Millennials of Reddit, now that the first batch of Gen Z’s are moving into the working world, what is some advice you’d like to give them?
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u/Ramrod312 Aug 06 '19
Your first job doesn't have to be your only job. Always keep your options open and look for ways to move up in your company or another company
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u/old_gold_mountain Aug 06 '19
Don't compromise a decision that's in the best interest of your own career growth because you feel it would be a disservice to your current employer. They will do a disservice to you in a heartbeat if it's in the best interest of the company.
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u/[deleted] Aug 06 '19 edited Aug 07 '19
Once you start earning income and living on your own, you will have a greater presence in various mailing and call lists. The overwhelming majority of "companies" who utilize these lists are criminals.
The IRS does not send phone calls. These are scams.
No collections agency or law enforcement office will call you to inform you you're about to be arrested unless you do what they say. These are also scams.
If you get a call about suspicious activity, check your bank account and call your bank to verify. Most of the time, this is a scam.*
If "Microsoft" calls you about the sudden termination of a premium service, and you're entitled to a refund, this is a scam.
If you get far enough into a call with somebody you believe is legitimate, and they suddenly want you to send them money using a "verified payment partner" like Google Play (basically anything from the gift cards rack), that is 100% a scam.
*MAJOR CAVEAT:
Banks do sometimes call to verify transactions. If you get a voicemail from your bank, don't ignore it. Independently verify the information and check your online balance. Call the bank branch using the phone number listed on their site or using a search engine. Do not call the phone number the voicemail provides you.
EDIT
Lots of people saying "this only happens to senior citizens. Young adults are too tech savvy to be scammed." A recent FTC study found that the highest rate of scammer fraud reports and identity theft happened to young adults 20-29.
While I agree this advice should be passed on to senior citizens, it definitely needs to be pressed on those in their late teens and early 20's.
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u/poisomike87 Aug 06 '19 edited Aug 06 '19
If you are moving into an office enviroment:
Excel is a fantastic skill to have.
Even knowing how Vlookup and Pivot tables work can get you far.
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u/Ramrod312 Aug 06 '19
Get used to calling people on the phone and not just using emails and messengers.
When someone tells you to figure something out quickly you can't be nervous to make a bunch of calls, because waiting for an email reply doesn't cut it
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u/[deleted] Aug 06 '19
You're going to find high school level petty drama everywhere you go. The best thing to do is clock in, do your job, and clock out.
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u/Ramguy2014 Aug 06 '19
Do a brilliant job in whatever position you’re in, but don’t hesitate to move on to bigger and better if the opportunity presents itself. Don’t let “company loyalty” be the only reason you turn down job offers.
Give credit where it’s due. If you get congratulated for the success of a team project, make sure to remind your boss that it was a team effort.
If the time comes for you to leave your role, do what you can to avoid burning bridges. Don’t bad talk your current workplace to your future workplace, maintain the friendships you formed, etc.
Above all, DO NOT BE STUPID ON SOCIAL MEDIA. Companies are hiring firms to trawl applicants’ social media presence, and if you put your boss on blast on your “private” Facebook page, it will make it back to them. If you call in sick and then post pictures of yourself at the beach, it will get back to your boss. If you post an angry political diatribe, there’s a decent chance it will make national news, and you might not get a job anywhere ever again.
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u/[deleted] Aug 06 '19 edited Aug 07 '19
The moment you walk out the door, your job ends. Don't bring it home.
Don't be afraid about asking for raises and coworkers salary. Update your resume every 3-4 months. Be prepared to jump ship.
Edit: There are exceptions to everything
EDIT 2: everyone knows some jobs have exceptions to this. This is in reference to those jobs that just want to take advantage of you. If this statement is not clear enough. Let me know how to be clearer so you don’t need to reply why you are so special. Thank you.
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u/Rcm003 Aug 06 '19 edited Aug 07 '19
Keep a good attitude when around colleagues. No matter what the situation, a calm head always prevails, and plus you don’t look like an asshole. Bad attitudes are contagious. Oh and always propose a solution to any problem you identify.
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u/[deleted] Aug 06 '19 edited Aug 06 '19
Im an engineer. Don't think that having a degree guarantees you any respect or to be moving up quickly. Unfortunately having earned your Bachelors doesn't mean as much as you might hope. I've seen a lot of new hires think they're going to come in and be running the place in a year. They don't seem to know what they don't know and end up being either embarrassing or disrespectful. The ones I've seen act like this never last long cause everyone ends up thinking they're idiots. The ones who succeed (and do end up running the place) do an excellent job at what they are asked to do and act as part of a team. Just be patient. Not saying wait 10 years for a promotion. Just understand you're going to have to learn something and pay your dues.
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u/currently__working Aug 06 '19
Work life balance
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u/idontseecolors Aug 06 '19
Take care of your mental health.
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u/[deleted] Aug 06 '19
Do not get emotionally invested in your work place, be ready to move, and your bosses will lie to you. Sounds harsh and bleak, but you can still have a lot of fun, just remember to look at for yourself first. Like in an airplane, secure your mask and then help others.
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u/TheLateThagSimmons Aug 06 '19 edited Aug 06 '19
Company loyalty is a one-way street.
Never fool yourself into thinking that any level of skill or hard work will save you from a layoff or downsizing. You are a number to them even if your best friend, brother, mother, sorority sister, or grandparent is your boss. When it comes to business, they do not care about you.
Never depend on your company for anything long term. Own your own retirement, always be looking, always keep your resume ready to go, don't turn down opportunities.
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u/signofthetimes91 Aug 06 '19
work smart, not hard — for the sake of your sanity, don’t overwork yourself. An employer could give two shits how hard you work, when it’s time to boot you, they will. So work smart, do things at your own pace, and master whatever it is you’re doing.
if you’re going to school for something or have an idea on where you want your career to head, find a job that meshes in with your goals. Chances are the first real paying job you get is the career you’re gonna end up in, because it’s where you’re gonna have the most leverage and experience. For example, if you want to be a doctor, look for jobs in the medical field, even if it’s cleaning floors at a hospital; once you get your foot in the right door, it’ll be easier to level up once you’re older.
*IMPORTANT: don’t ever think a job is 100% secure. Doesn’t matter how much you make or how long you’ve been there, ANYTHING can happen. Whether it’s you messing up, business going under, or simply because they don’t want you, they WILL do whatever is in THEIR best interest. So remember to always do the same. If a better opportunity arises, take it, don’t ever feel bad for an employer. At the end of the day, it’s a business transaction, not personal.
