Globally Grounded: Episode 16
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What does work look like to someone who hasn't entered the workforce yet? In this episode, Kyra sits down with her 13-year-old son—right on the cusp of Gen Z and Gen Alpha—to explore how the next generation is already forming opinions about work by simply observing the adults around them. From his unfiltered take on the meeting-project-meeting cycle to his pragmatic views on money, flexibility, and what makes a job "worth it," this conversation reveals something striking: the expectations of younger Gen Z aren't radical, they're human. Kyra weaves his insights with global research from Deloitte and Harvard Business Review to explore whether Gen Z is rejecting work itself, or just the parts of work culture that have been broken all along. If you've ever wondered what the next wave of workers will demand, or what we're unconsciously modeling for them, this episode will make you think.
Episode Takeaways (note: generalizations based on a super chill, smart, driven13-year-old who happens to be my son, haha)
Gen Z sees the repetition before they enter the workforce. Even at 13, the patterns are obvious: prepare for a meeting, do the meeting, work on a project, repeat. The grind isn't invisible, it's just normalized by those of us living it.
Money matters, but it's not the only thing. Younger Gen Z is pragmatic about pay, but they're not willing to accept that financial stability has to come with misery. "Pays well" is part of the equation, not the whole answer.
"Fine" isn't good enough anymore. The low-grade dissatisfaction so many adults accept as normal? Gen Z notices it. And they're not interested in signing up for decades of wanting something more.
Flexibility isn't about working less, it's about working better. According to 13-year-old logic, more flexibility = harder workers. When people feel trusted and have autonomy, they show up differently.
The instincts Gen Z has aren't new, they're unlearned. The idea that family comes first, that rest matters, that work should add something to your life aren't necessarily generational quirks. They're human needs that many of us were trained out of over time.
Sources
Deloitte — 2023 Global Gen Z & Millennial Survey
Harvard Business Review — Gen Z & Workplace Expectations
SHRM — Employee Benefits & Gen Z Workforce Reports
The New York Times — Gen Z and Work Culture Reporting
