Last week I wrote about why I’ve revisited my assumptions about millennials’ stereotypes. In spite of all that has been written about this generation (born roughly between 1980 and 2000) and their characteristic sense of entitlement, job-hopping, self-centeredness and immaturity, much of it has not aged well. Studies find they are not job-hopping any faster than other generations did at the same age. Instead of entitlement, their careers (burdened with huge student debt) stalled in a downsized job market.

I asked for reader’s feedback and here’s some of what I heard back.

Reader HT says: “In my experience I wouldn’t say millennials have a sense of entitlement- but some do have an unrealistic expectation of how quickly they can expect career progress. When a high performing millennial I manage asked me what else he could do to get ahead, he was not happy with my answer.   I told him to continue doing what he was doing and get more time and experience under his belt. He felt impatient, like he had already mastered the job, yet I know he needs more years to learn it. I tried explaining that some things only experience can teach you. I think the real world moves much slower than they expected.”

Eva’s Tip: One way to help this situation is to have a career track with small progression steps to manage employee expectations and provide tangible position/title goals. Specially for those just out of college.

Reader JT says: “I’m almost 50 and I love working with millennials. I actually see myself in them at that age in my career. I think a lot of what’s attributed to millennials is simply a function of age. Who isn’t self-centered, impatient and immature at 22? In my company many of the older millennials (in their mid 30s) are already managers. I find them to be more open-minded about gender roles, and race issues than previous generations.

Lastly, Reader AMM says: “As a grandmother of five millennials I could have told you your former assessment didn’t hold water. They’re all college educated, hard-working, reliable and conscientious. And I notice their friends have the same integrity. There is nothing wrong with that generation.”

That’s a great way to end. Thank you to all that replied.

©Copyright Eva Del Rio

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