"We're not lazy, we're locked out": A generation's cry for a chance in a world they didn't create
A wave of profound frustration is sweeping through the younger generation today, particularly in their pursuit of internships. They have been unfairly labeled as lazy, as not wanting 'regular jobs.' Yet, their message is starkly different: they are desperately seeking opportunities in a system that appears to be rigged against them. This is not laziness; it's a plea for assistance from a generation that feels profoundly misunderstood by those who hold the reins of its future.
The frustration begins with the advice they receive from older generations, including Millennials and Boomers. "They tell us what to do based on their experiences from 20-30 years ago," a young person said. This advice, though well-meaning, feels meaningless. It originates from a period of economic growth when education was affordable, housing was accessible, and a stable career was a genuine possibility.
Today's youth face a drastically different landscape. They are the first generation in recent memory to start their adult lives burdened with overwhelming student debt, sometimes reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars. They navigate a world characterized by war, ongoing economic uncertainty, soaring interest rates, and the lingering effects of a global pandemic. "They never had to start their lives like this," the testimony continues, pointing out that, while previous generations experienced economic crashes, they also enjoyed long periods of growth. For Gen Z, instability feels like the norm.
This generational gap isn't just about money; it also encompasses technological and cultural differences. A deep frustration stems from the perception that those in power are incompetent. "The same people who build a course to teach us Word struggle to use Zoom," one person noted, recalling an hour lost because a boss couldn't log into an account. The irony is apparent: the generations that witnessed the birth of the first computer, the iPhone, and social media now require assistance from the youth they label as "lazy." "You have had Twitter longer than we have. Why do we have to explain how that stuff works? You were too lazy to explore."
This sense of being more skilled and curious is a core part of who they are. "Exploring is what makes us Gen Z so good," they say. However, when they use this curiosity—or when voices like Greta Thunberg leverage it to challenge the status quo—they are silenced, criticized, or dismissed as "delusional children."
The new generation is told that they lack a work ethic, but their reality is a relentless cycle of applying and facing rejection. "We send dozens of applications, hoping to be considered," they say. "It is not possible to say we're lazy when those who hold the opportunity keep it to themselves."
Ignoring this cry is a grave business mistake. This generation isn't just whining; it's highlighting a systemic problem and, in doing so, demonstrating its great worth.
First-year students are not lacking in experience!
While they may not have traditional work histories, the current generation of incoming university students has grown up in an incredibly dynamic environment, equipping them with a unique set of 'built-in' experiences and skills that are often overlooked.
Here are some key areas where their upbringing has provided them with invaluable, often overlooked, expertise:
Rapid Tech Adoption and Troubleshooting: They've seen and adapted to numerous technological changes – new apps, platforms, devices, and trends. This ongoing exposure has developed a strong ability to learn new software quickly, troubleshoot common technical problems, and adapt to changing digital environments.
Information Curation and Filtering (albeit with caveats): While they may need guidance on source credibility, they are skilled at sorting through large amounts of online information, identifying trends, and locating specific data points, even if it's for entertainment or social purposes.
Social connectivity and global awareness; hyper-connectedness and Network Building: Social media has trained them in creating and maintaining extensive, often geographically diverse, social networks. They understand the subtleties of online communities, digital etiquette, and how to use platforms for connection and collaboration.
Exposure to diverse perspectives through online interactions, news feeds, and global content has enabled them to become aware of a broader range of cultures, viewpoints, and social issues than previous generations at their age, fostering greater empathy and a more global perspective.
Advocacy and digital activism: Many have participated in or observed online social movements, petitions, and discussions about current events, often leading to a developing understanding of collective action, advocacy, and the influence of digital platforms on social change.
Navigating complexity and rapid change and adapting to information overload because they've grown up in an era of constant information bombardment. While it can be overwhelming, it has also pushed them to develop strategies for filtering, prioritizing, and managing information.
Multitasking (and "Context Switching" ): Managing multiple digital platforms, communication channels, and academic tasks simultaneously is often second nature to them. This "context switching" skill can be a valuable asset in a fast-paced academic or professional setting.
Resilience in the Face of Disruption (e.g., Pandemic): The recent Pandemic, in particular, forced this generation to adapt to sudden and dramatic changes in education, social interaction, and daily life. They navigated online learning, social isolation, and ongoing uncertainty, demonstrating a unique form of resilience that is truly admirable.
Entrepreneurial mindset and self-directed learning (emerging), DIY Culture and Resourcefulness: The abundance of online tutorials (YouTube, TikTok, etc.) has fostered a "do-it-yourself" mentality. Many are accustomed to seeking out information and learning new skills independently to solve problems or pursue interests.
Personal branding and content creation: Many young people have experience creating and curating digital content, such as videos, posts, and stories, for individual expression or engagement, showing an understanding of audience, storytelling, and digital communication strategies.
Side hustles and online commerce: Even if they aren't formal "jobs," many people participate in online buying and selling, content monetization (such as small-scale streaming), or creative projects that involve digital tools and audience engagement, showing an entrepreneurial spirit.
Familial and social dynamics: Many people have grown up in various family setups, which can promote adaptability and an understanding of different social dynamics.
Increased parental involvement (often): While sometimes viewed negatively, increased parental involvement can also mean that children have been exposed to more adult conversations about finances, careers, and decision-making at an earlier age.
In essence, while they may not have a traditional resume, the current generation of first-year students possesses a wealth of experiential knowledge gained from growing up in a digitally saturated, rapidly changing, and globally connected world.
Recognizing and utilizing these "built-in" experiences can change how educators and employers view and interact with them.
Why companies must listen and open doors
They are inherently adaptable and resilient, forged in uncertainty; they excel at pivoting. They understand a world in flux because it's the only one they've ever known, making them invaluable assets in a volatile global market.
They possess unmatched digital fluency: Their frustration with their superiors' tech skills isn't arrogance; it's a fact. They have an intuitive understanding of the digital world that companies spend millions trying to teach. They don't just use technology; they innovate with it.
They are motivated by purpose, not just a paycheck: Having seen their parents stuck in unfulfilling jobs, they reject the "rat race." They want to add genuine value and contribute to something meaningful. This purpose-driven mindset leads to greater engagement, creativity, and a desire to improve processes rather than merely following them." We're bringing so much creativity, but there is no door open for it."
The idea that young people are lazy, entitled, or disengaged is a harmful and false myth. Many are turning to social media or gaming, not out of laziness but to escape a bleak reality. They are shaped by a society that, in many ways, has let them down, through an education system that burdens them with debt and parents who soothe them with iPads instead of being present. The demand is there. The talent is there. The desire to work, to create, and to build is pulsating. "Give a kid a job opportunity, and they'll be happy," the testimony concludes.
The question, then, is not about the youth's willingness to work. It's about today's leaders' desire to look past their biases, recognize the enormous potential in front of them, and finally, open the door, just as some major corporations do (Stellantis), as well as medium-sized companies (AceFrance)
