Anger: The word itself evokes a multitude of emotions and memories. Like almost everything else, anger, when practised with caution and measure, can lead to better productivity and motivation, leading to career growth. However, people can rarely check the flow of anger once it starts to break the dams of control. Anger is an outburst towards external situations, but it often inflicts more harm on the internal calm and tranquillity. Passion, Violence, Wrath- in different forms can be detrimental to your career as well!
The new generation, or the Millenials, is often accused of being too angry. This accusation is not without valid reasons supporting the claim. The Internet, documentaries, movies and tv serials are filled with instances of Bullying, Hate Speech, Racism, Xenophobia, Homophobia, and almost every other discriminatory practice. The number of road rage incidents has surged tremendously. Why is it that the new generation has become a victim of anger?
In this article, we will analyze:
- Reasons behind increasing anger in the new generation
- Effects of anger on professional life
- How can you keep anger in check
Why is the New Generation Angry?
While it is true that the new generation is angrier than the previous ones, they have legitimate reasons to be angry. The present generation has taken birth in times of crippling world order, massive humanitarian crises, the ugly epoch of capitalism, and an endangered environment.
You may like to read : Alternative Careers to Protect the Environment
The world continues to be ruled by people who belong to the previous generation, often called the ‘boomers’. This double trouble of having to compete for basic amenities and helplessness in solving societal issues is one of the primary reasons behind the ever-growing anger issues in the new generation.
Besides this larger narrative, there are also specific career-related issues that are making the younger generation angry:
Cut Throat Competition: From nursery admissions to promotion in job, individuals, mostly in the developing world, have to clear thick walls of competition to move forward in life. The path to the top often involves a lot of trading off of happiness and joy for professional success which leaves a permanent mark of bitterness.
Excessive Work Pressure: In the garb of incentives and handsome pay slips, corporations often end up extracting every bit of creativity and productivity from their employees. The constant pressure to meet deadlines, executing new ideas, and working overtime to meet the demands, leaves most of the individuals with a sense of being cheated.
Inability to Face Rejections: There is so much focus on being successful from the beginning, that there is no training on coping with rejection. As obvious it may sound, one is bound to meet failures and rejections in whatever he chooses to do in life. In the absence of a way to deal with failure, individuals become victims of anger and dejection.
Lack of Meaningful Professional Connections: The portrayal of a career as a battlefield automatically leads to the portrayal of colleagues as enemies. Thus, one tends to be very limited in professional interactions, which culminates in a sense of isolation.
Effect of Anger on Career Prospects:
Understanding the causes behind the angry young generation was just a part of the story. It is equally important to understand how anger affects a person’s professional life and career prospects.
Unsatisfactory Work Life: Work forms a significant chunk of the life of an individual. If a person continues to be engulfed in anger because of small stimuli, then it will be difficult for them to have a fulfilling work life. An outburst of anger may pass away after a while but often has long-reaching consequences. Physical discomfort in the form of headaches and high blood pressure takes a toll on productivity as well as health.
Missing Out On Opportunities: Honestly put, no one likes to deal with angry people. While you may have reasons to be dissatisfied with a new decision or company policy, getting angry is not the best way to showcase that. Outbursts of anger will only diminish your chances to progress and grow in your career.
Facing Disciplinary Action: While your subordinates may bear with your outbursts out of courtesy or professional constraints, your seniors do not have any obligation to do so. Unprofessional behaviour can lead to severe disciplinary action.
How to Deal With Anger:
The biggest question that remains once we have understood the causes and effects is that how to manage anger. It is a slow and lengthy process, but by following specific steps, you can conquer your anger issues.
Having Realistic Expectations: This is probably the most critical factor in dealing with anger. Unfulfilled expectations are the breeding ground for angry thoughts. Acknowledging the fact that career growth is a slow and arduous process will help you not have unrealistic expectations of succeeding overnight.
Practising Mindfulness: Mindfulness means being aware of your surroundings, your thoughts, and your body. It is a way to control how you respond to external situations by being in control of your internal self. Activities like colouring, meditating are proven to make one more mindful.
Separating Work and Life: Work forms a part of life and thus should be separate from it. Setting clear boundaries will help you have a wholesome experience other than your work, which will lead to more contentment.
