‘My generation will shock you. Anfe, have you seen a Gen-Z in a job interview before?’ without waiting for my response, she continued,  ‘I witnessed one today…I was amused’. By now, she has fully gained my attention and I raised my head from my computer as I wondered what my sister (a Gen Z) has to say about her generation.

This guy walked into the office and said ‘Hi, I’m here for an interview’. With further conversation, it was clear that he didn’t want to be there but for his father’s connection and instructions as he said ‘ I’m aware you provide digital marketing services here, I’m not really interested but I’m here because my Dad wants it….’ When the guy left, the interviewer addressing my Kid sis said ‘What is wrong with you these Gen-Z people sef? What’s with the attitude?  Even if he is not interested, must he blow it all around with pride and I- have- the- world- at- my- fingertips-  attitude?’ 

Similarly, my Kid sis was contacted by one of her digital marketing instructors to join a social media management team for an influential person. Few days into the job, the team started having issues with the video editor (Gen Z guy) who has competence and character flaws that obviously affected the quality of his job delivery and consequently the entire team. Needless to say, that contract was yanked off the main contractor and everyone in the team was discarded after one month of unsmooth service mainly because of one bad egg, the video editor.

Currently, there are 6 generations in our society; 

• Gen Alpha: Born 2010–2025
• Gen Z, iGen, or Centennials: Born 1995 – 2010
• Millennials or Gen Y: Born 1977/80 – 1995
• Generation X: Born 1965 – 1976
• Baby Boomers: Born 1946 – 1964
• Traditionalists or Silent Generation: Born 1945 and before

It seems like a norm that an older generation complains about the younger generation. Personally, I have seen/heard complaints about millennials but this blog post is not a complaint or condemnation of Gen Z, far from it. In truth, I have younger siblings, friends, colleagues who are Gen Z and these people with their uniqueness are amazinnngggg! They are fluid, innovative, tech-savvy, pragmatic, and financially minded like every other Gen Z person. The bane of this blog post is a call-out specifically to every young person (Millenials and Gen Z) to do better and not be the problem that we complain about.

One of the most prevalent challenges with young people is character. Character is everything, it reflects on every other thing that a person does. Talk about loyalty, respect, honesty, genuine service, humility, being responsible e.t.c. All these are salient character traits that make for a good living no matter how smart and tech-savvy you are. The fact that you are a young person gives you no license to suspend good character or ‘home training’. 

Honestly, it hurts my heart more when I see young people do some negative things. It is not only about the present consequences of these negative actions but it is more of a dent in society’s future. As much as we all celebrate Not-Too-Young-To-Rule, I am not a fan of supporting someone just because he/she is a young person. I will support a young person because the person is a person of genuine substance and good character.

As well, the attitude of young people feeling like they are better than the older ones to the extent they disdain/disregard older ones is a sore, o wrong gan (it is very wrong). It is an attitudinal manipulation to rob the younger generation of wisdom that comes with age and experience, which leads to making avoidable mistakes and continuous struggles. Recently, I was in a conversation with an older friend and he said something that made me say ‘Gosh! I wish I had known that before now.’ We don’t have it all figured out, don’t miss out on wise counsels by disdaining or disregarding the elders.

More so, I understand that an average person is self-centered; however, there is a degree of self-centeredness that shouldn’t be present in a person of good character. The scripture says ‘Love your neighbour like yourself. So, it means you love yourself first, hence you can engage the  yardstick ‘If this is done to me, will I be cool with it?’ If you won’t be cool with it, then don’t do it to others. Above all, to be daily led by the Holy Spirit is the code to continuous character improvement and building trans-generational relevance. Knowing we are all a work in progress, submit yourself to the schooling of the Holy Spirit, let Him guide and help you to be the best version of yourself.

You matter, your character impacts your generation and ultimately the world. Cheers to doing better and making the world a better place. And I genuinely celebrate every Gen Z, you guys make living in this age fun, beautiful, and limitless. Y’all rock!

Je t’aime mon ami🤗🤗🤗