Gen Y Gives Thanks: Progress and upward mobility

November 11, 10:39 AMGeneration Y ExaminerSharalyn Hartwell

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Despite the challenges of the economy, Gen Y'ers
are progressing.
(Photo: Photoxpress.com)

In these tough economic times many feel stifled and stuck; some are even giving up completely. According to The Ticker in The Washington Post, as of mid-August an estimated 796,000 discouraged workers had given up and checked out of the work force entirely, that’s a rate higher than seen in 10 years.

Despite these inherent difficulties and the evidence of some people throwing in the towel, progress is still being made. There are people, Gen Y’ers included, who are progressing--both professionally and personally. Not only are they making headway, they acknowledge it is something to be grateful for.

Take Ryan Paugh of Madison, Wis., for instance. Paugh is 26 and the Director of Community for the Brazen Careerist (a career management tool for next-generation professionals). He is thankful for the progress he made in his professional and personal life over the past year.

“This year I’m most grateful for progress and the things that have brought me the most amount of uncertainty. I’ve had to challenge myself to adjust my priorities in work and in life because seeking work-balance while operating in a start-up is always a struggle. This year was exceptionally difficult because of the recession, but I’m totally amped that my company made it through what we consider ‘the hard part.’ At the same time, I was able to maintain a solid relationship with my girlfriend and still make time to do the things I love. It feels like I’ve made some progress and I’m grateful.”

James Moreau, 25, the Community Specialist at Brazen Careerist, equates his progress to the upward mobility he experienced this year.

“I am grateful for upward mobility. I never would have thought I'd move half-way across the country to work for a company that does work I'm passionate about. I'm grateful for all the hands that have been extended to me along the way and to all those who have and will take my hand in a sign of mutual appreciation for one another's struggle.”

Paugh and Moreau are just two of the many who are putting their shoulder down and muscling through these tough times, but actually enjoying the journey. To see evidence of Paugh and Moreau’s work and personal progress, check out the Brazen Careerist. 

For more on “Gen Y Gives Thanks”: Click here to read how the series got started and here to read all “Gen Y Gives Thanks” related articles. Join the #GenYGivesThanks conversation on Twitter and check out what the participants in the series are tweeting about with my GenYGivesThanks Twitter list.