At the age of 6, I learned the value of work when I desperately wanted a Star Wars figurine at Toys “R” Us. Despite my pleas, my mom explained she couldn’t afford it due to lack of overtime pay. She suggested I could earn money for toys by working when I grew older. This idea shaped my belief that work was crucial for attaining adult things. Raised by immigrant parents from Kenya and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, I was taught to study hard, outwork peers, and attend college for a good job. My first job at 15 cleaning a church gave me a sense of achievement with my first paycheck. Over time, I progressed to higher-paying roles like working at Burger King and Pepsi, eventually starting a successful trucking business. However, my children’s perspective on work challenged my own intense focus on career identity. As they saw work as just a part of life, not the core, I began to reassess my own beliefs about work and identity.
The work ethic of Generation Z is a topic of much discussion and debate among different generations. Contrary to previous generations, Gen Z individuals do not see the need to remain tied to a single job for an extended period. Rather, they view employment as a stepping stone towards achieving larger goals, considering jobs as opportunities within a broader context.
Critics from older generations have often labeled Gen Z as lazy and indifferent towards their work responsibilities. However, recent research sheds light on the unique characteristics that Gen Z brings to the workplace. This includes a strong emphasis on diversity, inclusion, and a desire for greater flexibility. Additionally, studies indicate that Gen Z may exhibit lower levels of engagement and commitment to their jobs and employers, as reported by Gallup.
One significant departure noted in the behavior of Gen Z is their refusal to tie their identities solely to their professional roles. Unlike previous generations, Gen Z individuals prioritize a multifaceted approach to life, recognizing work as just one aspect of their overall existence. They perceive work as a means to earn income necessary for enjoying life, rather than defining their entire existence through their careers.
Vincent Donroe-Wells, a business professor, emphasizes the broader perspective held by Gen Z regarding the world around them. He notes that Gen Z often discusses environmental concerns, the legacies of past generations, and the impact on future ones. For Gen Z, work serves as a tool to facilitate personal growth, seek out new experiences, and partake in adventures, aligning with their desire for a rich and multifaceted life.
In contrast to traditional beliefs about work ingrained by previous generations, the work philosophy of Gen Z rejects the notion of sacrificing decades for a brief period of enjoyment in later years. Instead, they prioritize immediate experiences and personal fulfillment over long-term career sacrifices. Gen Z employees are more inclined to utilize company benefits such as sick leave and vacation time without feeling guilty, viewing these perks as legitimate entitlements rather than signs of poor work ethic.
The shift in perspective towards work is evident in personal anecdotes shared by individuals with Gen Z children in the workforce. Many parents acknowledge the fundamental differences in how their children perceive work compared to their own upbringing. While previous generations viewed work as a cornerstone of their identity and existence, Gen Z individuals approach work as a means to facilitate a fulfilling lifestyle beyond professional obligations.
Reflecting on personal experiences, individuals from older generations have come to recognize the evolving dynamics of work-life balance and personal fulfillment. Through introspection and the influence of their Gen Z counterparts, some have reevaluated their relationship with work, understanding that professional success does not define their entirety. Consequently, individuals have adopted a more holistic approach to life, prioritizing personal enjoyment, independence, and exploration alongside their professional endeavors.
The evolving attitudes towards work exhibited by Gen Z individuals prompt a reexamination of traditional work ethics and values. As the workforce continues to diversify and adapt to changing societal norms, embracing a balanced perspective that incorporates personal fulfillment and professional success emerges as a valuable
