Archive for: February, 2012

Is Texting Dying?

Feb 29 2012 Published by under Liz B.

writer’s note: I was dying last week – with the flu/some bug and therefore this might be the shortest blogpost ever. But I had to pick this topic because I am really curious what others think.

by Liz B.

Recently, I’ve been noticing that texting does not always provide a quicker response than email. I’ve also probably sent more unanswered texts then unanswered emails (to people I know). This may be indicative of the difference between personal and work relationships and the necessity to respond but I think it also indicates the slow death of the text message and here is why.

You can’t talk to a wall

When you send a text on your phone there is no indication as to whether or not that person is near their phone, has time to respond, or even that their phone is on and working. I live hundreds of miles from my closest friends and usually when I send them a text message, I don’t expect an immediate response. It’s more of a – just thinking about you and here’s this funny thing that I saw on TV. And I know that when they get around to it, they might respond. I also know that they might not respond. I almost feel like texting is turning into the snail mail of our age. Sure, I sent a friendly note but when you send a greeting card to a friend you don’t really expect a letter in response, do you? Text messages for me are more like “just sending this your way for whenever you get a chance to read it and we can have a conversation over a couple of day’s span, responding when we each have time.”

Which brings me to my second point…

There are more instant, responsive ways of communicating.

Last week, when I got sick. I had a 20+ email conversation with one of my colleagues. I was emailing from my phone and she was on her computer. This was more instant and responsive than text messaging because she responded to my email. I knew she was on her email and that if I replied she would be available. For texting – sure if someone responds you know they are available but I can almost guarantee a response from my other millennials if I email during the day and its just a quick question. I can also guarantee that if I gchat a friend who is “available” that they will at least respond with – sorry heading into a meeting if they can’t talk. Texting lacks multiple response outlets and the ability to tell follower texters if you are available. You can email from anywhere but you can only text message from your phone.

and finally….

Millennials are on their computers 20 times more than on their cellphones.

Think about this - if you left your cell phone at home – how many people would you really need to email or contact to let them know you won’t be responding to their texts that day. Now think about what if your email disappeared for the day and you stopped tweeting and you weren’t on g-chat or Facebook chat or ichat – yes I still use ichat. How many people might notice? This actually happened to me last week because I was out ill and therefore asleep with my phone but not my computer. I finally got a text from my best friend who g chats me occasionally asking if I was alive because she hadn’t seen me on in three days. For millennials whose jobs revolve around their computer, texting is becoming OLD and SLOW and non-adjustable.

final writer’s note – I totally concede that it might simply be that texting isn’t dying and I just don’t have friends that text me. Feel free to let me know that texting is alive and well. Also I am curious to see if something like iMessage might provide a revamp of the text message system.

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To learn more from or connect with Liz, follow her on Twitter (where she might respond quicker than a text) – @LizBraden33.
You can also follow the entire Millennial Chat team here.
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What do you think?
Is texting alive and well? Or is it dying?
Comment below, join the discussion on Facebook, or tweet us!

4 responses so far

What Did I Forget to Bring to a Conference?

Feb 28 2012 Published by under Jennifer S. 

by Jennifer S.

All of us are going to need to pack for business travel at some point, and I bet most of us have already made a trip or two.  I went to New York back in October, but it wasn’t until I went to a local conference that I realized how essential some items were.  Because I forgot them! Thankfully, the conference was only about 20 minutes away from my apartment so when I figured out what I was missing I could grab it the next day. Here’s a list of 3 things I somehow forgot to bring along.

iPhone Charger and Cord

Especially after last week’s chat on how millennials feel the need to be connected all the time, I know what you’re thinking.  How could I have forgotten to bring along a phone charger? Well, the answer is I didn’t use my phone that much during the first two days and just charged it overnight when I got home. I never thought that I’d use my phone enough to drain the battery, but I almost did on the last full day. It was the one day that I did a lot of tweeting from a session, which took up a lot of battery life. But I’ve learned my lesson and am never without my charger and cord, even if I’m just at the office!

