Old Generation Labels? Phased Out!
Welcome to the Age of Flux!
Goodbye, Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z! These labels are as outdated as VHS tapes in the age of Netflix. In a world that’s spinning faster than ever, it makes no sense to categorize people by their birth year when it comes to recognizing their talents. Generational divides? Maybe they’re still good for pie charts – but in real life?
By Robert Eysoldt, November 2024
Life stages used to be clear-cut: school, work, retirement. But this rigid model hasn’t fit for a long time. Starting fresh at 50? Why not! Founding a business at 20? Absolutely. Taking a journey of self-discovery at 40? Of course! And who says 70-year-olds shouldn’t learn a new language? Age boundaries? Toss them out! It’s attitude that counts, not birth year.
Generation Flux: Embracing Change as Inspiration
Long before my Age Bombs expedition, I came across the concept of Generation Flux, and it captivated me instantly. It’s not about age but about ideas and energy. It doesn’t matter if you were born before or after a certain year; what matters is what you bring to the table.
Collaboration Knows No Age
People in Generation Flux thrive on collaboration. Here, 20-year-olds work side-by-side with 60-year-olds, hierarchies are flat, and every contribution counts. It’s a dynamic network with a shared goal, able to respond to change and drive innovation.
Sound Good?
Here Are Five Insights That Fuel the Flux Movement:
1. Stagnation Equals Regression: Clinging to the supposed stability of the familiar is like an anchor in quicksand. The world changes continuously, and if you don’t move with it, you’re left behind. Flexibility and adaptability are essential – at any age. You have to be willing to shift plans, explore new paths, and embrace experiments to seize the opportunities of this era.
2. Your Career Is Not a Straight Line: Linear careers are yesterday’s news. Today’s paths are colorful, winding, and full of turns. Switching fields, restarting, retraining – anything is possible! Embrace change and find inspiration in uncertainty.
3. If You Don’t Learn, You Lose: In a time when knowledge becomes outdated faster than the latest smartphone, lifelong learning isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. Education doesn’t end with a diploma. When you stop learning, you stop growing – and fall behind.
4. Success Needs Meaning: What’s the point of success if it feels hollow? It’s not just about getting that next promotion or padding your bank account. It’s time to step off the hamster wheel and align your actions with your values. Success and purpose can go hand in hand.
5. No Progress Without Diversity: Diversity is key! The mix of age groups, experiences, and perspectives is our greatest asset. Different viewpoints bring fresh ideas and lead to innovative solutions for complex challenges. Ignoring diversity means missing out on true progress.
And Now?
Despite all these skills, Fluxers still need the right conditions: educational institutions should build curricula that support lifelong learning across all ages. Companies need to break age boundaries, create mixed teams, and offer flexible structures. And politics? It’s time to set up frameworks that promote age inclusivity and view demographic shifts as opportunities.
More Flux for Everyone
The classic generational model? Done! Generation Flux is the new playground, open to all who refuse to be boxed into dusty age categories and want to be defined by their abilities instead. Here, it’s about skills, drive, and a thirst for the new. It’s not about old hierarchies or formal titles – it’s about transforming change into action and using diversity as a compass.
📌 Generation Flux was coined in 2012 by Robert Safian, then Editor-in-Chief of the U.S. business magazine Fast Company.
