First and foremost, I ask myself, is this “generation” more or less alienated than generations past? )I put it in doubt quotes because I scoff at the notion of “milennials” being a distinct group.) In other words, these alumni that are asking your advice, are they somehow qualitatively MORE alienated than previously? Or are they perhaps affected by a cultural shift of work norms?

I suspect it’s a combination of both. We know globalization has transformed the workplace. Technological change has actually centralized control, contrary to what it appears to do. Time zone shifting is common, and work’s conception oftentimes is nowhere physically related to its execution.

Also, however, we are living in the quintessential neoliberal society. We are exhorted to always do more, be more, to self actualize. These younger designers were raised when such norms became cemented. I’m a GenXer; we were raised to be suspicious of our employers because we saw all our parents get laid off and we had no jobs waiting for us when we graduated. Younger people instead saw unbelievable prosperity. They also were imbued with a sense of self-improvement that past generations could not rival.

“Entitlement.” This word troubles me. It suggests that they expect something they don’t “deserve.” I think that’s unfair. No, worse, I think it’s falling into a trap that everyone older, wiser, richer, and more powerful falls into. “Oh you [ women/people of colour/left-wingers/environmentalists ] act so ENTITLED.” It’s a backlash phrase from [ washington elites/chauvinist men/first-world governments ].

I think we have a cultural shift here.

And finally, as someone who does have a PhD in sociology, well, I’m kind of proud of that credential. It trained me well and gave me skills that are unique. Not that I’m bragging…