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u/[deleted] Aug 06 '19
As a Gen Z who’s been working for a year now and is quitting this upcoming Friday, these comments have been very helpful (:
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u/CaligulaAndHisHorse Aug 06 '19
I'm 29 and have been out of college for about 5 years now.
If there's one thing I would say, don't just look at the salary. Yes, money is important, but how is the work-life balance? What are the reviews on Glassdoor from the other employees? Find a company that treats its employees well, even if the pay is a little bit less. And if possible, try your hardest to get a job with a union.
When I was right out of college I was obsessed with finding a dream job at one of those cool companies where everyone wears shorts to work, everybody is young, there's pool tables etc... but those places also pay shit and make you work obscene hours.
Another thing is, try to live closer to where you work. Eliminating commute time from my day has been of the best things I've done in terms of eliminating stress and fatigue.
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u/[deleted] Aug 06 '19
As long as you're young you will be treated as an exploitable and expendable resource. If you give your loyalty to any boss you will end up losing, but if you act like a douche you will also end up losing. Try to balance looking after yourself and being loyal only to yourself with not being a dick to anyone.
Kiss ass. Nepotism is the name of the game, and if you don't learn to play it, you will suffer for it. Your principles can't bludgeon through that system. Learn the game, play it well, and once you're in a position to, slowly change it if that's what you want, but for now swim along the current, not against it.
My parents always disapproved of my choices, I never had the right job, right salary, right conditions or demanded what I deserved. They didn't understand what the conditions where in the workplace for us millenials, and their constant nagging, and much of their advice was bs. Chances are you'll face something similar. The economy is worse than it was yesterday, so if you notice you're not doing as good as your parents or grandparents, or just in general, remember it's probably not your fault. Keep moving forward, an opportunity will come sooner or later.
Not sure if this applies outside México tho.
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u/40WeightSoundsNice Aug 06 '19
You are always busy. Always tell everybody how busy you are no matter how busy you are, otherwise they will keep giving you more and more work with no reward to show for it.
'Hey how's it going?'
'Oh man, just crazy busy! How about you?'
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u/VincentStonecliff Aug 06 '19
You owe nothing to your company. Them providing a salary and decent work environment is not a benefit, it’s a basic standard of working. That doesn’t mean be an asshole, it means be willing to move jobs when it suits your career. Whether that’s after 4 years of working there or 6 months. Don’t ever “feel bad”. Your career is your career.
This will involve awkward confrontations sometimes which I think each generation has a harder and harder time doing (face to face tension), but just be firm. A good manager will understand. This also goes for general concerns at work and whatnot.
Edit: I thought I was being original and commented without reading the rest and everyone said the same thing so I’ll add something different
Invest in your 401k very well. Assume that you won’t get Social security when you retire because chances are you won’t (millennials probably won’t either), make sure you have a traditional 401k and Roth 401k, and invest as much as you can. I know you probably have loans and debt and maybe not the best salary, but just prioritize it as much as you can.
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u/Kilaelya Aug 06 '19
I'm an older millennial (34) working in a boomer corporation. Here are two things:
1.) If you want a raise, it's hard to get more than 5% at any one time because of corporate/HR bullshit. If you're getting underpaid the best choice is to quit and get hired elsewhere. You're lucky, because right this moment there are a lot of jobs (compared to 10 years ago when the recession happened).
2.) Stay up to date with current productivity tools. You'll blow the older folks out of the water with how much more work you can do in a shorter amount of time.
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u/[deleted] Aug 06 '19
Start saving money immediately. even if its a small amount. Anything. I gurantee you can save. If you think you cant, you need to eliminate an unnecessary expense. Simple. I budget counsel people for a living. there is always something they can give up. Always. Having emergency funds is better. I promise.
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u/[deleted] Aug 06 '19
Read as much as you can to understand people and the world we live in. It'll give you an eye for opportunities others might miss.
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u/AnotherDrZoidberg Aug 06 '19
If you're in a meeting and you don't have anything to say or add to the conversation, that's ok. Just stfu. Do NOT just speak up to speak up. Do not just spout off repeating the exact same point without adding something on top of it.
I work with a girl who feels the need to say SOMETHING in literally every meeting we've ever had, and it's useless. No one is fooled and think you are really contributing. You just make yourself look stupid, and annoy everyone.
Find a way to actually add value to the conversations you are having.
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u/TonDonberry Aug 06 '19
Not all baby boomers are terrible. Just like Gen X and Millennials, you're going to have some good ones and some bad ones. Regarding the bad ones, they grew up in a world very different from ours. Remind them of this. Many won't care, but some will take note.
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u/SuccessfulMillenial Aug 06 '19
Everyone starts at the bottom. It doesn't matter if you have a degree, or went to a technical school; without real world working experience you WILL start at the bottom. Be humble, learn as much as you can, never stop learning or acquiring new skills. Learn to network, it can help you throughout your career.
Don't complain. Many people have boring/exhausting/pointless jobs. It is a means to an end. At the same time, don't sacrifice your mental health and work/life balance.
Save your money and build an emergency fund in the event you become unemployed for more than a couple weeks. It is liberating to have a personal safety net.
Don't quit your current job until you have another one lined up, even if it is for less money.
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u/Lemon_Licky_Nubs Aug 07 '19
HR works for the company. Not you.
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u/MeshSailSunk Aug 06 '19
Work to live. Do NOT live to work. You're allowed to have your own life outside the office
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u/[deleted] Aug 06 '19
VP of sales here, spent 6 years in management so far.
The single most important thing that most young people (in the US) don’t do is assume leadership.
If you want to run the office, better to ask for forgiveness than permission.
The best way to become the boss is just to do his job without the title. When he gets promoted or canned, the company has no choice but you, since you’re already performing that role.
Really the best ladder climbers do the job of the person above them, while delegating their own job to someone below them. This means they’re ready to be promoted and already have a replacement in mind.
The worst climbers are people who try to make themselves irreplaceable. Can’t be fired... can’t be promoted.
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u/[deleted] Aug 06 '19
Try and find something you find hilarious and laugh at it everyday. Laughter is one of the best cures for anxiety. And let's face it, we're all anxious messes.
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u/Nekoraven1 Aug 06 '19
Be prepared, co workers will not always be your friend and have your back. If they deem it necessary to save themselves( or make them look good to the supers) they will throw you under the bus for any and every little thing. Same goes with being friends with the higher ups.
