell phones and the service was expensive. Also, this generation is characterized by more independent students. For example, it was pretty normal for people of my generation to go to school alone, or to have the responsibility of holding the keys of our homes because our parents were working. In fact, people of my generation had to live with uncles or grandparents, so they would not have to wait alone at home until their parents arrived. Therefore, we always used our own resources to do it all by ourselves.
Meanwhile, my father’s generation experienced dramatic shifts in educational, economic and social opportunities. First, this generation was actively involved in promoting equal rights among races and genders, but they did not fully realize the goals of their youth. Second, this generation was faced with the challenge of raising their children and at the same time caring for their children and aging parents. In fact, parents of my father’s generation were the primary caretakers for their children and aging parents. However, in my father’s generation compared with previous generations, more young adults pursued higher education or relocated away from family to pursue career and educational interests. For example, my father and some of his peers immigrated to United States to pursue a better opportunities for their family. Also, this action represented challenges and dilemmas for them which were felt as financial and marital stress.
Furthermore, these two generations were different in many ways; one of them is the new technology. Specifically, there were differences in the Internet and cable TV, so the globalized world gave power to people of my generation that did not exist before. For example, people of my generation grew up with the Internet and this tool gave us a significant advantage over the generation of my father in the workplace. However, new technology like cable TV is a most essential accessory for people of my generation; in contrast, for older generations is a luxury even something totally unnecessary, so sometimes, these advantages cause disagreements.
In addition, the generations are different in their social environment and loyal behavior. It is interesting the way that an age gap influences the thinking of millions of people in different generations. For example, it is important to understand what is important for both generations; while my father’s generation likes to compete for a prime spot in work, people of my generation like to decide between multiple options in order to develop the skills and knowledge for our future. Another notable difference between these generations is about loyal behavior in different life situations. For example, people of my father’s generation dedicated themselves to the success of the company that they worked for and also they showed loyalty toward their employers, and they preferred a more stable work environment which is contrary to my generation where instead of than loyalty is there is an unstoppable search for a better opportunity, or just to make more money, no matter if we have to change again and again our workplace.
Finally, the generations are different about independent behavior and the family role. In other words, people of my father’s generation are confident, independent and self-reliant, so this generation grew up in an era of reform and believed they could change the world. In contrast, my generation is portrayed as the lazy generation, because we often use the new technology for most of our daily responsibilities such as making payments, or shopping. In fact, people of my generation are willing to trade high pay for fewer billable hours, flexible schedules and a better work and life balance. While my father’s generation may view this attitude as narcissistic or lacking commitment, but it is because they have other expectations and they prioritize their families over work.