Why don’t you run from me?
What are you wondering?
What do you know?
Why aren’t you scared of me?Billie Eilish (Song: Bury a Friend)
Born in 1999, I almost don’t belong to Gen Z and consider myself on the cusp of millennials and Gen Z. I love being from a generation where I understand both sides and understand nothing from both sides at the same time (laughing emojis). I don’t want to declare war but there are some things that I am unable to digest.
I can’t help but feel a certain level of disconnect with Gen Z. It’s not that I don’t understand their values or their worldview, but rather the way they approach life seems so foreign to me.
When I was growing up, social media was just starting to become a thing. We had MySpace, sure, but it was nothing compared to the constant dopamine from information and stimulation that Gen Z experiences every minute. It’s no wonder that mental health issues are on the rise – how can anyone be expected to keep up with the never-ending stream of content and social pressure?
But it’s not just the overwhelming nature of modern life that I find difficult to relate to. It’s also the fact that Gen Z seems to have a fundamentally different outlook on what it means to be successful. I have been taught to strive for financial stability and career success. While I don’t think that’s necessarily a bad thing, it seems like Gen Z is more interested in pursuing their passions and living a fulfilling life – even if that means sacrificing some of the traditional markers of success.
Every picture is gonna be a meme to keep the mood light. OK?
In some ways, I envy Gen Z’s ability to prioritize their own happiness over societal expectations. But at the same time, I worry that this mindset could lead to a generation of people who are financially insecure and struggling to make ends meet. But they aren’t at fault here. Rather they would be wrong if they didn’t use this opportunity to build a sustainable life.
But the problem is that a lot of the problems faced by them are first world problems. It might be controversial but you can only think about your mental health when you have food in your belly, clean drinking water and a roof over your head.
So, what’s the solution? As with most things in life, it’s all about balance. Gen Z’s emphasis on mental health and personal fulfillment is certainly admirable, but it’s important not to completely disregard the importance of financial stability and planning for the future.
As someone who was born in 1999, I’ve experienced some of the unique challenges and benefits of both generations. I understand the feeling of being overwhelmed by social media and the constant pressure to be connected and up-to-date on the latest trends. At the same time, I also appreciate the way that social media has allowed me to connect with people from all over the world and discover new perspectives and ideas.
OOOOO. Do you know anything about it?
I also understand the importance of financial stability and planning for the future. It’s hard to think about retirement when you’re just starting out in your career, but it’s something that I know I need to keep in mind.
But at the same time, I also believe that pursuing your passions and finding fulfillment in your life is incredibly important. It’s not just about making money and achieving traditional markers of success – it’s about finding meaning and purpose in your life.
So, how do we find that balance between financial stability and personal fulfillment? It’s not an easy question to answer, but I think it starts with acknowledging the unique challenges that each generation faces.
I can offer advice and support to my younger Gen Z. I can share my experiences of navigating the job market and managing finances, while also encouraging them to pursue their passions and find fulfillment in their lives. At the same time, I can also learn from Gen Z and their emphasis on mental health and self-care. It’s something that I think previous generations have often overlooked, and it’s important to prioritize our well-being and happiness above all else.
As I reflect on my relationship with Gen Z, I realize that my perspective is limited by my own experiences and biases (Read my changed perspective here and my father’s perspective here). While I may not fully understand the way they approach life, it’s important for me to acknowledge that their worldview is shaped by different societal forces than my own.
(laughing emojis) I literally can’t!
For example, the rise of social media has given Gen Z unprecedented access to information and a platform to voice their opinions. They are able to connect with others who share their values and advocate for causes they believe in, often in ways that were not possible for previous generations.
This has also led to a greater awareness of social justice issues, with Gen Z at the forefront of movements such as #MeToo, Black Lives Matter, and climate activism. They are not content with the status quo and are actively working to create a more equitable and just society.
At the same time, I can’t help but feel a sense of concern for the challenges that Gen Z faces. The job market is more competitive than ever, with the rise of automation and the gig economy making it difficult to find stable and well-paying employment. The cost of higher education has skyrocketed, leaving many with crippling student loan debt. And the global pandemic has added a new layer of uncertainty and anxiety to an already complex world.
But despite these challenges, I am inspired by Gen Z’s resilience and adaptability. They are able to navigate the complexities of the modern world with a level of ease that I can only admire. They are quick to adapt to new technologies and ways of thinking, and are unafraid to challenge established norms.
Catch up if you haven’t already!
As I continue to grapple with my own relationship with Gen Z, I am reminded of the importance of intergenerational dialogue and understanding. By listening to each other’s perspectives and sharing our experiences, we can create a more empathetic and inclusive society.
Another thing I’ve noticed when interacting with Gen Z is a shift in manners and social etiquette. I was taught to say “please” and “thank you” and to be polite to others, but it seems like those values are less emphasized with the younger generation. Of course, this isn’t true for everyone, but I’ve noticed a trend towards more casual and informal communication styles.
That being said, I’ve also seen a lot of positive personality shifts in Gen Z. They seem to be more accepting and open-minded than previous generations, which is incredibly inspiring. It gives me hope for a future where diversity and inclusivity are valued more than ever before.
Another area where I’ve noticed differences between Gen Z and millennials is in our hobbies and interests. I was raised on Disney Channel and Nickelodeon, while Gen Z grew up with YouTube and TikTok. They have their own celebrities and influencers that I’ve never even heard of, and their hobbies are often centered around creating and sharing content online.
Bob the builder is the OG (muscle emoji)
While I may not fully understand this cultural shift, I think it’s important to acknowledge and appreciate the creativity and ingenuity that come with it. Who knows what kind of innovations and new forms of entertainment will come from this generation’s unique interests?
In the end, I think it’s important for us to recognize and appreciate the differences between generations while also working to bridge the gaps. We can learn so much from each other if we approach our differences with an open mind and a willingness to listen and understand. By doing so, we can create a more unified and supportive community for people of all ages and backgrounds.
So, to all the Gen Z out there – I may not always understand your approach to life, but I am grateful for the unique perspective you bring to the table. Let’s work together to build a brighter future for all of us. In the end, it’s important to remember that every generation has its own struggles and strengths. By embracing our differences and working together, we can create a brighter future for everyone. Let’s continue the conversation and work towards a more balanced approach to life. It won’t be easy, but I believe that we can make it happen.
Until next time, Adios Amigos.
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