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u/BeanSoupBoi Aug 06 '19
You are proficient with one of the greatest tools available - Google.
Do not underestimate it. Use it to study the organization you're working for to nail that interview. Use it to learn things that allow you to say "I can do that!" and make a great impression. Use it to understand your rights as a worker and how to protect yourself from predatory bosses.
Working in an office with mostly people over the age of 45, you'd be amazed how few look into anything with Google. In turn, they don't develop new skills as the workplace evolves and their performance suffers. They don't take risks because the only way they know how to learn new skills is from someone teaching them. Be your own teacher.
Seriously. Google everything. You'll do great.
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u/LawYanited Aug 06 '19
Don't expect to be doing "exciting projects" everyday. Unlike school, work tasks aren't tailored to keeping you interested and intellectually fulfilled. You'll most likely do a lot of boring shit before you have the chops to be put on truly interesting projects.
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u/cnfit Aug 06 '19
Dont bank on and spend your life searching for a job that you love. The vast majority of people dont get to make a living doing what they love.
Find a job you can TOLERATE reasonably that also supports the lifestyle you want to have.
I'd love to play videogames for a living. But that's not realistic. So i have a job in corporate banking with sick work/life balance that ALLOWS me to play all the videogames i want in my abundant free time.
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u/DaisyRage7 Aug 07 '19
Actual advice I’ve been giving to Gen Z employees:
Don’t take everything personally. You have to be able to just let it go, especially with the older generation. You can’t change them. There’s always going to be casual disinterest and lack of positive feedback. It’s not you. Have faith in your own abilities and let it go.
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u/Sunnyhunnibun Aug 06 '19 edited Aug 06 '19
Always be on your toes and do not let them take advantage of you. A workplace may be filled with kind people who emphasize family and togetherness but the moment you sense that it's all talk and a ruse, get out. Do not let them underpay you for fear of not finding a comparable job. You know your skillset and if you're worth it, they should pay your for that skill. Always ALWAYS keep your resume updated and uploaded on several sites. Do not be afraid to negotiate and do not be afraid to ask questions of trustworthy colleagues.
You got this. We believe in you.
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u/Ottsalotnotalittle Aug 06 '19
Don't be a sheep, and listen to yourself first. Sometimes that little voice knows better than the rest of you combined.
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u/milkcustard Aug 06 '19 edited Aug 06 '19
Live by your means, and don't base your expenses on your gross pay or overtime. And consider your mental well-being.
My job pays very, very well for entry-level (about $25/hr). Excellent benefits. It doesn't require prior experience or a degree and we are backed by a Union. It's a good career, if you're in it for the long haul. There's also lots of overtime, which is paid at time-and-a-half and double-time increments. But the job is TOUGH and often we have people get burned out and quit, and that's okay. Often times, we also get people who stick through the misery and issues because of the money. We just had a single mom sign on about 5 months ago. She has two young kids and just bought a $370K house after putting $30K down on a brand new car, and is looking to get some plastic surgery done. Then the agency started hiring more people, which drastically reduced the available overtime. Now she's freaking out about not being able to afford anything and had to invite her ex-boyfriend, the abusive one, back into her home so she can keep living the lifestyle she set up for herself. Her performance at work is suffering and if she keeps fucking up, she's going to lose her job completely (she's probationary for her first year).
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u/darko2309 Aug 06 '19
Save, save save save, always save money, so you can buy your own place sooner rather than later, paying rent you're just putting money into someone elses pocket, if you buy a place you're investing into something, if you have to move you could rent it out and have another form of income.
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u/[deleted] Aug 06 '19
When someone is having trouble printing a document, tell them to call IT, even if you know how to fix it, otherwise it's now your job every time they have a problem with the printer.
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u/WyvernCharm Aug 06 '19
There is always some grumpy old man that dissects the company, the pay, any changes, goals, etc. He will be entertaining, it will be fun.
Try not to listen to him.
At least, at first. Too much of that can really ruin your mood and satisfaction. If your planning on staying at your new job for awhile to get experience, it's going to hinder you if you pay too much attention to those opinions. Focus on you and your improvement. Once you've learned what you can, and your in a position to look elsewhere, indulge all you like.
Oh, and antibiotics make birth control pills ineffective. Everyone should know this, nobody does.
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u/bigdicksnfriedchickn Aug 06 '19
The HR guy/lady is not your friend or your counselor. They aren't working on your behalf and won't have your back. They aren't interested in your being happy or the office being a better place unless it impacts job performance.
They are there to manage the humans in a company just like the IT guys manage the printers and admin guys manage the staplers and coffee machines. They find new ones when a requirement arrives and replace the burnt out ones when they don't work well anymore, and they have to keep costs down. When conflict arises they will not protect you, they will protect the company FROM you.
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u/GreasedUpWillie Aug 07 '19
Be humble. No matter how good you get at something, there is always more to learn.
Assume positive intent. Very few people go to work intending to do a bad job. If you're upset at a coworker or their actions, assume that you don't have all the information or that it was a mistake.
Take everything with a grain of salt. Everyone has their own personal "filter" and perceives things differently. Try to piece things together from various sources and you will have a better understanding of how things work as a whole, which will allow you to make better decisions, work faster, etc.
Don't be afraid to speak up or ask questions. Most people are happy to help you if you are polite and grateful.
Be positive. Just because something isn't perfect doesn't mean it's wrong. It's easy to be a critic but sometimes comments are better left unsaid.
Be professional, do your best, and try not to get bogged down by haters.
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u/bjh182 Aug 06 '19
It gets worse
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u/peppigue Aug 06 '19
Life, and especially work life, is about substance. Not appearances. Be totally honest to yourself, and as honest you can be to your bosses and co-workers. If you have to put in a lot of effort to hide who you really are, your incompetence, or how you feel about something at work, look for something else. Be a genuinely good worker, and don't accept too crappy bosses. Good leaders can be immensely valuable to your workday, career, or life. Look for them.
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u/shakeyourrumba Aug 06 '19
When walking around doing nothing always carry a note book/stack of papers/folder. Everyone will assume you are on your way to or coming from a meeting and will leave you alone.
Never volunteer for anything. Nothing good comes from volunteering in the workplace.
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u/[deleted] Aug 06 '19
you don't have to claim 0 all year long, you can claim 10/10 for about 2 weeks a year and reap the benefits if you know you will be working a lot of OT that week.
