Millennials’ “Get a ‘Real Job’”: Exploring Generational Shifts in the Colloquialism’s Characteristics and Meanings

This study provides a replication of Clair’s research on the colloquialism “real job.” Colloquial meanings are influenced by generational and sociocultural changes; thus, a replication exposes how Millennials who are coming of age during the Great Recession understand the phrase. Analysis of data from 139 currently matriculated Millennials suggests that a real job provides a salary that is utilitarian rather than lucrative, offers medical and retirement benefits, and is fulfilling. Our analysis revealed four themes that are presented under the broad categories of acceptance (right of passage; mark of distinction) and rejection (meaningless concept; relativism) of the colloquialism. Overall, participants were divided about the utility of the term and nearly half of the students rejected that a real job exists. The implications of these findings are discussed.