Michelle Obama recently advised Gen Z on navigating work, suggesting that learning to do things you dislike builds resilience. However, as Emma Beddington writes, this advice overlooks the radically different challenges young workers face today.
Outdated advice in a new world
Obama, 62, has not been an employee for decades. The work environment she grew up in—with stable jobs, in-person offices, and clear career ladders—has largely disappeared. Today's Gen Z workers enter a market with fewer opportunities, remote or hybrid work, and the looming threat of AI replacing roles.
According to Business Insider, early studies show that AI reduces workplace trust, coordination, and increases burnout and isolation. Where can Gen Z find the informal mentorship and camaraderie that builds resilience? Their education and social lives were already disrupted by Covid, and they face bleak economic prospects.
A generation misunderstood
Criticizing Gen Z as undisciplined or unwilling to use phones ignores their reality. Advising them based on past experiences is like teaching typewriter repair in a digital age. The most helpful guidance would come from listening to their specific needs rather than lecturing.
Obama's own grace under pressure is admirable, but resilience advice must evolve with the times. Instead of telling young people to endure bad jobs, perhaps we should focus on creating better work environments and support systems.