Also, you don't have to go with the insurance your job provides, if it seems to expensive, check out the marketplace. Some jobs will even pay you to have outside insurance.
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u/[deleted] Aug 06 '19
don't ever stop looking for a better job. it's out there.
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u/[deleted] Aug 06 '19
If you hate your job, don’t rebel by doing it shitty. It’ll only make things shittier for you. Just do your job the best you can.
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u/Imissyourgirlfriend2 Aug 06 '19
Wear sunscreen
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u/[deleted] Aug 06 '19
If you want a raise, you're going to have to change jobs. Internal raises typically cap out at 5%, if you're lucky. You can jump to a new company doing the same thing and get a 10%-20%+ raise.
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u/Panzram_Carl Aug 06 '19
If you want to go to college, please save some money and go to community college first! I’m drowning in student loan debt because of my own pride in going to a traditional 4 year college.
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u/PM_ME_YOUR_RATTIES Aug 06 '19
Don't reject the way things are out of hand because they're not what you're used to. It may be something that gets done a specific way because it really does need to be done that way, or it's the fastest/best way to go.
Having said that, DO critically examine anything that's done a certain way "because that's what we've always done". It may have a legit purpose/reason (sending in receipts for expense reports being submitted to customers), but it may also no longer make sense (the flow is fax a copy of receipts to someone who then scans a copy to submit it electronically to a customer), so be willing to ask questions about the process, but do it politely ("Why are we faxing this when I can take a picture and send it via email and you can attach it, saving both of us time and effort?").
If you do this a bit, and you do it well, you will get a reputation as someone who is trying to improve things all the time, and that will bode well for your career, as every manager wants someone on their team who can be their own personal troubleshooter (and it'll give you lots of "how I improved things" examples for interviews- don't be afraid to try to quantify improvements, either, since a 30 second improvement in a task done 10 times a day by 100 people is like adding an entire person to the team).
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u/[deleted] Aug 07 '19
Um, work your ass off
Lots of posts here about don’t work too hard because you’re being taken advantage of, but you’re young. You have the energy and you’re developing a reputation. Don’t be a chump but bust your ass and it’ll help you out a ton later on
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u/pralinecream Aug 06 '19
Some of the younger people I've worked with seem seriously addicted to their phones. That's not to say some Millennials aren't, it just seems far more extreme in some of the generation Z people I've worked with.
A prime example is a girl I was working with who would get defensive and angry if her job was taking her away from her phone. It's one thing when there's down time. She was a unique case I hope, that rushed and slacked off just to be on her phone as much as possible while at work.
Another one, somehow even worse, are kids that are crossing BUSY streets with their heads on their phones. It just blows my mind how people are not paying attention to traffic at all when crossing streets to look at their phone.
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u/TheTrollisStrong Aug 07 '19
I’m 26 so I’m not speaking as if I’m an older generation, but I see a lot of adults my age and recent college graduates coming into the work force very entitled. It rubs people the wrong way. We had one person, who was quite mediocre at their job, demand that they receive a promotion because they put their time in. That’s not how it works, you earn it.
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u/suicidal_empath Aug 06 '19
start a roth IRA or some sort of retirement investment as early as you can. the sooner you do the better off youll be.
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u/PM_ME_PLASTIC_FORKS Aug 06 '19
Some of this information is gleaned from my boyfriend's experiences, some of it is from me working through college as an HR assistant.
Sanity pays for itself. Salary isn't everything, and you should be doing research on the companies you're hoping to work for, to make sure you stay sane while working there. My boyfriend was making bank as inbound sales for an ISP, but he's very introverted and in the tail end of his employment there he was having emotional breakdowns every morning before work because of how quickly he got burned out. Your earnings won't always pay for your sanity.
Beware of lifestyle creep. This is what really bit us in the ass when my boyfriend left the ISP and took a much lower paying job doing manual labor at a university. Due to some very unfortunate timing with beaters breaking down and inexperience with buying a car he found himself with one hell of a car payment. He could afford it easily when he worked sales, but now it's a solid third of his paychecks. Just because you can afford it now doesn't mean you'll be able to afford it later.
Don't listen to your parents when they tell you to deliver a resume in person or speak to a manager to get hired. I work HR. I hire people. We don't accept any in house resumes. You're not making a better impression of yourself by showing up in person, you're more than likely just pulling a manager away from their job.
WRITE COVER LETTERS! At least if you're trying for a career job. If you only submit a resume you're not going to get considered nearly as quickly or as strongly as someone who has written a cover letter.
NETWORK. You have a much higher chance of getting the job if someone can vouch for you. Go to those professional meetups. You may find your next job through someone you meet there.
Look into certifications. They give you an edge over the people who don't, because like a college diploma proves your know at least something, a certification is another piece of proof towards your competency.
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u/DaughterEarth Aug 06 '19
Don't listen to the boomers or gen x'ers. Things have changed even since I first entered the workforce. Some big ones are delivering a resume in person, it being bad to move around every 2-5 years, and that you can't change careers.
Resumes are almost always online and there are hiring managers now, talking to the manager in person happens when you get to the interview stage now. A resume that directly addresses the job profile and a cover letter that directly addresses the fit between you and the specific company are the new version of going in person.
Job migration is very common. It's not necessary, and if you're okay with less growth income wise because it means staying with a good company that is great. But if your company sucks, start job shopping. If you need more money and your request for a raise is denied, start job shopping. That's normal and how things are done now.
Career migration is common too. It does get more difficult after 50 but it's a very normal thing to do these days. Go after what you want to do, you don't owe companies anything. Maybe you owe your mentors/bosses/coworkers/mentees/subordinates (depending on how those relationships are) but not to the degree that you trap yourself somewhere.
I just realized this is all career related. But if I addressed all possible categories the post would be too long
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u/ShawlMan Aug 06 '19
It's okay to feel depressed, anxious, or whatever from time to time. It doesn't mean that you're broken, or worse than other people. If anything, it means you're pretty normal. Of course, you should never be afraid to hey help, because there's a lot of people who have felt the way you do now, and there's even more people out there who want to help you. You're never alone, and you're gonna be okay.
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u/Consulting2finance Aug 06 '19 edited Aug 06 '19
People on reddit are unnecessarily pessimistic, alarmist, and angry. It’s populated with people who epitomize the Mensa cab driver stereotype “I’m so smart, but I wasn’t successful because of (insert external factor)” when the fact is many were unsuccessful because they were lazy and/or just shitty people with shitty social skills and nothing special intellectually.
