Sometimes I feel very much like a stranger in a strange land. I know that there are generational differences between those of my age and the younger scientists and engineers I work with and advise. But some of them occasionally amaze me. Amaze me through behavior that seems completely out of character from what I would expect from someone in the career they have chosen.
 When those of us who have been anointed by the powers-that-be as minion-level management identify one of the younger scientists or engineers as having real potential, we often seek out special assignments to give them opportunities to advance themselves and their careers. When being offered one of these special assignments, it differs from a regular assignment in that the person is asked “how would you like to try … ?” Since it has always been like this whenever I have been aware, I assume it is like this almost all of the time.
Of late I have been totally amazed at the number of young scientists and engineers who have answered, “No, I really prefer what I am doing to that.” I am shocked because I always wanted to try new things and, with only a few exceptions where I could explain the very specific reasons why I would rather not pursue the assignment, see opportunity in the offer. I am shocked because anytime a boss offered an assignment rather than making an assignment, it has to be a good thing. But, it seems to be happening more often than the young scientist or engineer jumps to accept the offer.
Have generations changed that much? Or, am I forgetting just how many of my generation turned on and tuned out to avoid all the stress that came from pursuing the career track like I did? Probably a little of both.
Is Still Here
Seems like a lot of our generation tuned back in and went straight for the high-stress jobs in all industries. Now, I’m not certain that was right, either.
Perhaps your youngers scientists have learned to hang on to what they like and satisfies them, rather than taking jobs to move their careers forward.
I, like you, jumped at anything and everything especially if it was offered by a boss, understanding it as a rare opportunity to prove myself and get ahead.
As I reflect back now, I don’t know those WERE opportunities, or just more chances to run myself ragged chasing the proverbial brass ring.
Just what happens if that ring turns out to be tarnished beyond repair?
I’m seeing the same thing at an earlier level. I’ll hear a teen or even a child around 10 ask an interesting question. I’ll suggest an experiment to look for an answer or to test a theory. The teen or child will say, “I don’t want to know _that much_” I don’t get it! There is something different about the thinking process of these children. Also, they know how much is the minimum they have to do to get an A. I never knew what the minimum was and always did my maximum if I had any interest in the subject at all.