For nearly two years, I’ve been analyzing Gen Y–theirpreferences, where they’re coming from and what makes them tick–andsuggesting how credit unions can tap into their market every monthin this column. In 2013, Credit Union Times will retirethe Gen Y Back Talk column, so this past month has been a time ofreflection for me.

As a member of Gen Y myself, I’ve had a chance to ponder my ownbehaviors as well as the behaviors of the entire group, and I’verealized that not one of us accurately represents the entiregeneration. Sometimes I’ll scroll through my 580 Facebook friendsto remind myself of this: while one 30-year-old friend is singleand spending a year abroad, another is a married homeowner withthree kids.

They’re a diverse group, but from a marketing standpoint,organizations have no choice but to draw some generalizedconclusions. As I bid farewell to the column, I’d like to sharesome final thoughts on Gen Y.

They’re overwhelmed. Gen Y members are bombarded withinformation 24/7 on their mobile devices, computers and TVs, andkeep busy responding to emails, texts, posts and tweets. Theyreceive constant updates on what their peers are doing and what’shappening around the world, which leaves them to second guess theirown life and career choices. As a result, many of them are startingseveral new chapters in their adult lives and changing jobsfrequently.

They don’t want to emulate children at 30. Gen Y members rely ontheir parents as a back-up plan for making ends meet. But they’renot living at home or accepting money out of greed or laziness,they’re doing it because it’s available to them and sociallyacceptable. Most of them are taking the help because in this tougheconomy, it’s their only opportunity to achieve a goal such asfinishing a degree or purchasing a home, and once they’refinancially independent and thriving, they’ll relish in it.

They’re passionate workers. They become easily bored with jobsthat entail punching a clock and engaging in the same activitiesday in and day out. Working for companies with missions that don’talign with their personal interests or beliefs is also a turn-off.But if they’re doing work that’s meaningful and challenging,they’ll give their all to a job. They’re interested in working forsmall companies and start-ups, and credit unions should also takenote that they have a thing for nonprofits. The problem is, it’shard for them to land dream jobs that pay a living wage. They’rewilling to accept imperfect jobs until they find something thatmakes them happy.