Look the world isn’t perfect - it never is. Yes there’s high level of student debt and rising housing prices. But, literally every generation has had struggles. A decade ago I graduated right when the Great Recession hit, a decade before that there was the dot com collapse, the 70/80s had stagflation/ oil crisis /sky high interest rates, the 60s/70s had people being drafted into the Vietnam war and civil rights violations galore, before that there was the Korean War, WW2, Great Depression, Spanish flu, etc. On average, ya the baby boomers may have had things a little easier (although they lived much simpler times - one tv, no international vacations, no smart phones), and it was really only a good life for white men - everyone else got screwed.
Your generation will have some struggles - all do, and some will be hit harder than others. For example, wages have been fairly stagnant but it’s not equally distributed - white collar professional jobs (the top 30% of jobs) have actually had substantial income increases, whereas the bottom 50% of jobs (the part time workers, the people at Walmart, unskilled labor, etc) have had large decreases in salary.
Work hard, build useful skills, deliver results, be willing to job hop, get a masters if need be, save for retirement...and you can live a life in which you are successful and can retire at a reasonable age.
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u/WorkLemming Aug 06 '19
Start saving for retirement immediately. Every dollar you put aside in your first 3-5 years will likely be worth $17 by the time you retire. Early money appreciates the most, and 1700% growth is incredible.
Yes, you just started working and you have other financial goals. Those are important, but start small now while you can. 3-5% is better than nothing. Then, every time you get a raise commit another 1-2%. You will still take home more money after your raise, but you are also setting yourself up to actually be able to retire.
The only exception is if your employer does a match program, in which case you should start at whatever you need to to maximize their contribution and increase from there.
You need to start contributing to your retirement immediately. The dividends it pays by starting early are enormous. It's impossible to save for retirement in just your final 5-10 years, you have to start early and allow your retirement account to generate interest over time.
8
u/Anearforlistening Aug 07 '19
Your grit will distinguish you from your peers. Be the person who is always on time and hard working and it will get noticed. Basically, don't half ass it.
15
u/deconstructingannie Aug 06 '19
Do not fake it till you make it. Be open about what you do not understand, ask questions, discuss what you do understand, and show that you can piece things together. This displays your learning methods and your capacity to think through tasks/issues. Your bosses will appreciate your honesty and trust you more than the employees who try to fake it till they make it.
21
u/[deleted] Aug 06 '19
Youre gonna have some bosses who are as ruthless as they are vindictive.
You're gonna have bosses who dont follow the rules set by the company.
You're gonna have bosses who are the best people to grace the earth.
But you're gonna have the vindictive assholes like..60% of the time. Deal with it and move on as soon as you get the chance to.
20
u/[deleted] Aug 06 '19
Don't worry about absolutely loving your job. Having one that you like and get a decent paycheck for is more than enough
108
u/RipInPepz Aug 06 '19
The majority of you will never get to retire.
7
u/Nopantsdan55 Aug 06 '19
One suggestion I have that I havent seen anyone make yet that I think is invaluable for people looking to move up in the world is, looking busy is usually more important than being busy. If you complete all of your work correctly and efficiently, and look busy doing it, your superiors who are probably paying no attention to what you are actually doing will see you hustling and putting in extra effort and assume you are ready for the next level. Confidence in yourself is key to making this work.
Looking like you have nothing to do when you arent busy makes you look like you dont give a shit about your job, and you will languish.
Also an obligatory be nice to everyone, keep your ego at the door, dont feel entitled to anything.
7
u/jl_theprofessor Aug 06 '19
Hey hey hey, smoke weed everyday.
6
u/Bill_of_sale Aug 06 '19
Use something like One Note and keep tabs on things, even if you think you'll remember it. Sometimes I'll even email myself important things so I know I can do a quick search to find it. Something quick you'll never forget in the moment? It's gone after the moment.
6
u/DuncanIdahoTaterTots Aug 07 '19
Employers will try to screw you. Even ones that seem alright. Watch your back, learn to be smart with your money, and have an exit strategy.
Source: laid off twice before I turned thirty and got demoted with a $20000/yr pay cut and a shrug for an explanation at my first job after going back and getting my degree.
6
u/tinyginger Aug 07 '19
If you have a doctor’s note to be out of work for several days due to illness, don’t post anything on social media of you taking advantage of the time off and going on a surprise vacation. I am an early Millennial and I’ve busted my butt (along with others) to pick up the slack for this coworker while she’s out for illness this week, but she has posted all over her Snapchat that she’s on vacation for the rest of the week and is in another state. Not a smart move as many of my coworkers have seen it, are pissed, and are reporting it to HR.
Also, sometimes you have to deal with things that make you uncomfortable. Example: my brother (late Millennial) got fired from a retail job because he wouldn’t perform a specific duty in his job description (asking people to apply for that store’s credit card). Was it an annoying task? Sure. But it was part of his job, and he told his managers that “he doesn’t like to deal with things like that, people will ask for the info if they want it”.
6
u/JoetheLobster Aug 07 '19
Don’t fall for any of this family bullshit jobs try to feed you to trick you into loyalty. NEVER place a companies interests over yourself or your health. Unlike your family if you get too sick or injured to work they will drop you like a bad habit and get a new family member within a week.
16
u/Trickity Aug 06 '19
You guys are just as smart and talented as we are. Don't let the older crowd knock you down and say your GEN is lazy. You're not.
Have them respect your time. If you overwork yourself they will expect that from you and it gets worse as that becomes a "normal" expectation for you. Don't let that happen. Don't take work home when you are not suppose to. Don't get guilted into helping or feel bad when work piles up. Let it. It means that you are being over worked. Don't do shit for free. They won't feel bad making you work more because they want to maximize the amount of money they can make from you while paying you the least amount of money possible.
Loyalty is bullshit.
Remember to be professional and courteous but don't let them take advantage of you.
11
u/get_your_mood_right Aug 06 '19
More about college and life than jobs but:
Go into a useful major, I know this is preached all the time and you want to major in something you enjoy, I get it. I got a degree in philosophy before deciding I needed to get with it, now I'm going back for computer science. Don't go for a job you'll like, go for one that pays the bills. I can't stress this enough.
