The Forgotten Generation: Why A Gen X Career Needs More Attention

If you’re feeling unfulfilled by your Gen X career, this episode is for you. Kay Kirkman stops by the podcast to help you get unstuck and move toward work you really want to do.

Have you been stuck in the same job for years and wondering what else is out there? You’re not alone! The good news is that it’s never too late to make a change. Kay Kirkman, an expert on career transitions, joins the podcast to help Gen Xers like you break free from your job rut and move towards work that truly fulfills you.

In this episode we discussed:

An explanation of who is included in Gen X
What makes a Gen X career unique from that of a Baby Boomer or Millennial
How Gen Xers can learn to communicate their value at work
Why learning to pivot is a critical skill for this group
Steps to building your career passion

Unique Struggles of Gen X Professionals

Gen X professionals often find themselves caught between the ages of two generations – the Baby Boomers and Millennials. While they experience all the challenges that come with pursuing a career, their life circumstances are often unique to them.

For Gen Xers just entering or mid-career, competing for jobs in a market dominated by more knowledgeable Millennials can be an intimidating experience. Additionally, Gen Xers often have an obligation to care for aging parents and adult children at the same time. In order to better understand these challenges, it is important to recognize what makes this generation so distinct from its predecessors and successors.

To progress in a Gen X career, you must learn how to navigate these unique obstacles in order to continue moving forward.

Why Gen Xers feel Unfulfilled

Generation Xers, born between 1965 and 1980, are finding themselves feeling unfulfilled in their careers. With the ever-evolving technological revolution, many Gen Xers are struggling to keep up with the changes and find their place in the world.

Many Gen Xers feel as if they haven’t been given the same opportunities for advancement compared to other generations. They often lack access to mentors and resources needed for career development that give younger generations an advantage. Many have also taken over family businesses or opted to work in lower paying jobs due to a lack of financial security coming out of college.

Despite these challenges, there are ways for Gen Xers to take control of their career path and begin finding fulfillment again.

Taking Charge of your Gen X Career

Gen Xers have the potential to take charge of their careers in a number of ways. It is important to stay abreast of industry trends, utilize technology and networks, and develop a career plan that reflects an individual’s interests and abilities. Striving for continuous learning, networking, and self-development can help Gen Xers navigate the professional landscape with confidence and success.

Who is Kay Kirkman?

Kay Kirkman is a speaker, a trainer, a career coach and is also the founder of Kirkman Communications, a career development company based in Atlanta GA. She’s the host of the GenX Career Show, a podcast that helps GenX Professionals discover their career passion and find the work in this world that they were meant to do.

She has spoken internationally, most recently at “A Woman’s Narrative” a female empowerment conference in Paris, France, and has also conducted career development training workshops throughout the US on topics ranging from Emotional Intelligence and Communication Skills to Business Writing and Public Speaking.