Snack Food

I have a very set schedule of eating every couple of hours and my body rebels if I don’t get my snacks. So, if your body is used to a very specific way of eating like mine is, make sure to bring some nutritious snacks that you can eat quickly. I made sure to have a couple of granola bars in bag, since they didn’t take up much space in my bag, didn’t need to be kept cold and I already had them on hand.

Flats

Now, this is specifically for those of us who wear heals. I wore heels for two days at the conference and by the end of the day, my feet were hurting. Not the best feeling if you have to drive home in heels too. If I had thought ahead, I would have thrown a pair of flats into my car and avoided the pain. Bring along a pair of flats, especially if you are not used to being on your feet all day long, and your feet will thank you!

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To learn more from and connect with Jennifer, follow her on Twitter – @JenniferLSpies
You can also follow the entire Millennial Chat team here.
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What do you bring along to a conference or workshop?
Are there some things you wish you had never brought along?
Comment below, join the discussion on Facebook, or tweet us!

4 responses so far

Adding Volunteer Work to Your Resume

Feb 23 2012 Published by under Sarah B. 

by Sarah B.

Millennials on the job hunt face all kinds of tough requirements.  Some entry level jobs want you to have years of experience, professional references, and more.  What do you do if your employment history is mostly made up of the retail or serving jobs you held to pay your bills in college?  Maybe you have a few years of work experience under your belt, but the only good reference you have is your current boss.  What if you’ve been unemployed recently?  Consider the work you may have done where you never received a paycheck.   If your volunteer work isn’t on your resume, it’s time to add it!  (You can even add a section to your LinkedIn profile.) Employers are still interested in the quality of the projects you completed as a volunteer, even if you never got paid.  Volunteering shows a commitment to the wellbeing of others, concern for your community, and can demonstrate that you are a reliable and dependable individual.  In some cases, it might demonstrate that you have good communication or management skills.  A volunteer supervisor could even be a great person to ask for a professional reference.

Here’s what volunteer experience looks like on my LinkedIn profile:

Here are some hints for making your volunteer work valuable to employers:

Add only volunteer work which demonstrates a significant commitment and/or highlights your skills.
Think about what you want employers to know about you from looking at your resume.  Add work you did for a length of time that shows you’re a committed worker (six months or more).  Only add short-term project-based assignments if you used skills that might transfer to your job.  (For example, have you gone to another country to teach English? This might show you can work with a diverse group of people.) Skip the charity walks, street cleanups, or other one day events unless you went above and beyond as a fundraiser or organizer.

Describe your unpaid work the same way you describe your paid experience.
Make a clear section of your resume for volunteer work, so you can use titles such as tutor, mentor, or staff assistant.  Describe your work using the same kind of action words used in your paid work.  Think about using words that describe the skills you want the employer to know that you have: managed, created, built, organized, and coordinated are all good transferable skill words to use.  Make note of any special accomplishments that you can quantify such as amount of money raised, number of students tutored, or number of houses built.

Don’t include volunteer work which might reveal personal information.
If your volunteer work is primarily affiliated with a religious or political group or with a group which might identify your race, sexual orientation, or other personal characteristic, consider using neutral language to describe your contributions.  Focus on your job title and skills, not on your connection to the organization.  You may consider omitting this affiliation on your resume and simply describing your contributions during an interview instead.

Talk about your volunteer work during an interview.
Ever been stumped when you’re asked to tell an interviewer “about a time when…”?  Think about your volunteer experiences.  Volunteers handle stressful situations, work in groups, connect with people who are different from them, and manage their time.  Chances are, you probably have some great stories that will show off your skills to an employer!

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To learn more from and connect with Sarah, follow her on Twitter – @SarahKathleen
You can also follow the entire Millennial Chat team here.
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How do you portray your volunteer experience on your resume?  Has volunteering ever helped you get a job?