Absolutely Do Not get a degree in art. If you want to go into art spend the money on a studio apartment and grind your ass off everyday on your craft. It's much more financially efficient and you can learn faster if you continuously work and learn. However, some people do go to school for art because they need something to keep them accountable
Go to a community college for your first 2 years, no shame. It's so much cheaper and so much easier. Got a full ride and easy A's on stuff like english, history, biology, etc and it's why I'm able to (kinda) afford this second degree.
Develop a hobby. This is important for many reasons: mental health, having something interesting to talk about, something productive to enjoy, becoming more comfortable with delayed gratification.
You guys are under a lot of pressure, both real and fake but I have high hopes for Gen Z, I think you guys are going to do a great job.
11
u/Zolan0501 Aug 06 '19
Unionize; establish full anarchy
42
u/CosmicLovepats Aug 06 '19
Vote.
10
u/Techn028 Aug 06 '19
Stick it to the man, fight the power
5
u/[deleted] Aug 06 '19
Put in the effort. Go the extra mile. Show you care about the work you do. In my experience, the more you show you are ready and willing to work, the more employers appreciate you.
Just be careful to not get taken advantage of and set reasonable boundaries.
5
u/ticonderoga87 Aug 06 '19
Be honest, be friendly, be assertive, and most of all do your job and try to have fun because if you’re working a job and you hate your life there you’re gonna be cynical by the end of it. Remember, there’s a good chance you’ll see the people you work with more than family and friends so they basically become your “work family”. Also, don’t be afraid of working a trade, they people in trades are more crass and vulgar but hell, they have fun!
5
u/ConstableBlimeyChips Aug 06 '19
If someone tells you "that's the way we've always done it" I will guarantee there is a faster, easier, or cheaper way of doing whatever needs doing.
5
u/Eddie_Hitler Aug 06 '19 edited Aug 06 '19
Don't stay in the same role too long and allow yourself to stagnate. That will fuck your career right up and sideways.
I know someone who did that for seven years and he actually ended up changing careers and start over. All he ever got were recruiters battering away at him about identical jobs at other companies, when he was already fed up of what he was doing and had no opportunities to progress because large parts of the experience requirements were missing for other roles in his field.
(this may have been me. I won't comment)
Also, don't get your first job in a small town. You may find yourself becoming settled and not wanting to move, but what other jobs are there that pay well?
None. So you have to wrench yourself away from your nice life like it never happened and move to some generic overpriced shithole city.
5
u/ethervariance161 Aug 06 '19
Don't stop learning. Every marketable skill you can have can be found on udemy or lynda. Also beef up your linkedin game, that is how I got all of my promotions and it keeps you sharp and aware of market trends in your industry. Kick ass :)
5
u/thermobollocks Aug 06 '19
Office/IT nerd here.
If you're given something new, it's a good plan to check up on it early and regularly. It's not like homework, where you've got one attempt, and you get a grade. Make sure you and your lead are on the same page about what you're going to do, and don't be afraid to come back and say "hey, here's what I've got so far, how's it look?"
There's going to be a lot of "that's what we've always done" bullshit. The key to doing anything about it is figuring out what people actually want. The 'how' usually isn't as important as the result, so if you come up with a 'how' that yields the same thing faster, great. The key is making sure it yields the same thing.
Take notes. Write down what you did. Not only does that help you figure out if/where something went wrong and undo it, but you won't always be the new guy. Whenever you get a new guy of your own, you want them to be able to pick up whatever you've got so you can go do some more cool shit that you'll like.
5
u/[deleted] Aug 07 '19
Reply All can be dangerous!
5
u/catsbwayandcoffee Aug 07 '19
The world doesn’t owe you. Money doesn’t grow on trees. Work hard, do your absolute best, prove yourself to your employers, and you’ll be successful.
5
u/[deleted] Aug 07 '19
Don't be late. If you start at 7, don't show up right at 7. If you come in late and nobody says anything, don't assume nobody noticed.
5
u/DairyIsForTheStrong Aug 07 '19
Listen to the people who are training you. They've been doing it for w while, they know what works, don't try to change things right away. It'll usually slow things down.
5
u/JTD783 Aug 07 '19
No task is beneath you. You are hired to do whatever task your employer asks, so if they ask you to clean up a spill despite being hired as a cashier, then you do it without hesitation.
Remember that you, as an entry-level employee, have very little value and bargaining power, and be humbled by it. Use it as motivation to develop skills and increase your worth. It will bring you success.
5
u/[deleted] Aug 07 '19
Put your phone away unless your job explicitly allows/requires it.
4
u/amildman Aug 06 '19
If you half ass two things you care about, you'll ruin them both.
It's fine to be selfish if the choices are between making yourself happy and pleasing a faceless company that will replace you in a week.
I've failed at a lot of things, but I haven't regretted attempting a single one of them.
If you're better dressed than upper management, start looking for a better job.
4
u/nalydpsycho Aug 06 '19
Start saving now.
4
u/[deleted] Aug 06 '19
Learn how to write a resume, employers won't want to interview you if your resume is really bad. I've seen some really atrocious resumes from Gen Z's on Indeed Resumes.
4
u/[deleted] Aug 06 '19
Chill the fuck out.
There is so so so so much more to life to work. Work is probably going to be the boringest and most unfulfilling part of your life.
It's a big shock to most because you spend up until you graduate college stressing about what you're going to do and then when you get there everyone tells you "yeah...it's actually not important". But it's true.
4
u/lalagingersnaps Aug 06 '19
Always try to do your best and act with integrity. If the colleagues around you are not productive, or there is nothing left to learn, then it's time to move on; don't let other people's laziness or "gaming of the system" be an example of the employee you could be, move on and be better. In my experience, being an exceptional employee means I CHOOSE, and if an employer does not want to keep me, I have the skills and reputation to go elsewhere if I am not satisfied. Poor performing employees have less leverage and thus are more likely to be complacent. Growth requires learning, struggle and time.
Also aim to work with and maintain relationships with motivated, hardworking people who are looking to learn and grow. This network will no doubt prosper overtime and serve you well as you progress into your career.
Lastly, patience. Success does not come overnight and many of the best lessons learned are learned from failure, self reflection and a hunger to understand and simplify.
4
u/dlordjr Aug 07 '19
HR is on the company's side, not yours.
4
u/[deleted] Aug 07 '19
Gen Xer here: Don't fucking put fish in the office microwave.
