Plugged In: The Generation Y Guide to Thriving at Work

by Tamara J. Erickson

They make up nearly one-third of all Americans living today. Born after 1980, they're now pouring into the work world with values, aspirations, and approaches that differ markedly from their parents--and coworkers. They're Generation Y.

In Plugged In, Tamara Erickson shows Gen Y's how to use their own unique strengths to understand and influence their professional relationships, to figure out how they define "success," and to help them find their way in the changing workplace.

Filled with Erickson's extensive research into demographic trends and thoughtful insights, Plugged In gives Gen Y's the information they crave to connect with the working world and to craft the lives they want.

The author
· A framework Y's can use to develop their own criteria for making career choices
· The unique assets and strengths Y's bring to the workplace
· How X'ers and Boomers view Generation Y and how the different generations can collaborate more effectively at work
· 10 rules that can help Generation Y's succeed in the corporate world

With her trademark warmth and liveliness, Erickson provides a thoughtful, valuable guidebook for the latest newcomers on the corporate scene.

Genres: Business, Nonfiction, Personal Development

304 pages, Hardcover

First published October 7, 2008

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 2 out of 5]

This took me awhile to slog through. The book makes some good points and I'm glad I read it, despite being a Gen Xer. The book was obviously written before the economy headed south. Do some parents really accompany Gen Y kids to their job interviews and call the potential employers?

[Carolyn Russett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is written for those in Generation Y - a bit of a career guide for them on how to exert their influences effectively at work; drawing insight from those around them to make important career choices, etc. But it's not just for those in that generation. It really looks a little bit at all the different generations in the work force, gives hints to the Generation Y's on how to work alongside with all of them, looking at their characteristics and why they act they way they do. If you are in the work force, to me, that is always a fascinating subject. And the author related this very simply and clearly. Good book!

[Stancalău · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book to put into perspective the particularities of what makes generation Y (including myself) different from others. It sheds some light onto the events that may have had an impact on our childhoods and lead them to having the values Y-s have. It also briefly touches the events that marked former generations to put ours into perspective and understand what others value and why.
Then it goes on to describe the workforce environment of the late 2000s (but mostly accurate today too) and how Y-s fit in.
Lastly, it covers good career advice for any Y.

I would recommend this book to anyone in the Y generation or who wants (or needs) to understand and interact with them.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is amazing and really helped me understand myself and the way that people view me. It really came in handy a few weeks ago as I was interacting with my co-workers who are older than I am. I really recommend this to everyone but especially to people between under thirty. It really helps and it also shows you that you aren't alone! Read it, I know you'll love it!

[Ernest · Rating 3 out of 5]

With real insights and written in an engaging way, Erickson provides a good look into Generation Y. There is something to get out of this book for all generations, although the natural limitations of an American-centred book must be acknowledged.

[David Leroy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book a few years back, and it has stuck with me, because much of what she describes in the book, at first I resisted, but in all honesty, I thnk she does a great job at nailing many of the characteristics of my generation.

[Stacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting look at Generation Y and the interactions between different generations in the workplace.

[Brian Kovesci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read @ work through IKON. Fascinating. Gen Y is an odd group. I wan to read her other books now.

[Prejudice Neutrino · Rating 1 out of 5]

An atrocious corporate manifesto that belongs in the trash. How can someone be so disassociated with the topic they are writing a book on?

Seriously lady, you’re nuts.