Gen X helped create 'the Interwebs'. Note my snark, I have a lot of that. I spent time working in HTML and Basica before some readers were born.
I am and have been an alpha and beta tester on more platforms and have forgotten more than what most will ever know. (Ello, Blab anyone??)
If you are a manager under the age of 40 and you find yourself sitting across the interview table from someone that's an X'er, see if they haven't been overlooked solely because of age. I urge you to take a moment when you interview a potential hire that's Gen X. Don't walk in with preconceived notions. Just because they're older, doesn't mean that they're incompetent or won't want to learn new platforms or understand code.
WE CREATED THAT STUFF!!!
Yes, my boomer parents instilled that I needed to show up to work sick, to show my devotion to the company. Now, I am blessed that I have a manager who sent me home, asking me to just get well and come back whole. I could be my boss's parent, and enjoy that I can be there for them, give them my 'unpolished' comments and insights, to which they agreed to some of them, surprise!
I don't look at you and judge you by your age, why do you do the same to me? My generation fought for the opportunity to work and progress, to be measured by your experiences, knowledge, and what you bring to the table. Gen X appreciates intelligence and celebrates success, no matter what you look like or what age you are. We were the first to break barriers, push the envelope. We still do that when we're given the chance. We fought for the chance that someone under the age of 40 can become an executive.
If you're looking to hire someone with fire, passion, a willingness, and the proven capabilities to transform and learn, you might want to consider that 48 year old, because we bring skills and insight you might not have yet. Don't assume what we would ask for pay, that's assumptive.
We are not boomers. Did I say that already? Can I scream this from the rooftops? We are the first gen tech savvy. We are the ground breakers, the people that want to still stay relevant, the people that evolved and adapted the most out of any generation, and can be just that for your company.
Give me a Gen X any day over anyone, we'll still get that ish every day.
