He wote “I am still thinking over things like this on a constant basis. Although the last few weeks have been so crazy with my son’s birth that I haven’t had the time to really think about it.  His birth has really it home that I am now the sole provider for my wife and child.  It has given me a little more “purpose” to put on my suit and tie…. but I know this won’t last and eventually I’ll be back to where I was a few weeks ago.” I think he’s spot-on with his assessment. Again, it points to a maturity that Generation Yers have that companies need to recognize.

My friend is in banking. He wrote “I guess I don’t know if banking is what I should be doing.  I think there are some serious problems with a Gen-Y’er being in a profession that is very ‘old-fashioned’.  No one will give a 27 year old any serious responsibility because according to his 53 year-old boss…. he is too young and doesn’t have enough experience and he ‘couldn’t possibly’ have enough experience yet.”

He has a strong desire to “lead” (i.e. manage) and he thinks that would make him content.  We have a mutual friend at a bank that has been a good example for both of us for all of this. He does such a great job with his employees and says he spends half his day just talking with his employees and most of the time it
isn’t about work related things. My friend says “problem is, I am pretty sure that banking is the wrong career choice for a 27 year old who wants to be in management”. I’m not sure if that’s the right answer though.

I made a comment about how I make a good salary but still find myself challenged with the same dilema. He responded by saying “as far as your comment [even though it pays well] that is something I can relate to and something I worry about.  I feel like I would like my job a lot more if I got paid more, but then I know that isn’t true because once I got more money I still wouldn’t be happy.  It’s almost like I am holding out for a big ‘pay day’ and keep thinking that will make me happy – but I know it won’t”. 

He wrapped up by saying “so in the end, do I need to find something new (outside of banking) because I really think I am only in it for the money – knowing that in 10 years the money should be really good.  I fear I would…look back on a 30 year career and be utterly disappointed. Problem is; I have no idea what I would do if I left banking. I don’t even know where to start.  Been in banking almost 7 years……. Any ideas?”.

So, onward I proceed to find a solution; for him, for me, for what seems to be a majority of our Generation.

Jonathan