I can be led, so lead me.

I've lost count of the number of times over the last decade that I've watched presentations that make reference to the generational differences in workplace motivation between the Baby Boomers and the younger generations of X (~1961 to ~1981) and Y (~1982 to ~1999).

For the most part, they all tend to focus on the what and ignore the why.  They aren't generally negative or judgmental in tone — they're business presentations, after all — but without any historical perspective to ground the differences to probable causal factors, what's the probable take-away for Baby Boomers?  They leave with yet another version of the inventory of demands and expectations of their subordinates and co-workers, and whatever preconceptions they entered the presentation space with left firmly intact.

It's tempting to think that the differences in younger people are tied to flawed character, unrealistic expectations, ambivalence about traditional values, disconnection from organized religion, lingering preoccupation with comics and video games...  A conscious choice to ignore the lessons of the older generation.  General failure to grow up.

On Parental Leave

When my wife became pregnant with our third child, I'd just 'officially' graduated with my Master's degree and was working on casual contract for the Government of Canada.  A few months later, I became a permanent ('indeterminate') and among the benefits I was eligible to receive was Parental Leave Without Pay.  Admittedly, this sounds like a bit of a non-benefit until you read the following section of the ES / EC Collective Agreement which defines Parental Allowance: a second benefit automatically granted to those who qualify for Parental Leave Without Pay.

Basically, between the income replacement that one is entitled to from Employment Insurance and the employee benefits paid out under the terms of the Agreement, an indeterminate employee can stay home to raise their baby at nearly full pay (93%) for one year (2 Weeks Waiting Period + 18 Weeks Maternity Benefit + 32 Weeks Parental Benefit).

Now as the father, I wasn't entitled to any Maternity Benefit — my wife could take that — but the 32 weeks... 8 months away from work... well, maybe I could take that...

Safely Ignorable Content: Quit Following Me

Yesterday afternoon on the bus ride home, I watched from the window as a flock of birds circled and dived around the roof of a high-rise apartment complex. One bird had a slight lead, several others were a length behind, while another three dozen or so were clustered in pursuit. I turned in my seat to watch for as long as I could, before the bus turned completely out of sight.

Being the kind of person I am, I naturally thought: "Twitter". I mean, wouldn't you?

The interesting thing about this spectacle was the seemingly random path of the leader.

My thoughts at the time: What the hell are they doing? Is this airborne mass delusion? A group labouring under the misapprehension that the bird out front has some idea where he's going? Or is this just avian recreation? Do birds have fun? God I'm hungry. I also feel a headache coming on. Need gum.