MILLENNIAL WOMEN

Will they go where no woman has gone before?

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

The term “Millennial Women” refers to women born between 1977 and 1995. They are also known as the “Why Generation” because they question everything. This group of women are different from any other in that they seek a harmonious balance between work and home, and firmly believe they will achieve it. They seek jobs that will be personally satisfying, but expect competitive salaries that equal those of men. They seem to be getting somewhere as far as that is concerned. Surveys show that Millennial Women’s median salary is 91% of a man’s salary in the same profession as compared to women of other ages whose median salary is only 80%.

These women who are described as the best and brightest, now make up 1/3 of the working population and demand more from employers such as flexible hours, meaningful work that allows them to make an impact, and respectful treatment by coworkers and bosses. Not so much to ask, but until now, unattainable by most women.

So what is it about Millennial Women that make them so independent and confident? One theory is that they are the first generation to have fathers so actively involved in their upbringing. They, in turn, expect their partners to be just as involved or more involved as their own fathers. They do not see “mom” as the caretaker, but as a partner with “dad” in the raising of children. They don’t feel the need to preach or demonstrate for their equal rights as the bra-burning feminists of the 70’s did; they simply expect it. Because of their sheer number (they have us Baby Boomers beat already) and their quiet but strong determination, they succeed in getting what they want. They have, for the most part, achieved that balance between satisfying work and a happy, fulfilling home life.

As a Baby Boomer and the mother of a Millennial Woman, I would like to claim a little credit for my husband and myself. We may have had more “traditional” gender roles, but we did act as partners in raising our daughter. (Well, he only changed one diaper, but otherwise it was pretty equal!) But most of the credit goes to her. She is independent and working towards a very rewarding career that will definitely have an impact on others! She’s a kind, caring individual who is concerned about human rights and doesn’t hesitate to become involved in a cause. She is truly the “brightest and the best” of her generation and I’m exceedingly proud of her!