I'm Sick of Entitled Ass Employers
It all started with a tweet from a white woman. @Jessicaliebman wrote, “…I’ve been hiring people for 10 years, and I still swear by a simple rule: If someone doesn’t send a thank you email, don’t hire them.” Normally, I would be able to completely ignore something as asinine and entitled as this, but frustration with my current work situation caused me to stare at my phone screen until my eyes went blurry and a migraine started to form. I am so sick of these entitled ass employers, and I know I’m not the only one. All of my friends have horror stories about their current job situations. Unrealistic requirements and “one way transactions” between employers and employees seem to be a common source of workplace dissatisfaction among Millennials.
I’ve seen tons of articles that state all of the different ways that Millennials are ruining the economy. I’ve had to force polite smiles on my face as older folks make snarky ass comments about Millennials. “Your generation just doesn’t have any work ethic. You wouldn’t know hard work if it slapped you in the face,” or “Millennials don’t know what they want from life, and that’s why you jump from job to job.” Apparently, we also have no sense of commitment or loyalty to the people who have so graciously given us a job. I’m sorry, but have you seen how trashy some of these employers are?
Millennials deserve jobs that allow them to sleep at night and not cause them to go to therapy more than once a week. We’re truly not asking for too much (or at least I don’t think we are). However, this seems to be a struggle for some of these entitled, older employers who assume that money is the only thing we need to be happy in the workplace.
First of all, y’all are barely paying us what we’re worth in the first place. Do you know how many people of color, especially women, are underpaid and overqualified in their professions? And you expect us to be happy about the pennies you throw at us for working 45+ hour work weeks? Second, do you understand that our generation has had to survive two recessions, is burdened by student loans, and is faced with the overwhelming probability of not receiving social security? Hell no, your money isn’t enough. What little we get is automatically snatched from our hands to prop up a generation that demands we kiss their ass for the opportunity to serve them anyway. We’ve never had any money in the first place, so what do we care?
Money doesn’t mean shit when I can’t sleep at night, and I’m popping antacids like they’re Tic-Tacs. You want to know what makes me “happy” at work? Here’s a few things:
A healthy work environment. This includes clear cut expectations, explicitly defined roles, and a comprehensive benefit plan. I shouldn’t have to put up with microaggressions from my work colleagues AND an expectation to do everything and anything outside of my job description. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had bosses that really push the envelope on that “Any other duties as assigned” bullshit.
Being valued. Too many times, older-minded employers will focus on the one thing that we’re doing wrong, instead of everything else that we’re doing correctly. A little appreciation goes a long way. Acknowledge me when I’m working hard because if you won’t, I’ll hop my ass on Indeed and find somebody who will.
Being compensated fairly. Pay me what I’m worth. Don’t try to bullshit me when you wouldn’t do the same thing to Chet. Pay us equally. And employers know that they’re cheating us when it comes to pay. My entire generation was forced to go to school and get multiple degrees only to be able to find piss poor entry jobs when the recession hit in 2008. I’ve noticed a trend of employers kicking the ball down the hill when it comes to bonuses and raises. Remember, when you play stupid ass games, you win stupid ass prizes.
Ask me to do one more damn thing outside of job description…
If you can’t give us those things, then don’t give me some bullshit lecture about loyalty and commitment when I give you my two weeks notice. Don’t wait until I’m about to walk out the door to question my commitment to this job or question my work ethic. You’ve always treated me as if I’m disposable so why shouldn’t I do the same?
Don’t try to use intimidation or passive aggressiveness to make me stay in a job where I’m clearly not happy just because it’s convenient for you as an employer. You don’t go home with me at night, you only pay for a small percentage of my medical bills, and you certainly don’t pick up my bar tab after I’ve had a long day of dealing with your ass.
Call me a pessimist, but I don’t think that most Millennials are asking to be completely in love with their jobs. In fact, most of us are in our current work situations because we’re using the money from that job to pursue our true passions on the side.
We completely understand that there’s only a select few of us will be blessed in this life with jobs we really love. And that’s okay. However, what is not okay is the continued rhetoric that Millennials are lazy or entitled, when it’s the furthest thing from the truth. We’re busting our ass, and all we’re asking in return, is that you fucking act like it.
