Life Stage vs. Generational Characteristic

In many of our sessions, Sarah and I often get the question, “How do you tell the difference between a generational characteristic and the stage someone is at in their life?”

This is an important question to look at because it can be confusing trying to understand this difference between life stages and characteristics that are specific to a generation.

A generation is a cohort defined by birth years, which then has its characteristics shaped by events that happened during a generation’s formative years. For example, I was alive during both the 2008 presidential election, in which we elected Barack Obama, and during 9/11.

During the presidential election, I was over the age of 18, so while that was a memorable day for me and something that I believed shaped our nation’s history, it did not shape the characteristics of my generation.

When 9/11 happened I was much younger and that event shaped my perspective of safety in this country, and therefore my characteristics, as well as, the characteristics of my generation. I think about safety and diversity because of the role these played in 9/11.

Let’s take a common generational vs. life stage example: Millennials are lazy, entitled, and lacking in self-direction and commitment. But aren’t all 18-year-olds lazy (compared to other folks at different life stages)? Is that really a characteristic of the Millennial generation? And this is where life stage can play a big role.

Many Millennials have been perceived as lazy because of the life stage we are in. I am young, single, and unattached to a mortgage (I still rent), kids or even a dog. So my weekends consist of sleeping in, going out with friends, and in general a lack of any major responsibilities.

However, my parents have a house, a young child still at home, and aging parents. Their weekends consist, fixing broken water heaters, toting my brother to soccer games, and taking parents to doctor appointments. I had the luxury of quitting my job and moving across the country at the drop of a hat, which I’ve done. For my parents to do that would require months of planning and preparation.

Again, we look at the life stage, I have that luxury because I am not seriously tied to anything at this life stage. However, as I’ve aged and started to put down more roots, the idea of picking up and moving across the country becomes a much more daunting task. That’s not because I’m turning into a Gen Xer, I’m still a Millennial. But my life stage is starting to change.

Each of us is individual and unique. Generational pieces give us a lens to look at what makes us similar and different. It also provides us with great discussions, like, “What’s the difference between a life stage and generational characteristic?” Learn more in Sarah’s book, Geezer. Punk. Whatever.

– Guest Blogger – Alex Draginis

Keynote speaker, trainer, and consultant, Sarah Gibson, helps organizations leverage the power of communication, teamwork and diversity to improve engagement and transform teams. To buy her book or inquire about her speaking programs, please visit www.sarahjgibson.com.