🧑‍💼 4 things I’ve learnt as a Gen Z in the workforce

📋 Lesson #1: First impressions are everything 

One of the toughest lessons any Gen Z has to learn is that first impressions last longer than you think, particularly at the workplace.

If I could go back in time, I’d work harder at communicating clearly with my managers on deliverables and their expectations, and keeping up a more professional disposition at the workplace.

When you’re young and new to a job, you are allowed to make mistakes. But up to a certain point, there are only so many times you can be unserious or mess up. 

Trust needs to be built, and respect earned. You won’t achieve either by going missing when a team project is due, or oversharing about certain personal issues that are not your colleagues’ business. 

People talk, too, and industries are a lot smaller than you think. 

Many organisations today have cultures that encourage workers to “bring their best, authentic self to work”. 

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From my perspective, what young adults need to understand is that this refers to your best professional self.   

My take? Aim to be a consistent and dependable worker first, because I’ve seen how difficult it is for some to undo stereotypes borne because they started on a poor note at an organisation. 

No one is expecting you to be brilliant off the bat (though, wouldn’t that be nice?), but being a reliable employee and a good team player won’t hurt. 

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Starting small can make a difference, too, such as being mindful about the way you communicate with your bosses or colleagues, be it online or in person.

You don’t have to overcompensate in your behaviour (because it’ll show), but you should be as engaged and put-together as you can be. Sloppiness doesn’t bode well at the workplace, so the sooner you develop your professional self, the better.

📋 Lesson #2: Get your hands dirty

The hard truth sucks, but we need it. It’s hard to escape the grind if you want your career to take off 🛫. So cutting corners won’t serve you well in the long run.

As I reflect on my career journey thus far, I realise that the most painful and challenging projects I took on allowed me to sharpen certain skillsets the most. 

That said, while effort paves an important foundation for your career – strategy is what can really help you go far. The last thing you want is to be siloed into being an excellent paper-pusher, especially if you have bigger career ambitions. 

Work hard, but be strategic with your time and effort, too. It’s always good to prioritise your responsibilities, but don’t forget your core job – a.k.a what you were hired to do.  

📋 Lesson #3: There is no perfect job

That investment banker friend of yours with his new, shiny car very likely slaved away for countless hours to achieve such a lifestyle. 

Comparing your career with that of someone else won’t do you any favours – believe me, I’ve been down this rabbit hole before. It’s unproductive, and depletes your energy which could be used to explore what you truly want in a career. 

Some people I know have taken on extremely challenging jobs for more money. I think it’s admirable, and I respect how they always have a clear purpose coupled with a thorough career game plan.

On the other hand, I also have friends my age who have started their own small businesses. It’s hard work, and the cash flow isn’t regular – but they knew this when they took the leap, and continue to find ways to make it work. And I think that’s what matters the most. 

If you truly do want to switch gears in your career, no one is stopping you! But know that there will always be trade-offs, and that there’s no perfect job. 

It’s okay if your goals and priorities change midway in your career. What’s most important is that you do your research to understand what you’re getting into.

📋 Lesson #4: Stay humble and motivated

In Malcolm Gladwell’s non-fiction book Outliers: The Story Of Success, he documents how a number of factors such as cultural background, timing and unique opportunities – rather than just intelligence or hard work – led to the success of big names such as American computer engineer Bill Joy and tech billionaire Bill Gates.

If you’ve started off your career with a bang – that’s great! But recognise how you likely didn’t get here alone. Also, no one likes “brilliant jerks” at the workplace. 

On the other hand, for those who are still trying to find their feet in the workforce, know that you’re not alone. 

Everyone has their own unique selling points – some take longer to be found or developed, and others require more time, opportunities and different environments to shine through. 

But in the meantime, staying humble and motivated can keep your growth on track. What I’ve found helpful is to bounce ideas off well-meaning peers – even if they are more junior than me. You’d be surprised at what you could learn when you are willing to put your ego aside 🤭. 

People can take years to find their niche, or hone a craft – so go easy on yourself. And when you do rise to the top, be there for those who were with you along the way. To me, that’s what real career success looks like. 

TL;DR

• Aim to make a good impression at your workplace, to achieve a smoother start to your career journey 🛣️
• Real skills are developed with hard work, so don’t be too chill or skive 😪!
• No perfect job exists – it’s about what you want and wish to deal with at your current stage of life 🌱
• Being humble at the workplace can keep you grounded, and expand your knowledge horizons, too 🌅