7 Lessons A GenXer Learned From A GenZer

We can no longer ignore GenZ’ers’ influence on the marketplace. GenZers currently make up 20% of the population, slightly more than GenX (dude, it’s like our parents just gave up on life and only had a few of us).  

A recent study cited that GenZers will outnumber Boomers in the workforce in 2024.

New Generation, Same Labels

No generation is a monolith. Like every new generation to the workforce (remember us being called slackers), GenZ has been labeled as lazy and overdemanding with unrealistic expectations.

We can spend hours arguing over the merits of the descriptions, but instead, I’d prefer to focus on the perspective GenZers look at work and what, as GenXers, we can learn from it.

GenZ perspective on work-Work Life Balance 2.0

One GenZer commented that it’s not that she doesn’t value work, but she’s decentralized work, meaning her job is not the center of her universe. She refuses to attach her sense of self-worth to her job.  She values time to do things outside of work and desires to do work she’s passionate about that can positively impact the world. 

We’re more alike than different- GenZers and Gen Xers unite!

Can you blame them for their attitude towards work? GenZers watched their parent’s’ employers tell their parents they were family and encouraged them to work 40+ hours weekly. The extended work hours meant less time for family (GenZ children).  

Some Gen Zer’s parents missed plays, recitals, sports events, and being present with their kids, mainly for work.  Yes, GenZer's parents needed to work to support their children, but from a GenZer perspective, did it have to be at such a high cost?

For their parents’ loyalty to their jobs, GenZers watched their parents get laid off and the promised security pulled out from underneath them (employers ending pensions and social security benefits in question).  

Heck, as GenXers, we’ve lived this on both sides. Many of us barely saw our boomer parents, as they gave 40+ years of their lives to roles.  And many of my GenXer buddies, including myself, have been laid off from jobs right after the employer stated how valuable their team is to the organization. 

7  Workplace Lessons I’ve Learned from GenZ

Like many (sorry, GenZers), I complained about their lack of work ethic. But as I started working with GenZers, I’ve found many GenZers had a great work ethic. It's just that GenZers’ style of work ethic isn’t packaged how GenXers are used to seeing it. 

They aren’t willing to let their family, mental, or physical health fall on the sword of a company’s business objectives. When I stopped complaining and started paying attention, I found it was like getting a free life coaching class. What I learned is that:

1: Giving 100% to your job does not mean giving 100% of yourself away. You need something left over for the other areas of your life that matter to you.

2: Prioritize the things and people that will still matter in 5 years. With the average job tenure of 4 years, in 5 years, you won’t remember the award you got, your co-workers, or the feeling of the promotion, but you will remember the lives you’ve impacted and joyful experiences.

3: Have a Plan B. We called it a part-time business in our day, but today, it’s a side hustle. Every GenZer I know has either an idea or an active part-time gig. There’s something freeing about not leaving all your eggs in one employer’s basket.

4: You shouldn’t trade your dignity and self-respect for a paycheck (no shade confession: I’ve traded my dignity for a paycheck). Know your marketplace worth, and be prepared to leave a toxic work environment for one that respects you and what you have to offer. Go online and look at what your role pays. If you aren’t getting it, ask or consider moving.

5: Don’t feel guilty about setting boundaries around your time. Your employer hired you to do a role. Your job isn’t a catchall for anything your employer needs, and a paycheck doesn’t mean you’re owned 24/7 by your employer. Yes, your employer may have issues with your boundaries, but that’s a sign of poor leadership, not that you’re doing something wrong.

6: Treat your job the way your employers do- as a business investment. Your employer hired you as an investment to help meet your employer’s goals. You should see the investment of your time working for your employer similarly. How does your current role help you fulfill your goals and your calling? How does your role fit into your desired life? For instance:

• Do you have the flexibility to do the things that matter to you most?

• Does the income allow you to live your desired life? 

• Is the bulk of your work aligned with your gifting and what you enjoy doing?

• Does your role offer a path to your desired “next”?

• Is the work environment healthy, or do you spend your off time mentally recovering from your job?

When the role no longer serves your needs, unapologetically be willing to move on. Trust me, your employer will have no issues letting you go when your role no longer meets a business objective.

7: You are not your paycheck or job title. GenZers, more than any other generation, do not tie their sense of self-worth to their job. This attitude protects you from being susceptible to the “approval fix” employers use to keep you either working for free or stuck in an organization. Some of the favorites I’ve heard:

• We’re a family

• We’re a team 

• We’re fill-in-the-blank short staffed and we need you to do  X-(almost always without extra pay) 

In conclusion

I’ve learned that instead of complaining, take a step back and seek to understand the “why” behind some of the catchphrases., like quiet quitting or lazy girl job. Many of these terms came from people who were burnt out in their careers and were looking for work/life balance. I’m not saying you must agree with everything, but be open that this is more than laziness. You may get some free life lessons in the process.