The 24 x 7 Generation

Charu's joy knew no bounds when her daughter got selected for a job in the country's topmost IT company.The salary was impressive and in line with her software qualification.

Little did Charu realize at that point of time about the complex schedule of the job.Her daughter coming late from office was a cause of great concern for Charu.Although the office cab picked up and dropped the employees at their doorstep but the timing did not seem normal at all.Charu said to her daughter,"Why do'nt you ask your office people to change your shift?"Her daughter replied coolly,"Mom,that is not possible.I am working in U.S.shift."She went on to explain to her mom,when it is evening in India it is office hours in western countries.

Charu belonged to a generation when there was no Internet.Some 30 years back people were not very familiar with computer as well.Times have changed.Job patterns have changed due to Internet.

Due to technological advancement one can remain connected to any part of the world at anytime.Everything is done with a global perspective.Thus jobs have become 24 x 7.Television channels telecast programmes 24x 7.It seems the world never sleeps.

On the face of it everything looks very exciting and attractive.The 24 x7 generation kids have no complaints about it.They are born in this kind of environment.It is the older generation who are reluctant to accept it.

"What will happen after marriage?Your husband and his family might object to your coming late from office."Charu said.Her daughter replied coolly,"Mom,he will understand.He also belongs to this generation."She is right.After all don't the boys have girl colleagues working along with them at 'odd' hours as the older generation calls it.

In metro cities like Delhi,Mumbai,Banglore,when one moves out at night(night here means midnight)one can see cars zooming around,so much hustle and bustle.Young boys and girls moving around taking break from their shifts,enjoying coffee or tea,snacking at the fast food joints.They are young,fearless,know exactly what they want to do in their lives. Their energy level is infectious.They are the 24x 7 generation.They connect with the whole world at the press of a button.Their friend list is endless.They can never loose contact with their school friends because they are always connected with the whole world.They don't have to ask about their little apprehensions to anybody.Here also technology comes to their help.

A word of caution here for the 24 x7 generation people-technology is beneficial without doubt,but it should not take over the closeness of human relationships.

Chitrangada Sharan