“Each generation imagines itself to be more intelligent than the one that went before it, and wiser than the one that comes after it.” – George Orwell (1903-1950)

Last weekend, I had a lovely catch-up with one of my first bosses; a fantastic mentor, one who I have always had a lot of admiration. Rugby dominates a lot of our attention but pondering the future of the veterinary profession always demands time for discussion. This day, the topic of ‘diversity between generations’ took centre stage. The veterinary profession has seen a significant gender shift in the recent years, becoming increasingly female dominated. But what has stealthily passed by is awareness of the generation divide and its fluid form.

The Generation Divide
In its most basic form, a generation is a group of people born around the same time and live through shared experiences. They display similar characteristics, preferences, and values. For those of you unaware of which category you sit in, see below.

• Centennials, iGen or Gen Z: Born 1996 and later
• Millennials or Gen Y: Born 1977 to 1995
• Generation X: Born 1965 to 1976
• Baby Boomers: Born 1946 to 1964
• Traditionalists or Silent Generation: Born 1945 and before

Millennials
Millenial ‘Live to Work’ or Gen X ‘Work to Live’
According to RCVS Facts 2014, over 55% of the profession now lie within the Millenial generation; the current percentage will be higher than this today. I would argue that a change in perception has coincided with the rise of this generation. As a member of this demographic, some of the stereotypes can be hard to swallow, others we can celebrate.

• Thought to be less independent than previous generations because of increased parental supervision and financial dependency.
• Despite a possible sense of entitlement, Millenials are ambitious pack-animals that respect authority yet are assertive and opinionated.
• Seek work with meaning and mentorship that demonstrates potential for growth; are prone to moving jobs, but can be retained with flexible schedules and measurable outcomes.
• Generous and prioritise self-actualisation.

The older generation consists mostly of Gen X (1965-1976) but also includes the baby boomers (1946-1964). There is some overlap between the two; these stereotypes can apply to both.

• Believe good workers share the ‘live to work’ ethos; value time spent at work over results.
• Hard working and entrepreneurial.
• Want to save the community, not the world. Cynical of major organisations.
• Prioritise safety and security.

The Exhausting Truth
We’ve all experienced finger-wagging and criticism between generations. I find it exhausting. Older generations take offence when Millenials express a disappointment upon starting clinical life. And the younger generation blames their predecessors for their dissatisfaction. The reality is, had those Millenials been born 20 years earlier the industry would look the same. And had Generation X been born 20 years later, they could well have reservations about remaining in the profession. See previous VetFresh post encouraging professionals to take responsibility for their futures.