Older Americans “built” post-World War II America through their diligence. Many of these individuals suffered through the Great Depression of the 1930s and, therefore, may still remember severe poverty and even starvation. Consequently, such people save more than most Americans and are often frustrated by young Americans’ seeming laziness.
Middle-aged “baby boomers” also see themselves as hard workers. This generation of Americans has strived to get ahead in virtually everything they’ve done—whether college, graduate school, business, or their communities. Because many baby boomers have travelled through their work for large corporations, like HP, Microsoft, and Coca-Cola, they are open to meeting and working with people from other countries—including in post-retirement ventures.
Even so, many Americans are used to a good income, benefits like vacations and other “perks” (e.g., healthcare, bonuses, and stock options), and a comfortable, if not luxurious, standard of living. However, given the current economic downturn, many companies are laying off workers, cutting contributions to 401Ks, and limiting bonuses and other perks.
Today, some younger Americans take their educational, job, and material advantages for granted. Because they’re given whatever they need or want, these “Generation X” and “Millennials” often aren’t inclined to work as hard as their parents or grandparents.
Some Americans think—even hope—that their fellow citizens will learn from the current economic crisis and, in turn, work harder. In general, older and middle-aged Americans worry that if the next generation doesn’t improve its work ethic, it won’t be able to compete with highly-educated and ambitious young people from places like India and China.
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