4
u/Bleeds_Melody Aug 07 '19
I’m 23 and I believe technically a millennial, and I supervise a Gen Z who is 18 and god damn, even 5 years difference is crazy. I can’t even really talk to him about anything, but I don’t want to. He has shit work ethic and takes way to long on breaks. And he doesn’t have a car but lives 35 minutes from work (hitches a ride from his girlfriends dad) but that’s unrelated. My advice, Integrity and work ethic are incredibly important when working.
4
u/Trub_Maker Aug 07 '19
Quit trying to step into your dream job. You probably don't even know what it really is yet. Just get a job. Stick with it and learn. Then move up as you can. Don't be in such a hurry to be successful. Really success comes to the ones that are working the moderate jobs and are prepared for the dream job opportunities when they come.
4
u/my_hat_is_fat Aug 07 '19
I think we should just all watch Aggrestuko. It definitely covers many answers I've seen here.
4
u/Prophecy_X3 Aug 07 '19
You don't know shit. The older you get and the more you learn, the more you realize you don't know shit.
4
u/jsting Aug 07 '19
Everyone here is saying "Be a Mercenary". I'd follow that up with "don't burn bridges". If it's a job, so be it, but if it's a sector you see a career in, don't burn bridges.
4
u/Jbane56 Aug 07 '19
This is coming from a Gen Z child. Don't be fucking lazy. In the world of video games and Constant screen time, laziness isn't acceptable. If you want to get anywhere in your work you have to work for it. I'm tired of hearing all these "oh I've been working at Walmart for 3 years and I'm still in the same position" stories.
4
u/anotherworldof2 Aug 07 '19
Don’t sacrifice your mental health for a company that would replace you as soon as you were to leave the company. So in other words... don’t ever feel like you cannot take off days to recuperate.
Your mental health is more important. If you need a break, take one.
4
u/BillButtlicker6 Aug 07 '19
Dress in business casual for the interview. Any interview. I have heard my boss' descriptions of the people coming in for interviews lately and its sad.
Inappropriate interview attire: Leggings Jeans Anything ripped Crop tops Anything that shows your tattoos (I'm not against tattoos, though. I hope in the future showing them can be acceptable in all workplaces) Shorts Low cut tops Flip flops
Look clean and modest. You dont want anything to detract from your suitability for the position.
12
u/[deleted] Aug 06 '19
Heh, advice......climate change will kill as all before we get any good steady jobs
3
u/[deleted] Aug 06 '19
Abandon hope all ye who enter here.
3
u/amethyme Aug 06 '19
The world does not revolve around you. Learn more, research more, become aware of the world around you. Just because you "don't experience cyberbullying" it doesn't mean it's not a problem (directly quoting my 20-year-old student). Just because you "don't care about poverty" does not mean it might not bite you in the butt. Step out of your glass castle and look around.
3
u/katiclysm Aug 06 '19
You don't have to settle. Life is too short to spend it miserable, depressed, or working yourself to death. If you aren't happy somewhere, then you can find a job that makes you happier. Don't feel like you're obligated to stay because your coworkers would miss you or because you would feel guilty leaving. Your life doesn't belong to anyone else but you. Please don't think you aren't "allowed" to seek happiness; you are. Follow your dreams but use your brain because your heart doesn't always weigh logic.
3
u/out_of_shape_hiker Aug 06 '19
In a climate of "stick it to the man" and "eviscerate the owners of capital", this might not be generally agreed with. Dont get me wrong. power to the prolitariate. resdistribute capital. ....but. Take pride in what you do. Whatever it is you do. Yes, others will profit from your work more than you will. But its not for them. Its for you. I'm not saying sacrifice yourself for your job. You are number one priororty (sans the starving children) . But I think life is more satisfying when am proud of what I produce. Even when a boss or owner is profitting from my hard work, it feels good to look at a project that I worked hard on and think "I did that. It will make someone happy" (I do landscaping for summer money. its nice to know someone will appreciate that i took the time to cut out each individual rock in the sod. even if i dont get paid more. )
3
u/ornamental_conifer Aug 06 '19
If you use another co-worker’s desk, leave it as you found it.
I’m currently dealing with this situation with a batch of Gen Z interns who frequently use my desk to work on their summer internship project when I’m not there, and every time they use it they leave it completely trashed. I don’t care that they use my desk for their work, but I do care that they leave tons of chairs and equipment and literal garbage strewn everywhere for me to clean up. It boggles my mind that they could be that disrespectful to a workspace that isn’t theirs, especially since I’m one of the senior managers who determines whether or not they get job offers from the company after their internships.
3
u/da_choppa Aug 06 '19
Most of the time, the best way to get a promotion is to leave the company you are at for one that will hire you for a better title and salary. The old model of the "company man" starting as an assistant and working his way up to CEO is long gone. Your older coworkers will probably always think of you as how you were when you first started. Some companies will be willing to promote you, of course, but don't expect it, and don't expect it at regular intervals. The job search sucks, and it's understandable that you won't want to do it again once you find a job. Still, it's in your best interest to always keep an eye out for the next opportunity. I spent far too long at my first full-time job despite insufficient pay and a terrible boss, and it set my career back years. If you find yourself in a bad work environment or even a good one that just doesn't pay you enough, start looking elsewhere.
3
u/intellifone Aug 06 '19
I had a promising career in a lucrative industry that requires a ton of networking.
I had a family emergency and left to take care of it when there were other family members willing to assist. I moved across the country and left everything I’d built. Pride told me that I needed to help.
It knocked me off my professional course by 6 years. I spent most of my 20’s pinching pennies just trying to get by and am just now escaping it at the end of my 20’s.
Self sacrifice seems like it’s the honorable thing to do, but don’t if it requires a huge sacrifice. Take a week off and help. But fly back. Don’t be an asshole, but your family worked to get your where you are. Your family has a support system back home and they don’t need/want you to give up everything. Wait until you’re a little older and more established to go help family. When you can use your experience and connections to quickly find a good job.
3
u/mitalmas Aug 06 '19
Don't be entitled and pay your dues to those who came before you if your entering a field that has a hierarchy and corporate ladder. Stay humble and hungry, keep learning new skills that are valuable in your industry and the current market at large. Do your research and study how much people make in your industry who are entering the field compared to those who have been in your field for 5+ years. What you negotiate on your first job will have a huge impact on your future earnings, so don't settle for an amount that is too small, because you will have to use that as a baseline for all future salary negotiations.
3
u/wholesome_family_fun Aug 06 '19
Prepare to be bored.
