We’ve all read books, articles and maybe even attended a workshop or two depicting and explaining the Millennial generation, born roughly between 1980 and 2000. They’re huge in number, larger than Boomers, and thus influential in culture, consumer trends and work trends. I’ve written on the topic and conducted training on how to manage them.

So why do I think we should revisit our assumptions and some of what we’ve learned? For example, that they’re self-centered, live with their parents, feel entitled and not willing to pay their dues? Well, because we have been at this long enough to know whether these generalizations turned out to be true. And many haven’t.

I know based on my experience of 30-something Millennials in my own extended family they’re all hard working, some are devoted parents, another spent years paying dues to become a doctor, most have worked at the same place for years and most are homeowners. Looking outside my circle, I don’t see selfishness, I see the youth movement that was formed after recent gun violence; instead of entitlement, I see millennial entrepreneurs starting new business in our community and running for public office nationwide.

So let’s look at a couple of commonly accepted myths about Millennials.

Millennials feel entitled.  In many ways, it’s actually the opposite. Millennials graduated into one of the worst job markets in recent history. They assumed much more student loan debt than previous generations, for education and degrees that did not turn into high paying jobs.

Millennials are disloyal job hoppers. According to Pew, Millennials are not job-hopping any faster than other generations did at the same age. What might have contributed to this impression was that they walked right into the financial downturn and all the uncertainty of that job market. They also witnessed massive layoffs, and evaporating pensions which made them realize that being loyal to a company is no guarantee that they will be loyal to you. It’s fair to say that all generations got that message loud and clear, not just Millennials.

How about you? Have your views about Millennials changed, have your assumptions been proved wrong?   Reader compilation to follow.

©Copyright Eva Del Rio

Eva Del Rio is creator of HR Box™ – tools for small businesses and startups. Send questions to Eva@evadelrio.com