Why Gen Y?

I am a "gen xer." Born in 1970.  

We have been called, the lost generation, overtly negationist punk subculture or referred to as the "baby bust" generation because of the drop in the birth rate following the baby boom. 

William Strauss and Neil Howe  (authors of Generations) call our generation the "13th Generation" and define the birth years as 1961 to 1981.  

I like to call us the hard working, dedicated, pop culture heroes of the 20th and 21st century.

We know big hair, 80's music, movies and dress the part to this day.  In fact, our styles are back; leggings, tights, wide legged jeans and off the shoulder tees and sweatshirts.

Unlike the Millennial Generation (or Gen Y), my generation, has been shaped by the events, leaders, developments and trends of its time. The rise of instant communication technologies made possible through use of the Internet may explain the Millennials' reputation for being somewhat peer-oriented or ethnocentric. 

Instant gratification, online gaming and environmental awareness are keys to understanding their personalities.

So, I ask my Gen Y's - Why?

1.  Why do you want a text message returned within 30 seconds?

2.  Why do you tweet and Facebook the same message at the same time within 10 minutes of one of each?  Yes, even I didn't understand that.

3.  Why (and you know who you are) do you text, email, IM and show up at my doorstep at the same time?

4.  Why do you balance work with life in such a fashion? I mean come on, it's about work, work, work!
5.  Why don't you call me?
6.  Why do you think you can do it yourself?
7.  Why do you change jobs every six months?
8.  Why do you get your masters degree while you are working on your bachelors degree?
9.  Why do you have the right answers?
10.  Why do you make me smile?

Please know I love you dearly and cheers to your talent, enthusiasm and ability to depict a level of environmental action and awareness.  Here is a picture for you to remember who you are just in case you've forgotten (since my blog wasn't written with 140 characters but 3004).