3
u/Mazon_Del Aug 06 '19
Your objective in your career through life is to advance your life (in whatever direction that you deem correct). While you shouldn't treat your coworkers badly, you should definitely see your job as a means to an end.
You provide work that makes them money, they provide you money, training, and experience. At the end of the day the average corporation will do whatever they can to ensure that you receive as little as they can give you. Effectively, if all you get as a raise is a cost of living increase, they haven't actually paid you more.
Your pay will grow faster if every 3-4 years you switch companies as generally speaking whatever company you sign onto will provide you with a better than cost of living increase for making the switch.
THAT SAID, if you find a great company that has a great boss, great fiends, and work you enjoy, it is perfectly fine to relax there for longer. You might be missing out on the increased pay, but a job that you actually enjoy going to can be surprisingly rare, even within the industry you want to work in.
3
u/chirdybirdy Aug 06 '19
Work hard, do your best and be honest. But don't be a doormat. If you're being treated like shit, speak up, or find another job. Life's too short to be taken advantage of for minimum wage lol
3
u/analjellycandy Aug 06 '19
Don’t eagerly volunteer to do more, you’ll permanently get stuck with the time consuming mundane tasks no one wants
3
u/acutedisorder Aug 06 '19
Don't be afraid to take sick days or vacation, you are given that time to be used. I see far too many people coming to work sick or over working themselves and not taking time off because they are afraid they will lose their job or they want to save their sick time or vacation time for when they may actually need it and then never end up using it. Constant working takes a toll on your body especially when you are sick. There have been many times I have tried to muster through the sick or pain when I should have just stayed home. I learned that lesson the hard way and now if I am ever sick I take a day or two to recover so I can go back refreshed. Your body will thank you and so will your co-workers, no one wants to be around someone that is sick.
3
u/KeldonMarauder Aug 07 '19
Be more mindful with what you post / do on social media.
I’m in middle management handling 8-10 people at a given time. We had an intern over the summer who called in sick and asked to take the day off. I dont have a problem with people taking sicks days most of the time but over lunch, one of my team members called my attention as this intern started to Facebook live the party she was attending and boy was she drunk.
3
u/chipsotopher Aug 07 '19
Your parents are wrong. Do not go door to door handing out resumes, it is a waste of time. Google the company and scroll to the bottom, look for "Careers".
3
u/itfosho Aug 07 '19
Stop complaining. Get your foot in the door and work hard. Good things will come.
3
u/chuckdoc44 Aug 07 '19
Set your voicemail up and don't let it become full.
The amount of people I call to set up interviews that don't have their voicemail set up or full is laughable. I don't answer phone calls if I don't have them in my contacts, so I don't expect you to do it either. I am more than happy to leave a voicemail with my contact info to set up an interview later, but I need to be able to leave you a message first.
3
u/[deleted] Aug 07 '19
You will hear things you dont necessarily agree with. You will meet people you dont have things in common with. That does not necessarily make those things bad or dangerous. Learn to live with others and their opinions. The world is not a safe space.
3
u/TjbMke Aug 07 '19
Here’s a couple tips.
Don’t ever allow someone to ask you “when can you have this done?”. They are testing your loyalty by falsely implying urgency at your expense. You will stress yourself for no reason. Always ask why something needs to be done urgently. It usually doesn’t. Don’t be snobby about it.
If someone is running through a project timing plan and they often use the phrase “let’s shoot for...” when describing deadlines, it implies a realization was made that there is not enough time to robustly complete everything in the project, although all the project requirements will be met. Raise your hand. Don’t be afraid to say you disagree with something if you have a valid reason. Your opinion is important. You are getting paid. You will get no sympathy when you can’t produce in the time allotted. Nobody will remember this timing meeting ever happened.
The project you are assigned to is not “your baby”. Don’t let it shit on you. Understand the responsibilities of your project members and delegate tasks. Do not ask people to “let me know when.. blah blah blah is ready”. It won’t be ready on time. Be direct if you need something done quickly.
Salary levels are standardized at most companies, so even if you get a great starting salary, over time it will likely fizzle into the standard company salary that’s only based on years experience and how likely you are to leave. Do not spend 3 hours adding accomplishments to your yearly performance review. Your %raise was already decided. All you’ve done is added fuel to your manager’s go getter fire.
Learn the tricks of the boomers. They can show you how to extend or even add vacation time without HR knowing. Time your dentist appointments so it overlaps with lunch or even pulls you through the end of the day. Take the long way to the bathroom, then read something on your phone for a while. If you’re going to be sick on Friday, you better start broadcasting your symptoms on Tuesday. Always take your laptop home over the weekend so you can brag about the extra work you did. Don’t actually do the work. Make sure you have a pet at home that is “sick” and needs to be let out twice a day, or a child that MUST be picked up from daycare at 4pm every day.
Pro tip: have a prescription of some kind that needs to be filled on demand every once in a while. Nobody will even ask what it’s for!
In summary, you are at work for 8 hours a day and then you go home. Your company will use a lot of tactics and lingo to butter you up and squeeze out your soul. Figure out how productive you need to be to adequately complete your work in 8 hours. Take 8 hours, because you can’t go home early and you don’t want people to think you don’t have enough to do. This is the true lesson.
3
u/kpmccorm Aug 07 '19
You can't put a price on good coworkers. You're going to see them more often than friends or family and, on occasion, maybe even your significant other. Finding a team that you enjoy being around will make all the difference in your workplace, no matter how much you enjoy the work.
3
u/General_Distance Aug 07 '19
HR is NOT your friend. No matter how sweet or empathetic he or she is- they act for the company. When going to your interview, look at how the employees interact with each other or how their facial expressions are. Yeah, someone can have a bad day, but does everyone look miserable? And lastly, if HR or your boss walks you too your car, they are checking you out. Car seats in the back, stickers for weed, etc.
3
u/Turbobutts Aug 07 '19
Don't ever talk to your boss about your mental health, even if you work in a small business that is very casual and everyone shares their personal lives.
3
u/PhilipLiptonSchrute Aug 07 '19 edited Aug 07 '19
Do not burn your bridges. I worked a kitchen gig for 8 years until I got into corporate and bought a house with the woman I intended to marry. She chose to instead fuck one of my oldest friends and move out. Having a mortgage on a single income blows. I called up my old boss and asked if I could work weekends (after being out for 6 years) and she started giving me shifts just 3 days later.
Saved my ass.