Gen Z Grads Fired in 30 Days ... Even Coders!?

Summary

The speaker discusses the growing trend of Gen Z graduates being fired shortly after being hired, citing a lack of professionalism as a key factor. The focus is on the importance of taking personal responsibility, following workplace protocols, and understanding that a job is about making others' lives easier. The speaker emphasizes that attitude, interpersonal skills, and professionalism—such as dressing appropriately and showing up on time—are essential for success in any job. They also touch on the contrast between working for others and entrepreneurship, stressing that good communication and likability matter in both settings.

Takeaways

• 😀 Gen Z graduates are reportedly being fired shortly after being hired due to issues with professionalism.
• 😮 Many younger employees lack essential professional skills like personal responsibility and interpersonal skills.
• 🤝 The speaker emphasizes the importance of helping the company succeed and having a mindset of contributing rather than expecting help.
• 🕒 Punctuality, etiquette, and protocol (like following dress codes) are critical to professional success, but some young employees resist these norms.
• 👗 The speaker recalls his own experience working as a bouncer, where following a strict dress code was necessary for the job, despite personal preferences.
• 🚪 The speaker believes that if you don't like the job's terms, you should leave, rather than feel entitled to change them through legal force.
• 🧠 Interpersonal skills and a positive attitude can make a person more employable, even if they aren't the most talented in their field.
• 💡 The speaker suggests that individuals who find corporate culture difficult may be better suited for entrepreneurship or freelance work.
• 👍 Showing up on time, being professional, and having good hygiene are simple but impactful ways to succeed in any work environment.
• 💼 The speaker has extensive experience in freelance work and mentoring, and emphasizes that success comes from making other people's lives easier.

Q & A

What is the main issue discussed in the article mentioned in the transcript?

The main issue discussed is that Gen Z graduates are being fired shortly after being hired, and this is attributed to a lack of professionalism and inadequate workplace behavior.

What is the speaker's perspective on Gen Z's lack of professionalism?

The speaker believes that many Gen Z graduates don't know how to act professionally. They are not accustomed to following workplace etiquette, such as dress codes or punctuality, and they tend to have an entitled mindset.

What does the speaker mean by 'taking on personal responsibility'?

The speaker emphasizes that Gen Z should focus on how they can help the company succeed rather than expecting the company to cater to their needs. Taking personal responsibility means contributing to the company's success through professionalism and hard work.

What advice does the speaker give regarding negotiating terms with employers?

The speaker advises that while it's important to negotiate for good salary and terms, employees should not feel entitled to force companies to meet their demands. If an agreement can't be reached, employees should simply move on and find another opportunity.

Why does the speaker stress the importance of interpersonal skills?

Interpersonal skills are crucial for success, especially in corporate environments. Being able to communicate well and work with others is often more valuable than technical skill alone, according to the speaker.

What example does the speaker give from their personal work experience?

The speaker shares an experience working as a bouncer in a high-end nightclub where they had to follow a strict dress code and behave professionally despite the tough nature of the job. This serves as an example of adapting to workplace expectations.

What does the speaker think about dress codes and workplace protocols?

The speaker believes that dress codes and protocols are an essential part of workplace professionalism. Gen Z's resistance to these norms is seen as childish and a misunderstanding of what it means to be professional.

What is the speaker's opinion on entitlement in the workplace?

The speaker believes that feeling entitled to special treatment or being upset by basic job requirements will lead to failure. Instead, employees should focus on making the lives of others around them easier.

What does the speaker say about working with difficult or 'genius' people?

The speaker mentions that a mentor once told them they would prefer to hire an average skilled person who is easy to work with over a genius who is difficult. Good interpersonal skills outweigh raw talent in the long run.

What advice does the speaker offer to those who might disagree with the corporate culture?

The speaker suggests that people who disagree with corporate culture may want to consider freelancing or entrepreneurship, where they have more control. However, even in those fields, good communication skills and professionalism remain important.