For the first time in history, four generations are working side-by-side. A recent infographic by NextGeneration Recruitment says Gen X are considered the best workers, Gen Y are the most passionate and committed to succeed, and Gen Z are tech experts who are the most connected with one another. That’s a good start, but we dug a little deeper to learn what we could about  generational differences.

Read on to find out if you’re typical of your generation, or if maybe you were born a few years too early or too late.

Generation X
Born: 1966-1976
Came of Age: 1988-1994
Population: 1.44 billion

This generation came of age before the digital revolution and was influenced by geopolitical events. From the fallout of the Vietnam War to the nuclear arms race and the Cold War, to September 11, and terrorism, these events shaped Generation X. They were also influenced by social trends during their youth, including moms going to work, an increasing divorce rate, and seeing their parents’ careers impacted by recessions.

Gen Xers are often thought of as the first generation that will NOT do as well financially as their parents did. Still, they’re every bit as ambitious; they value educational attainment, pragmatism, and work-life balance. They have a lack of organizational loyalty and a sense of self-reliance and independence. While they have high job expectations, they are suspicious of materialism. Many have moved toward thinking globally, and most value technological literacy, though they don’t have the advantage of having grown up during the digital revolution.

Generation Y
Born: 1998-2006
Came of Age: 1996- 2010
Population: 1.72 billion

Social market research firm WJSchroer describes this generation as highly sophisticated, technologically savvy, and immune to most traditional marketing and sales pitches.

Many accounts claim that Generation Y have been shaped by the technological revolution of their youth, and have come of age with technology. They are online and connected 24/7. They are highly social, but in an age where the word “social” has been broadened to include digital connectedness. Previous generations have questioned whether digital mediums are diluting their social skills (as well as Gen Z’s).

Generation Y members are also known to be more racially and ethnically diverse than previous generations. They grew up seeing their Baby Boomer parents working in corporate America, which has influenced their own hopes and expectations for how to balance work with more leisure time. Among their working values are achievement, competitiveness, advanced degrees, technological prowess, and optimism balanced with realism. Previous generations have described them as highly ambitious, but not entirely focused. They look to superiors for direction and help in achieving their goals.

Generation Z
Born: 1995-2012
Coming of Age: 2013-Present
Population: 2.52 billion

This generation is now beginning to enter the workforce. As globalization and technology are transforming our world, they are also shaping the behaviors, ideas, and educational/professional values of Generation Z.

Global research and advisory firm Universum surveyed nearly 50,000 members of this generation across 47 countries.  What they found was that their parents have had the greatest influence on their educational and professional decision-making, but the perspectives of friends and teachers are important too. If you thought they were most influenced by peers through social media, this may be a positive sign that the life experience of older generations has been more impactful. The study also showed that intellectual curiosity is the strongest motivator in a course of study, and that money and the opportunity to help people are also strong factors.

In addition, Generation Z workers are entrepreneurial in nature, and a work-life balance and job security are their most important career goals. Unfortunately, they are generally less optimistic about being able to find career satisfaction than Generation Y. Older generations also know them as the generation that is drowning in college debt. Finally, they’re hungry for information and they have the digital tools to satiate their needs.

Now that you’ve got a broad understanding of these generational differences, it’s time to self-assess. Are you typical of your own generation, or another? If none of the above values resonate, but you do value honor, gallantry, and cultivating the land in order to serve the nobles, you may be among the last of the Gen M’ers (for Medieval). Aye!