Axios Finish Line

August 24, 2022
Welcome back. Tonight we continue our journey through generations with Axios CEO Jim VandeHei's view on how Gen Xers — those born between 1965 and 1980 — think.
- Smart Brevity™ count: 455 words ... 2 mins.
1 big thing: Gen X's message to younger generations
Illustration: Annelise Capossela/Axios
Think of this as a mind meld with the generation that came of age before social media — Gen X. It’s one perspective on life and work, to help other generations understand us, Jim writes.
- At Axios, we’ve been intentional since Day 1 about including other perspectives in our decision-making, including an Emerging Leaders program that puts sharp, skeptical young minds around our executive table. In that spirit, my 5:
1. Remember that a job is, among other things ... a job. I write and talk a lot about the importance of purpose and mission in a modern, successful company. But in addition to being a great colleague, I'm paid to do a particular job well. That's my Job 1.
2. Promotions aren't perennials. My generation was lucky to get big pay raises or true promotions a few times in our young careers. That's changed, and we've changed. But if you want a better title, think about what new responsibility — and accountability — you'll take on.
3. Ask yourself: Do I really need to tweet or TikTok every thought? Will this make the world a better or smarter place? My generation aged and grew with the internet. But our instincts aren't to go public with every agitation or desire. The more you say, the harder it is for others to hear you when it truly matters.
4. My personal views aren’t universally held. It's a big, wide world full of conflicting, complicated viewpoints. My views and your views are real and awesome — just not always shared by everyone. Sometimes people are silent because it’s too exhausting to argue about hot topics. Or they’re busy working.
5. One disagreement does not a bad employer make. We judge an employer on the totality of the culture, mission, pay, benefits, decision-making, opportunities — not on one thing you wish they did, said or had. Hell, until the last decade, we didn’t even know what culture and mission meant 😀.
- Share this story ... catch up on the millennial perspective.
🧠 What do YOU think?
Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios
We've already heard from nearly 1,000 engaged Finish Line readers of all ages, sharing work advice and experience.
- Join the conversation by filling out this form, hitting "reply" to this email or dropping us a line: [email protected]. Share your insights, and make sure to include your name, hometown and generation.
We'll feature a selection of reader thoughts in future editions, starting with age-old wisdom from our Silent Generation readers in tomorrow's newsletter.
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