On the heels of my “How to Raise a Millennial” article, I was asked to assist in creating a continuing education class for independent agents centered on ways to bridge the gap between industry veterans looking to retire and untapped young talent. As I was attempting to define both groups and how they relate to each other, I rested on the concept of wanderlust. On the surface it is a term used to describe an intense longing to travel, to experience what it is like in other parts of the world. However the undercurrents of this concept from a generational perspective are causing waves in the workforce.

For many working Americans, particularly Baby Boomers (people born between 1945 and 1965), wanderlust is the ultimate destination of life; the reward at the end of a long career, typically in the same industry, that comes hand in hand with retirement. However, for Millennials (people born between 1980 and 2000) wanderlust is the ultimate journey of life; the process by which they find their place in the world and leave their mark on it. These competing views provide insight of the issues that are surfacing as the reigns of the insurance industry are passed from Baby Boomers to Millennials.

Let me explain further. Baby Boomers, as a generation, have placed much effort and emphasis on amassing quantity given their roots as children of survivors of The Great Depression. Quantity for this generation is most prevalent in the form of money. The goal of securing the right amount of money through a lengthy and singular professional emphasis is one part financial security and one part reward. In other words, Baby Boomers work hard and save with the resolution in mind that at retirement they can finally travel and experience life.