Study after study has been conducted on how employers can attract and retain Millennials and how they are changing the workplace. However, as a non-Millennial, specifically a Gen-Xer (ages 34 – 54), I began to examine the impact or effect that Millennials are having on non-Millennials in the workplace. The expectation that stands out the most to me is for rapid career progression. This was never more evident to me than when I was promoted to my current position within my organization.

I work in the financial services industry and have been with the same company for a little over 13 years. I was hired into the company through their Leadership Development Program, which is intended to put graduates of the program on the fast track to success. Although I have progressed very nicely in my career, there were times when I felt that my career was being stalled. However, I later realized that my career stalled because I did not take control of it.

When I first joined the bank, the only people I saw in the position in which I now serve were older or more mature men who had been with the bank for many years. Therefore, in my mind, it would take me years to naturally progress to that position. Once I was hired into the position almost two years ago, I was actually shocked to find that there were people in their twenties and early thirties in the position. My first reaction was that I could not believe that a company would entrust that level of authority to people so young and with such a lack of experience.

As Gen-Xers or Baby Boomers in the workplace, we have to make a decision as to whether we are going to resent Millennials for almost demanding that they are promoted quickly into Senior level positions or learn from them and position ourselves for rapid career progression, as well.

Millennials are definitely having a huge impact on the workforce. However, it is important that employers and managers manage the impact so that is does not negatively impact non-Millennials and the overall morale of the company.

Gynevella Michelle Ballard is an entrepreneur, author, and public speaker. Michelle’s topics include, personal and professional development, financial literacy, and keys to living life on purpose. She is also currently enrolled in the Masters of Entrepreneurship Degree Program at Western Carolina University.