By 2030, Generation “Y”, those born between 1980 and 2000, will represent over 50% of the workforce. They are also known as Millennials.
By Justine Aubry
Right now, the workforce is composed largely of Baby-Boomers, born between 1946 and 1965. Do the Ys see their careers developing along the same lines as the Baby Boomers did?
Ys have different hopes and dreams than preceding generations. Whereas Baby Boomers generally prefer stable employment in established businesses and institutions, younger workers want to be entrepreneurs. They’re looking for independence rather than security.
According to a 2015 Université de Laval study, 30% of all Ys dream of opening their own business in the next 5 years.
Raphaël, 30, is in that category. Four years ago, he decided to found his own video production business. He says he is “totally incapable of doing the 9 to 5 thing for 30 years in the same place.” He wants to be his own boss.
His work is hard. He has to find his own contracts himself, but he has greater autonomy, and his time is his own to organize.
Two of his friends, Mathieu and Alexandre, quit the engineering profession to devote their time to their music business. They’re looking for more autonomy by backing away from an archaic professional development model.
First seen in: Reflet de Société, Vol. 28 no. 2, printemps (spring) 2020, pages 14-15.
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