this post was submitted on 10 Apr 2025
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I've also noticed a generational difference in the 20-some years I've been in the workforce.
Millennials and Gen X were/are given shit wages too, but still gave a fuck because their Boomer parents sold them on the lie that you will get recognized for your efforts if you just work hard enough (because it was true for them up until the Reagan era). I'm a Millennial and even to this day I notice that I put more effort into doing my job the way I'm supposed to compared to my younger coworkers, even though I know now that I'm being exploited. I can't help it; it's in my programming.
Gen Z, on the other hand, was born into a world where everything already went to shit decades ago, raised by jaded parents who didn't sell them on the same lie because it was never true for them. So they don't give a fuck because they were never programmed to believe that hard work will result in higher income.
Hmm, sounds like crappy parents.
Doing a good job has value in itself. Yes, it's better to get compensated for that, but taking pride in your work at least makes the workday go faster.
Then again, I'm a millennial, so I guess I was sold the lie.
For me it's more about simply someone paid for this thing and how I get paid (unfairly but still) and it isn't that person's fault my company sucks. I feel bad if I don't give the customer what they expect and paid for. Like I can't fuck other people over just because I'm being fucked. On the other hand I understand why the McDonald's person doesn't give a shit and I don't blame them at all. The lie is deeply engrained in us.
Whether your company sucks or you're compensated fairly isn't particularly relevant IMO.
Doing a good job and feeling pride in your work has value in itself. Don't do it for the company, do it for yourself, and you'll probably be happier. And then look around for jobs that reward that.