As a child of a hardworking Alaskan and an intense retired hockey player, work ethic and determination are just a part of who I am. Unfortunately, in the professional realm, I can’t seem to escape the label as a millennial (shrug and eye roll quickly to follow). No matter how early I arrive to work or how late I stay, the shadow of lazy, egocentricity seems to lurk close behind.

I know I am not the first to note that there is something to be said about the stark differences in our generations of working professionals. The world was different before prenatal vitamins and the internet- and so too was the day job. People worked to put food on the table and a roof over their families’ heads. People didn’t work to find the job that expressed their true selves, or one that would give them flexibility; don’t even get me started on the concept of FIRE to achieve financial freedom. Truthfully, I can see why everyone seems to think that us millennials might hold unrealistic expectations for our working lives.

No matter how early I arrive to work or how late I stay, the shadow of lazy, egocentricity seems to lurk close behind.

Let me remind you, the generation before us millennials (Generation X and Baby Boomers too) exuded commitment, loyalty, and the ability to show they could be depended on. These are the ones we now see leading businesses, managing teams, and leading a workforce of distracted millennials. It’s no surprise that we sense some frustrations and tension between the two.

All differences aside, I have been noticing a pattern in my job as an operations coordinator at a small consulting firm: the more I acknowledge what we both need, the more I think my boss likes me. As an encouragement to both parties, listed below is an assortment of opportunities to meet in the middle and find a way to improve employee engagement and ultimately move towards increased productivity and lowered frustration over all of us darn millennials.

Perhaps I can enlighten both sides: you want the same things. Although expressed differently, both parties are seeking a common goal: success for the company, and mutual respect.

Join me next issue as a bridge to call millennials to a higher standard, and proving you Generation Xers another millennial perspective.

Written by Katie Nokelby