Every generation thinks the ones after them are a little bit odd. Baby Boomers side eyed Gen X, Gen X rolled their eyes at Millennials, and Millennials like me can’t quite get over the fact that Gen Z decided side parts are a crime against humanity. But, if I’m honest, the kids are onto something. They may be glued to TikTok and able to invent a new slang term every week, but in between the memes, they’ve also cracked a few codes we’re still fumbling with.
Here’s what I’ve learned from them so far:
Lesson 1: Work Isn’t Everything
When I was starting out, the unspoken rule was simple: work until you collapse, then use your sick day to recover. Gen Z, however, has taken one look at burnout culture and said, “Absolutely not.”
They’re pragmatic about work, which doesn’t mean they’re lazy. It means they’re not willing to sacrifice every waking hour for a job title. They value balance. They actually use their leave days. And here’s the kicker: they’re still getting their jobs done. However, some bosses and managers may disagree.
It’s a wild concept for those of us who were raised on hustle culture. Apparently, you don’t need to have a minor breakdown before you’re “allowed” to take time off. You can just… take it. I wish someone had told me that in my twenties. Instead, I learnt it the hard way, usually with a doctor telling me to rest after I’d worked myself sick.
So yes, maybe we could all take a page out of Gen Z’s book and start putting boundaries around our time. Because no one looks back and says, “Ah yes, my greatest achievement was never taking lunch breaks.”
Lesson 2: Fitness Over Fizz
Here’s another surprise: Gen Z is drinking less. They’re swapping nights out for gym sessions, and fad diets for actual nutrition. They’re more into wellness than wild parties, which I find… inspiring, actually.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not suddenly about to turn down every glass of wine offered to me. But watching how easily they choose the healthier option has made me rethink my own habits. These days, when I do go out, I take the healthier route by making sure I’m prepared. That means keeping hydrated with water between drinks and having my Myrkl on hand, a little secret weapon that helps me (steadily) enjoy a night out without feeling like a cautionary tale the next morning.
The point isn’t to give up fun; it’s about being intentional. Gen Z makes it clear that wellness isn’t supposed to feel like punishment; it’s something you fold into your life in a way that sticks. Sad to say, but maybe walking to the fridge doesn’t count as my daily steps after all.
Lesson 3: Saving Early Is a Superpower
Another thing I begrudgingly admire about Gen Z: they’re actually saving. Like, really saving. They’ve got apps that round up their purchases into investment accounts, and they know what an ETF is before they’ve even graduated. Meanwhile, I was still blowing my paycheque on overpriced coffee and hoping retirement would somehow sort itself out.
The reality is, if I had started putting away even small amounts in my twenties, I’d be much better off today. But Gen Z has flipped the script. They’re teaching us that financial literacy doesn’t have to be intimidating, it just has to be consistent.
It’s not about being perfect with money; it’s about starting. And as much as I want to roll my eyes at their colour-coded budgeting spreadsheets, I can’t deny that they’re setting themselves up smarter than we did.
Lesson 4: Talk Less, Scroll Smart
If you thought social media was all shallow scrolling, Gen Z will prove you wrong. They’ve taken a real liking to podcasts, valuing the intimacy and depth that comes with hearing real conversations. It’s almost funny. The generation famous for 15 second TikToks is also willing to sit through a two-hour podcast on niche topics like mushroom farming or ancient history.
There’s a lesson here: maybe what we’re craving isn’t more information, but better information. Something that feels human and unpolished, not just another perfectly curated post. Meanwhile, I still find myself glued to my phone at 1 a.m. scrolling through dog videos and wondering why I feel drained afterwards. Gen Z, somehow, seems to know better. They’re not consuming less content; they’re just being smarter about it. And maybe we could all benefit from replacing a few hours of doomscrolling with something that actually nourishes our brains.
Lesson 5: Dream Big (and Don’t Fear the Robots)
One of the most surprising (or perhaps unsurprisingly) things about Gen Z is their attitude toward technology, especially AI. Where older generations tend to panic about “robots taking our jobs,” Gen Z is excited about the possibilities. They’re hopeful, they see AI as a tool, not a threat.
And honestly, that perspective is refreshing. Instead of focusing on what might go wrong, they’re dreaming up ways it can make life better. If they’re building a robot that does laundry or negotiates with the bank on my behalf, I’m all in.
The point is, they’re not letting fear of change stop them from embracing new ideas. And that’s something worth learning, no matter what generation you’re in.
Closing Thoughts
It’s easy to poke fun at Gen Z. Their slang is confusing, their fashion choices sometimes feel like a prank, and they’re already nostalgic about early 2010s pop songs. But if you look past the surface, they’ve figured out a few things many of us are still struggling with.
They know work isn’t everything. They value their health without making it a punishment. They’re surprisingly savvy with money. They seek meaningful content. And they’re not afraid of what’s next.
So while I may never forgive them for cancelling the side part, I’ll happily borrow a few of their habits. Because sometimes the “kids” really do know best.
Now, if you’re seeking more meaningful articles like this one, consider reading The Joy of Socialising at a Slower Pace and The Non-Alcoholic Revolution. See what I did there?
*MYRKL is a supplement designed to support well-being while consuming alcohol and promote responsible alcohol consumption. It efficiently breaks down the absorption of alcohol, giving you the opportunity to enjoy your social experiences regret-free. Do not take more than the recommended dose of 2 capsules in 24 hours.
Based on a randomised placebo-controlled double-blind crossover study, conducted with 24 healthy subjects. Subjects were randomised to take 2 capsules/day of AB001 or placebo for 1 week prior to experimental day, where they ingested a light breakfast and drank a moderate glass of spirit (0.3 g/kg body weight).
- Pfützner A, Hanna M, Andor Y, Sachsenheimer D, Demircik F, Wittig T and de Faire J. Chronic Uptake of A Probiotic Nutritional Supplement (AB001) Inhibits Absorption of Ethylalcohol in the Intestine Tract – Results from a Randomized Double-blind Crossover Study. Nutr. Metab. Insights. 2022;15:1-5.
MYRKL (capsules), Unscheduled. D 34.12: Complementary Medicine (Health Supplement). Contains Fermented Rice Bran (Oryza sativa), L-Cysteine, Dextrin and Vitamin B12. (fermented by Bacillus subtilis & Bacillus coagulans). This medicine is subject to regulatory control by SAHPRA.
Developed and formulated by: De Faire Medical AB, Västra Trädgårdsgatan 11A, 111 53 Stockholm, Sweden.
Applicant: Imperial Market Access Healthcare SA (Pty) Ltd, 57 Sarel Baard Crescent, Gateway Industrial Park, Rooihuiskraal, 0157.
General contact information: Tel: 012 621 4300, info.mahsa.sm@dpworld.com. For any quality or safety related queries, please contact Imperial Quality at quality.healthcare.sm@dpworld.com or Imperial Medical at pvimperiallogistics@dpworld.com.
