There's a whole world outside your office

k, I changed my mind and don't feel like writing about all the things I should be getting for free right now.

It occurred to me during some recent pondering that we speak in our society about how older generations often work to try and create a better world for younger generations. Parents especially are usually viewed as working hard so that their kids can have better lives, have more than their parents had, etc. So why bitch at younger generations then for wanting more than their predecessors? Is it OK for older people to want things to be better for the young, but not OK for the young to want it for themselves? That's silly.

Apparently, generation Y is quite demanding in the workplace about being able to have flexible schedules, being able to have activities in their lives other than work, all that jazz. And I seem to hear/read a lot that this is impertinent and snotty to the older workforce. Whatev, man. I understand that there has to be limits to flexibility--rolling into work at noon every day in a business that operates on a normal 8-5 schedule really does not help the overall workplace. However, I see no reason why it's impertinent to want time to take classes, go to the gym, etc., especially if you are willing to accept the fact that you won't get overtime pay if you leave on time most days. Really, of course, it all boils down to money and money being more important than anything in the whole wide world. Which it isn't. I want my company to be productive and successful, but I can accomplish that without killing myself. And yes, maybe having reasonable work hours means you will never have the richest, most powerful corporation in the world. But honestly, I'm OK with that. I think riches and power are overrated. I'm not naive--I know money is important, and when you REALLY do not have any, it becomes pretty much the only thing that matters. I fully appreciate being able to eat and pay for heat, and yes, that takes money. But money isn't everything. It really isn't. Besides, if you can learn to utilize your people and resources in a truly efficient, well-thought-out way, you might not need people to work 80-hour weeks.

Tru' dat, DOUBLE TRUE!