I have not been a real student of generational terminology. Being born in 1964, however, I knew I was at the very butt end of the "baby boomers". I never felt that was applicable to me especially since my father wasn't even a teenager yet at wars end. So I think I will change and become Gen X now that you have given me the 1961-81 window.
I was born in 1958, 1 year after Sputnik was launched.
I distinctly recall my generation being referred to as the "Space Age" generation, distinctive from the Baby Boomers and what is now called Gen X.
So I am going to hang into the "Space Age Baby" moniker.
I grew up as a young child in the Go-Go 60s, and was a teenager in the 1970s when the Womens' Liberation Movement was in full swing. Young girls were being actively encouraged to enter non-traditional careers (now referred to as STEM).
The Space Race and Cold War were huge factors in the advances in technology and generous funding of R&D. It was a no brainer to set my goal to become a techie.
So I majored in Physics, using a full tuition scholarship, College W*rk Study, lots of federal FA based on merit, and summer jobs as a mechanic. I went on to study Computer Science after graduation because there were no j*bs for a fresh graduate with a BS Physics where I chose to live. I chose CS classes based on what the want ads asked for.
I eventually was able to take graduate courses in Engineering. I never completed the MSEE degree but had tons of practical experience from w*rk. I read a lot of manuals and took every training opportunity that crossed my path.
My point is whatever you do, you must be flexible and willing to continue education in the form of taking individual classes (on site or online) if that is what the j*b market dictates. You must have a Plan B, and a Plan C, etc etc.
My personal message to young people (under 18) today is...
Every race is won with the first step...sitting in the basement at the 'rents playing video games non-stop just ain't gonna cut it.
Jump on every opportunity to learn something.