 

9 responses so far

#DAYAFTER: Mobile #Millennials & Staying connected at all times

Feb 22 2012 Published by under Day After

Yesterday’s #millennialchat produced 309 tweets generated 394,254 impressions, reaching an audience of 22,441 followers within the past 24 hours.
(stats provided by hashtracking.com)

And congrats to our top 5 tweeters -
1. @larkingrant – 75 tweets
2. @jenniferlspies – 39 tweets
3. @writerchanelle – 35 tweets
4. @codyg1985 – 24 tweets
5. @willie_matis – 22 tweets

5 responses so far

A Lesson in Self Reflection

Feb 20 2012 Published by under Megan E., Uncategorized 

by Megan E.

I donʼt know about you guys, but for me it can be really easy to fall into a technology rut. I get so wrapped up in school, work, and friends that I forget to appreciate the nicer things in life. I neglect to explore all the incredible things in my city that lie just outside my apartment door. So I decided to do something about it.

A beautiful weekend and some much needed free time led me to check out San Franciscoʼs coast line. Armed with a favorite book, some serious snacks, and my trusty backpack, I spent a glorious two and a half hours relaxing, reading, and taking in the
scenery. And it was nice.

Immediately I felt my mind clear and my muscles relax. It felt great to do something so simple, just walk. I explored the caves and ruins of Sutro Baths and then continued on along the coast to a spot overlooking Golden Gate Bridge. The afternoon light gave the water a magical glow and I watched the sun begin to set past the oceanʼs horizon.

As I got back on the bus to head home, I thought back on the experience I had. I realized that no matter how busy we get, its so important to set time aside for self reflection. If you never take a moment to appreciate what you already have in life, you end up just going through the motions without considering the importance of your actions.

Beyond reports, research papers, meetings, and deadlines, we have to remember to enjoy the time we have right now. Without doing that, youʼre just allowing those reports, research papers, meetings, and deadlines take over your life.

While itʼs no doubt important to pursue your goals, we must do so without compromising what matters. As our generation matures we must understand that the little things are important too. That thereʼs a world that lies beyond technological innovation and
success, that life exists without Facebook, and that sometimes all you need is a nice walk.

Keeping this in mind, Iʼve decided to devote at least a few hours a week to getting outside and exploring the city Iʼve grown to love. No matter how hectic life gets, Iʼm pledging to make time for myself.

And I suggest you do the same.

Weʼre a generation made up of some incredible young people. Millennials have proven time and time again that weʼre focused, engaged, and committed to finding solutions to the ills that pervade society. But as I have stated previously, all work and no play can make a Millennial lose the very inspiration that incited the work in the first place.

So take a break. Disconnect. Go outside. Live your life.

When you return to your goals, youʼll remember what made you set them in the first place. Youʼll find that inspiration that drove you to where you are today. Most importantly, youʼll gain the strength to keep fighting for the things you believe in.

And believe me, its worth it.

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To learn more from or connect with Megan, follow her on Twitter – @MeganEmme.
You can also follow the entire Millennial Chat team here.
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What do you do in order to make some time for yourself?
In what ways do you try to disconnect and make sure you ‘smell the breeze’ every now and again?
Comment below, join the discussion on Facebook, or tweet us!
(Kind of ironic we asked you this after this post, huh?)

Comments are off for this post

The Hate Side of My Love-Hate Relationship with Twitter

Feb 17 2012 Published by under Jennifer S. 

by Jennifer S.

I love social media, as much as one can love technology. I love the connections it creates.  I love how easy it is to share information and ideas. But, as much as I love social media, I also hate how some abuse it. What do I hate? Here are some of the top things Twitter abuses that make me want to scream.

Image from flick.com/evilerin

The “You’ve just followed me on Twitter, here’s fifty million other places to find me” DM
I’m at the point on Twitter that if I follow someone, it’s because of what they are tweeting. So what I hate is the impersonal, automated direct messages that I get right after following someone that links to their Facebook page, LinkedIn profile, Tumblr, Google+ profile, blog, website, and on and on. It’s great to know that I could stalk you on all these other places, but I’ve made my choice to follow you on Twitter and that’s where I am connecting with you now.

