For tough jobs, call a baby boomer

This is in response to the article in the Feb. 9 Tribune, “Everything you think about millennial workers is wrong.”

As an employer for the past few decades, I am well aware of the work ethic amongst the various generations (baby boomer, Gen X, Gen Y and millennials). Yes, millennials, you will come in late, leave early and go home sick for a headache. And if we don’t meet your demands for more time off, shorter hours and more benefits, you will quit. That is your choice.

But I also have a choice to replace you with someone with a better work ethic. I will survive. I am a baby boomer, and I am proud. I won’t apologize for rewarding employees for hard work, dedication and loyalty. The boomers and Gen Xers I’ve hired over the years will work 10 hours a day, climbing mountains in 100-degree heat without complaining. They’ve seen good economic times and bad and never take their paycheck for granted.

Yes, millennials, you are strong and confident. You can be anything. While you are making the world a better place, there will be boomers and Gen Xers getting stuff done. When I need help with my website or getting into the cloud, I’ll call you, but when I want to get some hard work done, I’ll call a boomer.

This story was originally published February 13, 2016 at 4:32 PM with the headline "For tough jobs, call a baby boomer."