One of the things many people (including me) have noticed in the last decade is the change in attitude of employees.

Some will say that I am generalizing in this article and they will be right. I'll admit it upfront and if you read to the end of this article, you will understand why I did this. There is a difference between those older people who fit into the "old normal" category, and the younger people, who I call the "new normal."The "old normal" people tend to have traditional values. Their priorities are God, country, family, work and community. For some, the family ranks as a higher priority. They take a person at their word, often sealing a deal with a handshake.These citizens are usually over 40 years old and have lived through several recessions. They believe that one needs to do a dollar's worth of work for a dollar's pay. They also believe that hard work is rewarded and that sloth can get you fired. They believe in supporting their family and distain government assistance. They pay their bills before the due date and are proud to pay off debt early.Making extra payments on a mortgage is more important than a vacation. Once the house is paid, they save for retirement. When they buy a car it is usually a "good deal" and they keep it for at least a decade, often longer. They believe in marriage, although they may have a divorce or two before they leave this world. They love their children and their doors are always open.When the children have financial or martial problems, they always have a room at the family home. If the offspring need money, Dad and Mom look to their savings to determine how much they can give to their children. They may pay off some credit cards for the children, or help them make a few mortgage payments.These "old normal" people, sometimes called old fogies, are often frugal. They know that there are good times and bad times. They save when times are good and they penny pinch when the economy tanks. Since they are thrifty, they often die with some leftover savings and property. In their wills, they divide the assets among their children, who are often surprised at how much Mom and Dad managed to save.At funerals, a question I often hear from surviving children is "Why did they do without so many things? They had the money, why didn't they spend it when they could?" The children, who are "new normal" just don't understand their parents' logic.When the young people are about to enter the workforce, they put their degrees and scholastic accomplishments on their resumes. They sparkle with enthusiasm as they launch their careers. The old fogies who interview them are often shocked by their salary demands."I had to work here for 30 years before I made a salary like that" is a common response to the salary demands. The applicants always want a list of the benefits and what the company will do for them."What is the outlook for future promotions and salary increases?" they ask.Then they explain that they absolutely must have three weeks vacation. This confounds the old fogies, but since all of the applicants want the world, they sort out the best of the lot and offer one of them a job.Once hired, the younger employees may come into work a few minutes late and leave early. They tend to do the minimum amount of work necessary to keep their job. They are constantly on their cell phones, texting their friends.If a meeting is "boring" them, you can hear the click click click as their fingers tap out tweets for all of their friends to see. They may miss deadlines, often without notifying their superior that they will be late completing a project.The new employees do not understand why things are done a certain way, and make their opinions known. An "old normal" person may see the potential in a young employee and will mentor him or her. Over time, the young employee learns what is expected of them and how best to accomplish their tasks.Meanwhile, they move in with their lover and live in sin for a few years. Then they get married and have a family. All of a sudden, they have bills to pay and the black cloud of a mortgage over their heads. Surprises in the form of a major car repair or a roof leak send them into a financial crisis. Then the recession hits!They are mired in debt and their young children need diapers. There are rumors of layoffs at the company and the job market collapses. Management decides that they can get rid of some of the higher paid employees and there is an exodus of "old normal" people. They may get a handshake, but no gold watch. Sometimes they are fired by email or en masse in the cafeteria.The younger employees see this and learn that loyalty may not be rewarded. But they need their job so they keep their mouths shut; their heads down; and continue with their work.The youngsters realize that they must perform if they are to stay employed. Unemployment figures are rising and many of their friends are out of work. To keep their jobs, they are working harder and longer. They start to save their money and even pay more on their monthly mortgage payment.They buy used sedans instead of new sports cars and rent movies instead of going to the theater. They shop at VF outlets twice a year to clothe the children. As the economy improves, their salaries are increased. They stash it away for their children's education, then weddings and finally retirement.Before too long, they realize that they have become like their parents, the "old normal." They worship God, defend their country, support their families and are active in the community. When they do a task, they do it properly even if it takes longer.Now that they are in management, they are responsible for hiring new employees. They read a lot of resumes."These young kids want to start at the top," they say. "They have outrageous salary demands. They don't understand the value of work."To make matters worse, their own children are parents and are having a tough time. Mom and Dad have to help them out with money and sometimes a place to stay.The young whippersnappers think they know it all (and often they do).As one generation ages, another enters the workforce with new ideas and methods. We learn from our elders and we become elders.Thank God spring is almost here.And so life goes on.© 2011 Gordon Smith All Rights Reserved