I’ve heard the case of “I get so many people asking me where else to find me, so I find this easier” but would it really kill to you add a short “Thanks for following me, I’m also active on…” and choose the site people are asking you about most often?

Facebook Posts…on Twitter?
I will have to say, my alma mater is guilty of this and it frustrates me. They are the reason this way of cross-posting bugs me so much. All their Facebook posts automatically post to Twitter and then also link to the Facebook post. It might be an easy way to fill up your Twitter feed, but I do not know a lot of people who want to link jump all over the Internet to read a post.

Facebook and Twitter are two different platforms with different expectations for their posts. Take the time to repurpose your Facebook post for Twitter and the shorter format. This goes for any cross-platform posting you do, don’t just use Hootsuite to type in your post and click on all your social media accounts to post the exact same thing. Take the time to customize the post for each platform and I bet you’ll find a lot more interaction.

Hashtag Overkill
Short and sweet, make your hashtags count. Be hashtag responsible. Don’t get me wrong, I love hashtags (and really should use them more often). They are great for organizing your tweets with others and searching for tweets, whether it is on a topic, event or Twitter chat. But they also cut down on the readability of your tweet, so don’t make every single word a hashtag. People might find your tweet from a hashtag search but it doesn’t make you look very Twitter-literate.

Not Using Shortened Links
Please, you only have 140 characters (or 120 if you want to increase your chances of being retweeted) don’t make most of it a link. Use a product like bit.ly or hoot.ly to shorten your links and then you have more room to explain what your link is all about. 99% of the time, full links don’t give me a clue to what you are sending me to. Save characters and tell me where I am going and why I should click on your link.

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To learn more from or connect with Jennifer, follow her on Twitter – @JenniferLSpies
You can also follow the entire Millennial Chat team here.
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Well, I feel better know that I’ve let out all my Twitter hate. Want to rid your conscious of all the social media hate you are holding on to? Post your pet peeves below, I promise you will feel wonderful afterwards!

One response so far

Be A Friend. To Yourself

Feb 16 2012 Published by under Larkin G.

Photo Credit: D Sharon Pruitt

by Larkin G.

By now you’re probably all loved out. Tired of the conversation hearts, the red and pink, teddy bears, and all around ooey gooey-ness that is Valentine’s Day.

Which is why I will not be talking about it.

But I will be talking about love. The kind that gets overlooked this time of year.

If you want coupley love, my fellow Millennial Chat Team member Stacy did a great job of that here.

Say What?!

What would you do if your best friend said any of these self-deprecating statements?

“I’m too fat.”
“That girl is much prettier than me.”
“He doesn’t like me because I’m ugly.”
“I didn’t get that job because I’m stupid.”

You’d quickly tell her that she was mistaken. And yet this is how we talk about ourselves.

All. The. Time.

You Talkin’ To Me?

We would never allow our friends to say awful things about themselves, and yet we say them about ourselves day in and day out. Why will we allow ourselves to be insulted in a way that is unacceptable to our friends? Do we value ourselves so little? Or our friends that much more? I argue that we are more objective about our friends than we are about ourselves. With ourselves we are, understandably, biased. We can’t see that we are being much too harsh on ourselves. Falling prey to ill-conceived logic.

Be A Friend

As a society, we often talk about how to (or not to) love other people, but we often over look how to love someone more important, ourselves. Instead any time that we show love for ourself, it is dismissed as ego-centric and self-aggrandizing. This self-assurance is not ego-boosting but rather a necessary component to healthy self-esteem.

So how do we get to this healthy self-esteem? Especially if we’re stuck in the self-deprecating thinking patterns?

Note: I am not currently nor have I am ever been any kind of -ologist, so these are all un-official opinions.

Find a way to be more objective and remove yourself from the equation. Evaluate your statements as if they were coming out of your friend’s mouth. For example, you think:

“I look like a hippo! No one will ever like me.”

