Generation X (1964-1978)

Born from 1964 to 1978, Generation X also known as the Me Generation makes up about 25% of the current workforce. This is byfar one of the smaller generations born by way of numbers. It consists of approximately 45 million and they experienced things such as the falling of the Berlin Wall, the end of the Cold War, Space Shuttle Challenger, Sesame Street, the Brady Bunch and MTV. Also known as the MTV generation, the group was the first to experience hip hop, rock, and rap music. This generation has disaffection for governance and a lack of trust in institutional leadership. They were the first generation to be exposed to high divorce rates and an increase of mothers in the workplace. This led to the Latch Key Kid-kids who stayed home to watch themselves after school while parents worked. Gen X were among the first to be exposed to microwaves, fast food, designer clothing for children and other luxury services. Concerns over environmental destruction and ecological issues became important as did other social issues such as the fight against AIDS, racial strife, homelessness, and fractured families. Traditionally Generation X has denied the ideals of their predecessors, the baby boomers, but have a somewhat hazy sense of their own identity. They grew up in drugs, divorce and economic strain and also witnessed their parents reinventing themselves after hostile corporate takeovers, mergers, & downsizing. They like fewer rules, independence in where and how the work gets done, respect for work and life balance, frequent feedback, and a desire to build a portable career that can be taken from one place to another in the event of a merger with another company.