The Gap Between Gen X & Gen Y

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Amanda Hite on March 27, 2008 at 3:38pm

hmm... I haven't heard of a gap group. What I have noticed is that difference sources will claim different ranges. Some say that Generation Y was born between 1980 - 1995, NAS Insights says 1977 - 1994, I read an ariticle the other day that said gen x was born between 1965 - 1976 and gen y 1977 -1998. I'm also on that cusp born in 1977 and certainly have traits of both X and Y.

Permalink Reply by Andy Swingley on March 30, 2008 at 9:21am

I hear you gappers! Amanda H is correct though depending on the source. I was born in 1964 and some sources call me a Boomer and some sources say I am an Xer.

I like to think of the gappers or those on the cusp of their generations as the liasons between the generations. I feel somehow strangely connected to both groups. I can talk to either one and seem to "get it"

I think it is a good thing - think of yourself as bilingual - heck put that on your resume that you speak two generation's languages....its a stretch but what a powerful conversation you could have with a potential new boss about your communication skills.

Permalink Reply by Adam R. Cox on April 18, 2008 at 3:40pm

1968 here. I have not been a Boomer, tho a X. I still feel in the middle of the whole thing anyway. Welcome to the group!
All the Old people call me Young, and the Young call me Old!

Permalink Reply by Edan MacQuaid on April 19, 2008 at 6:09pm

Don't know who said it, but it bears repeating, "you are only as old as you feel" ;)

Permalink Reply by Amanda Hite on April 19, 2008 at 7:02pm

Amen!

Permalink Reply by Steve Totillo on April 20, 2008 at 8:34am

I have found that as I get older, working in the restaurant industry has kept me feeling youthful and up to date on technology, behaviors, pop culture etc... As long as you pay attention, embrace and engage on their level, and keep your mind open, whatever generation you are dealing with will give it right back! I'm not necessarily on the cusp, having been born in 1972, but I certainly feel like it.

Permalink Reply by Ricci Neer on July 8, 2008 at 10:41am

You're right. A few weeks ago, I was talking to a co-worker (around my age) who didn't know who Fergie was (??!!).

Fortunately, most people think I'm about 8 years younger than I really am and I honestly believe it's got everything to do with what you said - paying attention, embracing & engaging, and keeping an open mind.

I don't totally fit in either gen and guess I'm a gapper by choice, lol Maybe that's why it's difficult to define the cusp group. It would be an interesting study, that's for sure!

Permalink Reply by Mark D. Dion on July 15, 2008 at 6:26pm

Demographer's vary on generational timing. When I've had to look forward or backwards, the person's own point-of-view about the key media/social/technological events of their day (they are converging rapidly) has given me clues to what generation they may belong to especially if they are on a cusp.

As an example I have a pair of twins who work in different stores as managers. One is definitely a Gen X'er (MTV/latchkey) the other identifies with Gen Y (social networks).

I have customers who'd like to order via a text message, employees who'd rather I use Facebook or MySpace instead of texting them -- and they are within 6 months of one another.

When I need to reference generational guidelines I've use two tables produced by Bill Strauss and Neil Howe. They are available In simplified form online: Simple Generation Table (here) and Generation List (here).

Hope this helps!

Permalink Reply by Amanda Hite on July 15, 2008 at 7:35pm

@mark great insight, thanks for the resources