Some companies are choosing self-preservation over honesty. Large companies are choosing artificial intelligence because their competitors are choosing AI and they feel they must adapt. There are other head winds as well from tariffs to isolationism. Many large companies say they are hiring. They are not hiring. They are giving the illusion of hiring and growing so they can avoid losing the next generation. The next generation is Gen Z.
These young professionals have already endured Covid and all the crap that came with that. Generation Z, as they are sometimes referred to, are disappointed and tired of the job market which they are struggling to get into. They have newly minted degrees which we, the current professionals, promised would make a difference.
Where does this leave Generation Z? At this time, I would expect they are not reading these types of posts but probably like my own Gen Z’ers are spending vast amounts of time on Tik Tok and Instagram. Some have landed and have started their careers, which is wonderful.
Outside of corporate America there are many wonderful professions. Here are some ideas for your Gen Zer’s with the mindset needed and a potential starting point to consider in their career search:
1. Nonprofits, churches, and other helping agencies. You can sell yourself as a case manager. The mindset needed is that of a journalist. You need to be able to ask questions and care about helping people directly. There is plenty of money and once you get in the front door there are many other types of roles if you need to move laterally to your preferred position. Level of difficulty in getting in: difficult.
2. Teaching. Everyone thinks they can teach. However, most lack the secret sauce. What’s the secret sauce you ask? You need to be entertaining. If you cannot entertain a younger generation, don’t do it. Depending what age and grade you are going to teach at requires different certifications and degrees. Level of difficulty in getting in: moderate to difficult. It’s more about persistence. Maybe start as a substitute teacher and work in laterally.
3. Starting your own business. Ah yes, the old LLC or sole proprietorship route. The ability to say you are your own boss. I always suggest doing this route last when you get to your late 40’s and beyond. My reasoning is that you better have substantial experience, some capital, some money to cushion you. Working for a larger company early in your career will give you the training you need to survive and thrive in your own business. Level of difficulty in getting in: Easy to difficult. It depends on what you are selling. Always answer that question first, what are you selling?
4. Security. I’m conflating different types here. Any kind of security from cyber security to physical security is always hiring. It’s a question of whether you can take the boredom. For the cyber security stuff it’s a question of constant learning and complexity. The latter two areas are what keeps people out. Level of difficulty in getting in: Easy to difficult. Certifications can be expensive and sometimes require hard examinations.
5. Day trader. The Gen Z professionals are enamored with the stock market. We are too, but maybe are a little bit skeptical. However, let’s not pretend there are not a ton of risks here. Also, for my Gen Z followers stop suggesting stupid crypto crap schemes to me. Crypto smacks of a giant Ponzi scheme to me. If you want to read more about a Ponzi scheme google a guy named Bernie Madoff. I encourage my Gen Z friends to buy stocks in companies that make something or provide a legitimate service that you understand. Pay attention to the betas and the insider traders. You can start with watching Form 4 submissions. Level of difficulty in getting in: Easy – if you have some funds. Be careful and remember you might know the product but it’s hard to predict greed and human nature.
6. Vocations. For those that can work with their hands to fix things you are always set. We need good plumbers, mechanics, electricians, HVAC technicians, and many others. Many times these appeal to our young men which I encourage. College is not for everyone and it’s expensive. Level of difficulty in getting in: medium to difficult. It helps to have some aptitude and there is some expense up front to get certified and trained.
7. Healthcare. Our RN’s and Dr.’s will always have work. The problem you will always have work and heaven forbid if a storm rolls in, you will be locked in. Level of difficulty in getting in: difficult. Lots of schooling and training.
8. Old Pro. For Generation X and Boomers. If you can make yourself interested in taking on a new career, then I applaud you. I’ll leave you with a quick story about quietly working to influence for others and companies that are honest.
A long time ago before pro basketball courts were painted with funky colors and eclectic designs there was an old pro-basketball player named Bill Russell. He was a back-in-the-day famous NBA basketball player who captured it well when he was asked, “How do you stop the unstoppable Wilt Chamberlain?” Wilt was an even bigger back-in-the-day player standing at 7’1” and weighing 275 lbs. I am paraphrasing here, but Bill said something like, “You don’t stop Wilt. You must get him to change the trajectory of his shots, so I decided just to get in his way.” He went on to relay, “Invisibility opens doors, creates opportunity, where none seemed to exist before. When we are unseen, we have an enormous advantage in moving in, doing things we wish or need to do, and in the process, to change the very dynamic of existing, seemingly closed, patterns.”
Many large companies are increasing their earnings per share by laying off the Gen X and Boomers. Fine, just hire a Gen Z’er in his or her place. Make your sales from real and organic growth not by cannibalizing the salaries of those with expertise. We read the 10k reports and we know better. Be honest, be more transparent, and for the love of God hire a Gen Z person.
** No AI is used in writing my articles. I read a lot. I invest in and support writers, journalists, and teachers.