So, I turn 30 today

So, I turn 30 today. I was born in 1985, obviously, and this makes me a millennial. I am working hard to advance my career at a Fortune 500 company while traversing the tricky road of relationships, physical and mental health and self fulfillment. I am many things beyond a millennial: I am a woman, I am a hiker, I am an intermediate rock climber, I am a casual chef, I am a newlywed, I am very cognizant of my biological clock, I am a friend to those who push me to be better and I am passionate about stepping outside of your/my/our comfort zone. This blog is about a millennials' evolving route through life.

What is a millennial and how do I fit in?

People say millennials need validation. It's true, I like to know I'm doing a good job or that I'm doing the right thing related to work and life; who doesn't want to know that? Don't you agree? ;) I find that I am constantly questioning myself, because I am often the youngest opinion in the room. When I receive validation of my opinion, it builds my confidence. 

People say that millennials feel entitled. To me, that depends on your perspective to what they feel they are entitled. I feel entitled to a safe and welcoming work environment where my peers can bring their whole self to work. On the other hand, I believe I'm lucky for the opportunities that I've been given throughout my life. I am a white, straight girl who grew up in the suburbs. My parents are both well educated, hard-working, engaged and generous people; therefore, I started out with advantages over other people. However, some would argue, that I started with a few disadvantages because I am a woman. I feel lucky that my parents are such amazing people and I feel grateful that they have always put my future and well being at the forefront of their priorities along with my other siblings and now their children. So my route hasn't been too bumpy so far, when compared to many others; I feel lucky, humbled, driven and inspired to work towards success, and not entitled to something more. 

People say we are lazy. However, most of the lazy people I see in the workplace are older generation men. That's not to say that most older generation men are lazy, because I see a lot of hard working men in the generations above me. However, when I see someone that is "above" doing certain tasks or does not seem to be exceeding expectations, it is often a man in a generation above me. As for the millennials I see, most are either hard working or have a different set of priorities than work. I haven't encountered a significant sample of lazy ones, IMHO (In my humble opinion).

Why do you care? 

No matter what you think of the Millennials, a lot of people are talking about us... What I think has not yet set in, as it hasn't for many of us millennials it's happening to, is that WE ARE TURNING 30! (Ahhhh, I'm turning 30 today!! Please No! I want to stay in my 20s!) Other millennials are moving into mid-level manager positions. Many are married and starting families of their own. We are en route to play a bigger role in the culture and decisions in the workplace and home life. Some of us may actually have our own experiences and lessons learned worth sharing with the people following us; especially since the youngest millennials are 11 (arguably) and will need insights into joining and succeeding in their life, relationships, college, workplace.

So, I turned thirty today and started a blog. The goal of this blog is to share a millennial perspective on the everyday experiences at work, at home and anywhere in between. Hopefully my route is worth sharing, feel free to give me some validation ;) Also, if you're interested in sharing about your route, I'd love to have some guest bloggers!