Gen X no slaves to the corporation

The story “Companies must plan to fill void left as boomers retire” (Oct. 23) was correct in identifying the growing problem to many corporations as the baby boomer generation retires.

However, to add to the problem is the lack of willingness, for good reason, of younger generations to fill that void.

The key to this can be found in the statement “Work-obsessed baby boomers have complicated the transition planning . . . because the post-war generation ‘has defined work as a way to be a winner in the game of life.’ ”

To members of Generation X, like me, life is not the sum of your career accomplishments but the values and virtues you embraced and sacrifices made to people -- loved ones, family -- not work. We see our vocation as embracing life and family, not the corporate world.

Work is a means to an end, a paycheck that supports your life, not life itself. Further, while work is important, dedicating so much time to a job where you will most likely eventually be laid off, as most members of my generation have experienced, is pointless.

Unless corporate America embraces work-life balance, flexible schedules, telecommuting and other areas that create a healthy family life, many will simply say no to the promotion and go home to their kids instead.

Marc Seanassey

Glendale