Why I Want to Be More Like Gen Z When I Grow Up (Oh Wait)

Recently, I had a consultation with a brilliant, younger millennial job seeker. For context, I’m also a millennial, so this wasn’t exactly a generational standoff — more like a mirror reflecting back some hard truths.

Now, I don’t buy into the whole “generations are a monolith” narrative. We’re not robots stamped with the same microchip. But I do believe the context you grow up in — the tech, the economy, the vibes — shapes how you think and act.

Anyway, back to this job seeker. She was overanalyzing everything. Caught in a loop of research, hesitation, and quiet panic. And then she had this moment of clarity:“I’m waiting to be an expert before I apply.”Boom. That hit both of us like a truck.

She was holding back. Waiting to have the experience, the knowledge, the proof — before even going for roles that she actually wanted. And then she told me something that stuck:

“I really admire how Gen Z approaches the job market. They’re like, ‘I’ll figure it out once I get there.’”

Listen, that’s not ignorance. That’s courage.

Gen Z isn’t sitting around waiting for someone to tell them they’re ready. They’re showing up. Loudly. Visibly. Authentically. They’re not obsessing over the perfect CV — they’re building personal brands. You want to be a social media strategist? Cool. Let me see what you’re doing on your own socials. Want to work in comms? Show me how you communicate online. Want to work in AI, policy, biotech, fashion? Talk about it. Build in public. Share your thoughts.

Show the receipts.

The job market has changed. It’s less “Tell me why you’re qualified” and more “Show me who you are and what you’ve already been doing.”

That’s what Gen Z gets right. They’re not waiting for permission to start. They’re not waiting to be ready. They’re being real — and they’re trusting themselves to figure it out along the way.

And honestly? I want some of that energy.

So here’s to being more like Gen Z when I grow up (lol, too late). Less perfection paralysis. More confident chaos. Less hiding in the draft folder. More hitting “Post.”

Let’s go.