What would you say to your friend if she said this? Now say that same thing yourself. Be your own best friend.

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To learn more from and connect with Larkin, follow her on Twitter – @LarkinGrant
And you can follow the entire Millennial Chat team here.
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How have YOU worked on yourself so far this year?
What words of advice would you give someone who is trying to boost their self-confidence?
Comment below, join the discussion on our Facebook page, or tweet us!

Comments are off for this post

#DAYAFTER: Undergrad, Grad School No School – How #millennials become successful!

Feb 15 2012 Published by under Day After

Yesterday’s #millennialchat day produced 185 tweets, generated 92,566 impressions, and reached an audience of 8,587 followers. (see all stats at hashtracking.com)

And congrats to our top 5 tweeters -
1. @larkingrant: 42 tweets
2. @jenniferlspies: 36 tweets
3. @millennialchat: 28 tweets
4. @irenicimplement: 21 tweets
5. @willie_matis: 18 tweets


Comments are off for this post

It’s All About Balance

Feb 14 2012 Published by under Stacy M.

[photo source]

In honor of Valentine’s Day I thought I would talk about life balance.  Whether you have a special someone or you’re still looking for that special someone, balancing work and your love life is important.

 

Relationships are hard work. 

You have to put in the time and the effort.  Your relationship isn’t going to grow on it’s own.  But putting in the time and effort isn’t always easy with a full-time job, especially in a world where we are constantly on the go and always connected.

I am not your typical millennial.  I got engaged the beginning of my senior year in college, I had just turned 21.  I got married two years later at 23.   And I am still happily married.  So, my insight might be slightly different, as I’ve lived with my husband ever since graduation.  I didn’t have to figure out how to date and have a job.  But I did have to figure out how to manage a relationship and a job.

 

And here’s how we make it work:

 

 Shut Off That Damn Computer

I’d be lying if I said the computer wasn’t an issue off and on in our relationship.  Sitting behind your computer all night is not a good idea.  Over time we’ve gotten better about setting quiet hours.

We try and spend at least a couple of hours a night during the week with our computers off.

We watch TV, watch a movie, share a glass of wine (or two), or play a board game instead.  Whatever we do, we do it together, without the interference of technology.

 

Just Ask

Sometimes, we get caught up in what we’re doing.  One of us doesn’t diligently put our computers away.  And the other one sits there hoping for some quality time.  Our solution?  Just ask.  Neither of us would intentionally ignore the other person.  But sometimes we just don’t realize when we are.  So, now we just ask.  And we always oblige immediately, or at least right after we quickly finish whatever we were working on.

 

Reclaim Your Weekend 

Some of us work a lot.  More than the standard 40 hours per week.  But weekends are your time.  It is the best time to spend time with your significant other or go on a couple of dates.  Even if you absolutely need to get some work done on the weekends, make sure you schedule it appropriately.

Saturday is always my day.  Unless there’s a work emergency, I make it a point not to work on Saturdays.  Most of the time, I don’t even touch my email.

 

Get Out And Leave Your Phones Behind

On the weekends, we spend a lot of time outside.  It’s hard not to when you live in Southern California.  There are always errands to run.  We hike most weekends.  Sometimes we bike along the coast.  And, of course, we try to spend time with friends.

Regardless of what we’re doing on the weekend, we do our best to leave the phones behind or at least keep the checking to a minimum.

I’ll admit it.  I am guilty of obsessively checking my phone for emails.  And it drives my husband crazy at times.  But when we’re outside being active, I never look at my phone.  When we’re out to dinner, I never look at my phone.  When we’re out socializing with other people, I really try to not look at my phone.

 

We focus on spending time with each other and the people that matter to us. 

 

I know I spent most of the time talking about technology.  But in this globalized interconnected world where everyone is always “on” that is your biggest relationship barrier.  You need to spend time offline living in the real world.

 

 The Internet is fun, but there’s nothing that compares to spending time with the one you love. 

One response so far

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