There’s no shortage of headlines about millennials—who they are, what they want and why they’re so different from any other working-age generation out there. Maybe it’s because millennials (those born between 1980 and 2000) are now the largest working population. Or that they’re a little too comfortable with technology. Or that they’re pushing back on what a traditional day of work looks like.
It’s created plenty of tension—and plenty of assumptions about this generation. For the summer issue of our magazine, Business Altitude, we asked five millennials about their careers and the myths they’ve had to bust since they entered the working world. Below, see what one had to say about every myth circling Gen Y.
Iván Anaya is focused on building inclusive, supportive communities. That’s why he founded the mixed-income community development firm Astucia Ventures.
Millennials are lazy and entitled
I work 12-16 hour days on average. Please explain how that spells entitlement. … Please explain how that is lazy.
Millennials job hop
I think that’s true. Millennials want significance in their work and being a cog in the wheel is the antithesis of that.
Millennials don’t want to grow up
I bought my first home when I was still in college and bought my family a home two years later. I don’t think it’s about not wanting to settle down; it’s about the opportunity not being there for millennials.
Millennials all live in their parents’ basements
I moved out of my parent’s house when I moved out for college and never went back. The millennials who do live in their parent’s basements likely live there due to underemployment and high cost of living.
Sara Crocker is the communications manager for the Denver Metro Chamber.
Want to learn more about the making of a millennial? Check out the Summer issue of Business Altitude.