Been a minute for me, good to be back. Assumed you all missed the random spews of commentary from me - figured I'll add another spiel while killing some time. As usual, it'll be an unnecessarily long one for no reason.
This post isn't meant for anybody in particular, but should nevertheless generate some solid dialogue from those who browse and maybe help an overly-stressed intern or two. Think it really comes down to the negative perception I see regarding Gen Z (both the internet and real life), paired with a little bit of self-realization that maybe it's just the classic example of older gens shitting on the younger ones.
That being said, I feel pretty good about the younger folks entering the workforce who will eventually run it. A stamp of approval from this random internet milennial can and should mean nothing - not here for a pat on the back from some 23 y/o, but with our increasingly polarized world hell-bent on worshipping negativity, I figured I'd share some optimism for folks to consider.
With about a billion different factors in mind, ranging from the economy to screen addiction, I think first and foremost: I completely understand how people in my age bracket and older love or hate our recent grads based on how they're feeling that certain day. There's no question that the personality diversity among Z is the largest spread of any gen, so you're naturally going to have a whole lot of qualities you may like in somebody, plenty of others you may not. Simply put, there's a much greater "variance", for lack of a better word, among younger people today than there was when I was growing up. To me, this is one of the most powerful arguments as to why this generation will succeed - not because I necessarily agree with all the lifestyle choices that are normalized, but because the probability of success increases when more options are available. This applies to anything in general, but is something I've overlooked in a viewpoint like this.
It's so easy to make comments and engage in discussions about people's weaknesses, often exacerbated when something has happened that angered or annoyed you. How validating is it to make a WSO post discussing how much you hate Gen Z because today one of them was lazy, or rude, or had broccoli hair, or anything else? You see similar posts made frequently, hear the same shit at work, and now have an opportunity to send a message to the void about how much you hate 'X', and will have plenty of others that agree with you. This is part of a larger discussion about the negativity bias, as mentioned earlier, but a spiel like that is so much easier to make than a positive one. This is what got me thinking about this subject in particular.
Without paying lip service here, I see more examples to promote the positive mindset regarding GZ daily, via data-driven and anecdotal evidence. New grads I encounter continue to strike me as more mature, well-articulated, and disciplined than I was at their age(s). I believe this generation is incredibly resourceful and often see creative solutions executed that I'd never think to start with. Faced with an objectively shittier market at baseline, it seems the positivity/optimism factor within a lot of the folks I've met aids their work ethic while simultaneously acting as the internal drive to get shit done.
On the personal side, they're far more tapped-in with current events, are incredibly tech-savvy, and demonstrate a sense of efficiency I feel is lacking in many of my similar-age friends. Paired with my prior point about increased variance, I think the open-mindedness aids in many of these things - I see so many that are far more confident and outspoken, utilizing our modern tech to satisfy curiosity and gather more holistic opinions of any caliber. Everything I've mentioned in these last two paragraphs feels like objectively good things to me.
HOWEVER,
A given person could use pretty much any example I typed above to form an argument about why GZ is BAD or a term above is BAD, and all that. To be honest, I get it. The increased variations of personalities found in younger people create new archetypes that are good and bad, either of which is often determined by your personal beliefs: your political stance, your financial situation, intrinsic beliefs, etc. Won't sit here and claim that I am a fan of many new personalities I've seen emerge from Gen Z kids, but what I AM a fan of is options. What I am a fan of is exploration of character, driving innovation and competition through different types of people, increasing opportunities, the whole nine. I feel positive about the way we're trending.
This post is getting long, I know - not sure how many GZ's will have read to this point due to shortened attention spans, an example of many more negative aspects I see. There is no question about it - the tech-savvy mindset I praised in prior paragraphs has caused a near equal amount of destruction emulated by younger folks, supporting many of the negative comments I previously criticized. The rise of social media pushing the 'influencer' mindset, the depression and isolation surges, and the overall big-dick-measuring contest pushed by all media has caused an abundance of lazy, sloppy, and absolutely unbearable individuals to dominate headlines and make me want to go back to a flip phone.
I see it too - lack of critical thinking skills, raised with a lack of accountability and respect for those around them. Expecting immediate gratification on all fronts while simultaneously bringing nothing to the table due to dopamine burnout. This problem is very real, but now it's confusing because didn't I just say the exact opposite of all this shit in earlier text?
The negatives exist. But I do believe there are far, FAR more of the positives. The negatives get the clicks, the one-off stories, the outrage and all that. But the optimism is there and I've been super fortunate to get to see the best parts of Gen Z demonstrated in front of me over the last couple of years. Bullish on the generation, and bullish on the U.S., we always seem to figure our shit out. That's a conversation for another time, however.
TL;DR - kids will be fine, that was pretty much the punchline with a lot of word vomit in between. Curious to get thoughts from the community, always found good engagement here. As stated, I am by no means a wise old man, but I've found a lot of value recently by dedicating more of my time to mentoring juniors, so if any of you fresh grads need advice drop them down below.
