#rebuttle

A reply to Mic.com’s: ‘Hellblade’ tries to show the real experience of psychosis – but ends up using it as a plot device.

A reply to Mic.com’s: ‘Hellblade’ tries to show the real experience of psychosis – but ends up using it as a plot device. This is an entirely subjective piece by piece breakdown of why I think this article is wrong in many ways, due to lack of research or simple disagreement. This is in no way objective, nor do I state that any of my opinions are factual, they are just based on fact. The article…

I recently received and read the February 10th edition of the APICS Winnipeg Chapter Newsletter and I was not impressed.

In the Calendar of Events section, there was a long article about how the ‘new generation’ may be to blame for companies having high turnover rate. It goes on to explain how this generation has unrealistic expectations and how we lack certain values and life lessons that cross over into our careers.

I assume that this ‘new generation’ are the Millennials? As a Millennial, I could not help but feel my frustrations rise the further I read into this article. I think that this is a gross generalization and I would like to shine some light on the other side of this.

The author says that we expect a promotion after one year and when we do not get what we want, we leave the company in search for greener pastures. We are a generation lacking discipline, unwilling to make sacrifices or set goals, with commitment issues.

This is hardly the case. The Millennial generation is extremely hardworking and dedicated. But we are not being given a fair chance. I can give plenty examples of people who have been willing to give a company their all, only to be turned down. And it is always for the same reasons. We are inexperienced.

I am coming up on my six year anniversary with my current company. In the past 18 months alone, I have had ten unsuccessful internal job interviews. Some of them were the natural next step for my position; while others were merely something that caught my attention. But in every case, I received the same speech.

I knew what I was talking about. I understood the job and would be a perfect fit. They had heard rave reviews about me from everyone they asked. But I lacked the experience.

This is not just the case with me. I have friends who have heard the same thing, time and again, in their chosen industries. If six years is not enough to show commitment; if ten attempts does not show continued interest and dedication; if asking the right people for information to better understand the job does not show preparation; then what does?

Millennials are expected to get their degrees, and have 3-5 years of experience immediately following graduation. All while trying to find their way into adulthood and the stresses that brings.

I think a main reason we are not staying in these jobs long term is that we are not being given the wages we need. Yes, experience should have some impact on your wage. But when fast food jobs pay better than a position in your chosen industry, you have to choose what is going to pay the rent. If we are having to work the equivalent of double shift in overtime, just to buy groceries, that job is not worth it.

I agree with the point that it is not realistic to expect a promotion after a year. But then when is it realistic to expect one? If you are good at your job, the company wants to keep you there. My department is full of entry level positions and most of us have been there for 5 or more years. We apply for other positions inside the company, but lack the experience. If we are not going to be given an opportunity in the company we have already shown loyalty to, we will search for one elsewhere.

We are kept in our positions because we are good at our job. But companies still view us as disposable. We are not paid fair wages. We are not treated well or valued. Promises are made and not followed through. It is a vicious circle. And Millennials are very good at sorting through the sugarcoating and finding the truth.

In conclusion, I think it is very unfair to say that the Millennial generation is lacking these values. I see these values every day. But you will not see them if you have chosen not to look for them. We are very aware that ‘life isn’t fair’. But that does not mean that we are willing to accept less than what we are worth. We are a generation that is willing to fight for what we deserve, and accept nothing less.

Thank you for your time.

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