Work advice used to come in neat little rules, but Gen Z is tossing out a lot of the stuff that never really made sense.
Sure, they know that there are ways of doing things and that being professional is important, but a lot of the other guidelines and ways of operating are old-fashioned and even pointless these days. Here are some of the more old-school career tips they’re not interested in following.
1. “Stay at a job for at least five years to look committed.”
That used to be the golden rule—stick it out, even if you’re miserable, just to look reliable. However, Gen Z knows that loyalty doesn’t always pay off, especially when the company wouldn’t blink before replacing you. If the job’s toxic, underpaid, or just not a fit, they’re gone. Honestly, they’re not wrong for that. Staying just to look good on paper doesn’t feel worth it when your mental health’s on the line.
2. “Don’t talk about salary—it’s rude.”
For years, money talk was taboo, but Gen Z is flipping that script, openly comparing notes and pushing for transparency. They know that silence keeps wages unfair and people underpaid. Instead of tiptoeing around the topic, they’re using group chats, TikTok, and job forums to figure out what roles really pay, and they’re not shy about asking for it. That ‘polite silence’ thing? It’s out.
3. “Climb the ladder, even if you hate the job.”
Older generations were told to hustle up the corporate ladder, no matter what, but Gen Z’s more interested in building a life that works for them—not just a title that sounds good in a bio. They’re not here for endless promotions if it means 70-hour weeks and no time for rest. They’d rather zigzag careers or take breaks if it keeps them aligned with their values and sanity.
4. “Don’t job-hop—it makes you look flaky.”
This one’s fading fast. Gen Z knows that moving around is often how you actually grow your skills and your pay. If staying in one place means stagnation, they’re out, and unapologetically so. They see job-hopping not as a lack of commitment, but as a sign of curiosity and confidence. They’re not afraid to bounce when something better fits, and they don’t lose sleep over what it looks like to anyone else.
5. “Dress for the job you want.”
Translation: Put on a suit, even if the job doesn’t require one. No thanks—Gen Z is prioritising comfort, expression, and function. They’ll take sharp ideas and solid work over polished shoes any day. They’re not trying to blend in to be taken seriously; they’re doing great work in Docs, hoodies, or whatever makes sense for their space. The old dress codes don’t hold the same weight anymore.
6. “Work your way up from the bottom, no matter how long it takes.”
This advice made sense in a world where wages rose with seniority and hard work was rewarded. However, that system’s cracked now, and Gen Z knows it. They’re not afraid to leap past steps or carve their own path. If they’ve got the skills, they’ll go for the bigger role, even if it skips the traditional ladder. They value experience and self-learning just as much as the old guard valued time served.
7. “Always be available—it shows dedication.”
Answering emails at midnight and skipping holidays used to be seen as impressive. Now? Gen Z sees it as a fast track to burnout. They’re setting boundaries that older workers never felt allowed to have. Logging off on time isn’t lazy; it’s healthy. They know that being constantly reachable doesn’t equal being productive, and they’re more than okay with setting that line.
8. “Stick to one path—don’t be a jack of all trades.”
This one’s aged out hard. Gen Z thrives on being multi-skilled, blending creative and analytical work, and building careers that don’t fit one title. Specialist? Maybe. But pigeonholed? Nope. They’re embracing fluid careers—part marketing, part coding, part design. They know adaptability is the new job security, and they’re not scared to shift gears or try something new mid-stream.
9. “Keep your work life and personal life totally separate.”
That line is blurrier than ever, and Gen Z isn’t pretending otherwise. They bring their full selves to work, and they expect their workplaces to support that. Mental health, identity, boundaries—it all matters now. That doesn’t mean oversharing. It just means being real. They’re done pretending to be robotic nine-to-fivers with no personal story behind the screen.
10. “Don’t expect your job to fulfil you—it’s just work.”
This one still lingers, but Gen Z’s not settling for it. They don’t expect every day to feel magical, but they also don’t want to dread Mondays for the next 40 years. If something’s draining their spirit, they’ll rethink the whole setup. They value purpose. They want their work to mean something, whether it’s creative, community-based, or just aligned with their values. Clocking in just to survive? That’s not the dream anymore.
11. “Be grateful you have a job—don’t complain.”
Older generations were often told to keep their heads down and just be thankful for a pay cheque. However, Gen Z’s more comfortable calling out unfair treatment, low pay, or toxic cultures—even if it ruffles feathers. They’re not ungrateful; they just know their worth. Gratitude and self-respect aren’t mutually exclusive, and they’re not afraid to speak up when something doesn’t sit right.
12. “Burnout is just part of being successful.”
This one’s hanging on in hustle culture, but Gen Z is burning it down. They’re watching older workers hit walls and deciding there’s got to be a better way. And they’re right—constant burnout shouldn’t be a badge of honour. They’re prioritising mental health, balance, and boundaries before the crash. Rest isn’t a reward at the end of success—it’s part of what makes long-term success possible in the first place.