Good to be back. Cheers.
There are two very different types of Gen Z kids in the office
Interesting split here, largely agree w/ your take. Feel like with my juniors I see way more of the first crowd, could call some conventionally 'lazy', but in reality they're just increasing output / efficiency by finding some way to automate a task that took the last guy hours. Can't say I fault them, but I share your sentiment in cringing about things I said earlier in my career. Seems that it never goes away.
As for your second point, I feel like I witness this too, but often wonder how much the confirmation bias and lack of (relative) imposter syndrome play a role in this. Have had two interns in recent weeks give me a blank stare when attempting to explain what I consider is a relatively simple model to them, but I'm sure there are plenty of examples of me being the same when I was young - just not realizing it then. To your point, once they get rolling, it seems a lot of the new hires are unstoppable, but getting them started feels monotonous. Maybe I can analyze if I should be doing anything better to properly get them in the game.
Idk man, some of the kids in my class are full-on degenerates.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, your post offers a refreshing and balanced perspective on Gen Z, highlighting both their strengths and challenges. The optimism you express aligns with some key themes often discussed in WSO threads, particularly around resilience, adaptability, and the evolving workforce.
Here are a few takeaways and points of alignment with WSO insights:
Variance and Open-Mindedness: The idea that Gen Z's diversity in personality and approach is a strength mirrors the sentiment in WSO discussions about leveraging different perspectives to drive innovation and adaptability in challenging markets.
Resourcefulness and Resilience: Your observation about Gen Z's ability to navigate a tougher market resonates with advice shared in WSO threads about surviving recessions. Many contributors emphasize staying persistent, creative, and open to unconventional paths—qualities you attribute to Gen Z.
Tech-Savviness and Efficiency: The tech-savvy nature of Gen Z is often praised in WSO forums as a critical asset in modern finance and business. Their ability to harness technology for problem-solving and efficiency is seen as a competitive edge.
Negativity Bias and Perception: Your point about the negativity bias aligns with WSO's advice to focus on actionable steps and positive outcomes rather than dwelling on challenges. The emphasis on optimism and persistence is a recurring theme in career advice shared on the platform.
Mentorship and Guidance: Your willingness to mentor and support juniors reflects the collaborative spirit encouraged in WSO communities. Many threads highlight the importance of seeking and offering mentorship to navigate career challenges effectively.
Overall, your post is a thoughtful contribution to the ongoing dialogue about generational dynamics in the workforce. It encourages a balanced view, recognizing both the potential and pitfalls of Gen Z while fostering a sense of optimism and collaboration. Cheers to more discussions like this!
Sources: A Guide to Surviving the Recession for New Grads, Is it just me or are PE Associates garbage these days?, A Guide to Surviving the Recession for New Grads
Dude....by and large, the kids are not alright. This is pure copium
I often find myself looking up slang Gen Z words on my phone while talking to some of them. But all in all, they seem very individualistic and non-corporate (to an extent). I respect it honestly. It's nice to be transparent with another Gen Z coworker at the same role level whose also job searching on the side and has also quiet quit. I don't trust the Milennial coworkers I have at my role level.
As a Gen Z, i think the difference is that millennials pursued the well-trodden path and expected a certain outcome, while Gen Z is very nihilistic and hyper aware of the fact that their lives will look nothing like those of Gen X and millennials. This breeds a kind of “I don’t give a fuck” attitude that may translate to confidence in your eyes. There’s also a sense of realism that leads Gen Z to embrace the “get money through any means at any cost,” whereas I think millennials were more conservative with how they went about it.
Appreciate the comment. From a conversational standpoint, the thing I see most with Gen Z, as opposed to others, is the ability to have a conversation w/ one of them in the most 'efficient' way possible. If you've read any of my past posts/comments, I maintain the thought that a common-sense application to literally everything will get you far in this field - i.e., cutting down on the fluff and bureaucratic expectations and just telling me what I want to know. Have tried this with pretty much everyone, internal and external, and it seems to be working so far and getting results.
I feel it is far easier to 'have a normal conversation' with the younger guys on my team than with most of those my age and above for the exact reason mentioned before. Gen Z is relatively blunt by default, paired w/ you point of the need for 'realism' and 'IDGAF' attitude - both of which I (personally) very much appreciate. Could be how I was raised, could be anything else, but I'd rather you just speak to me like a human being, be blunt and concise, and not waste either of our time by getting to the point early on. Think it throws off some folks, especially those older than me - the whole manners/respect/etc thing may play a role with the unnecessary small talk and posturing to play favorites. I get it, but I've always despised that.
The fact this generation is aware of life's rewards and more often consequences directly translates to the bluntness and nihilistic attitude you mentioned, it seems. Again, to be frank? I like it, only adds to my prior commentary. It's easier to have a direct conversation of any caliber with these sentiments in mind - while the rationale may be bleak, I think we old heads could all use a crash course in effective communication.
Thanks for your insight.
no cap bruh fr fr
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