I asked ChatGPT (+ web browsing):
"What does contemporary research say about the difference in worth work ethic among recent American generations (e.g. Gen X, Millennials) and the prioritization of results over feelings?"
Response:
"Recent research suggests that there are differences in work ethics among different American generations, such as Millennials, Gen X, and Baby Boomers[1]. One study conducted on the subject found that several dimensions of the work ethic construct, as measured by the Multidimensional Work Ethic Profile (MWEP), were not equivalent across these cohorts. This implies that certain aspects of work ethic may not operate in the same way for different generations. When dimensions were equivalent, several significant mean differences were detected across cohorts, indicating that respondents do differ in important work-related attitudes and behaviors. These differences could be due to respondents interpreting content in different ways based on their generational backgrounds[1].
As for the prioritization of results over protecting feelings, recent research indicates that life priorities and values differ among generations. Younger Americans, such as Millennials and Gen Z, tend to desire a more well-rounded lifestyle, spreading priorities across many areas of life, while older generations like Gen X and Boomers typically approach life more traditionally, strongly valuing health and finances[2]. This generational difference can be partly explained by the socio-historical context in which each generation grew up. For example, Gen X and Boomers grew up during a time where hard work was highly valued and viewed as a direct path to success, while Millennials and Gen Zers came of age in a rapidly changing world with turbulent political and economic circumstances, leading them to question the traditional notion of success[2].
However, there seems to be a recent shift in priorities among all generations, with an increasing emphasis on wellness and happiness. For instance, even Gen X and Boomers, who have historically prioritized work over happiness, are now indicating that being happy and healthy is more important than it was a year prior, with the data being on par with Gen Z and Millennials. This points to a convergence of values across generations[3].
As these studies suggest, the way generations prioritize results over protecting feelings can vary significantly, and it may not be accurate to generalize across entire generations. These generational differences could also be influenced by various factors such as changing socio-economic conditions, cultural shifts, and personal experiences.
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**Footnotes:**
[1] Generational Differences in Work Ethic: An Examination of Measurement Equivalence Across Three Cohorts on JSTOR (https://www.jstor.org)
[2] America Now: Life Priorities Across Generations | Collage Group (https://www.collagegroup.com)
[3] America Now: Life Priorities Across Generations | Collage Group (https://www.collagegroup.com)"