I am not sure about the rest of the USA or the world for that matter, but here in Clemson, SC, Gen Z’ers (GZ) do not seem to be afraid of hard work. The following is a glimpse, a “fly on the wall” moment in time, a unique look behind the curtain that most people (Gen X’ers to be more specific) do not get the opportunity to see up close. But I did – for 6 months – so it was really more than just a moment – it was confirmation that what I saw was the real deal – at least for this group of young people.
My daughter/GZ is a manager at a busy university area sports bar/restaurant – very popular with locals and visitors alike and the short story is she needed an additional dish washer. I volunteered to come help her but she said I had to apply for the job. Several weeks later, she said I had an interview with the head manager (GZ), was hired to work in the dish pit 2 evenings a week, and my part-time gig began. It was brutal and I will not whine about how ridiculously difficult it is to be a dishwasher in an establishment that does not slow down, but I must say now to all my colleagues in the dish pit – I see you!
The vast majority of employees in the various positions are GZ. There are a handful of Millennials (mostly in roles like manager & chef) and they are so wonderful and talented – but I actually expect them to be so I will not gush about them. I have literally cried tears of joy for what I witnessed from GZ.
Rumor has it they are lazy. They don’t want to work. They are entitled. I have not done any substantial research but I am somewhat plugged into the chatter about the different generations and I think it’s possible that GZ is getting an undeserved bad rap. For 14 hours a week, I saw GZ work hard, seemingly as an individual point of honor and also as a well-oiled team machine (no matter that the group changes each shift – same work ethic). A large group of GZ running the show! IF there was someone who was not working hard it stuck out and I can’t even recall a time with the GZ but I’m a couple months out and literally all my thoughts about this particular group is sunshine and roses and relief. Serious relief.
I should write another article about how this position almost killed me because I am GX and should not have done this at all.