I feel that Generation Z can teach older generations many things. Vice versa we can learn a lot from them as well but there are a few particular things they can learn from us. Gen Z lives in a modern technology world and we have branded such a large network where we learn from each other. Gen Z could teach an older generation about work life balance and mental health awareness.
Even though we aren’t in corporate jobs yet, as students we are learning more of a work life balance that could be promoted to older generations. Through online school and balancing high school we are a generation of procrastination, but we do know when we need a break and rest. Many teens do overwork themselves but it is increasingly becoming aware that your job or work doesn’t need to consume your whole life or day. You may have tasks to do and you do them but it doesn’t need to be a set all day thing. We take more time for self care and hobbies we enjoy to balance out our days. Between small things like our favorite shows, or talking to friends. We break up our days and be productive when needed. And I feel like the older generation puts so much pressure on long days and constant productivity but that burns you out. It’s good to be busy but you still have to find time for your life.
The older generation may say that Gen Z has the most diagnosed disorders ever, but that’s because its more common then it seems and past generations would shake off their mental health and not get help to heal. Things like anxiety and therapy were heard to only be for the extreme cases, but anyone these days can benefit from cooling off and just talking to a professional. I don’t have personal experience with these things but people like Simone Biles who had to take a step back from the Summer Olympics for her mental health are strong. The older generation would see her and say she was a wimp or still should compete but being under too much pressure or bad mental health could seriously distract and hurt a gymnast.
Being able to recognize when your no okay and to take a step back is something Generation Z could teach older generations. Of course we can be too much of snowflakes but theres a line for everything.
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Kennedy, your points are really great and you have a great line of reasoning. First, balancing work and life is definitely something we have experience with as teenagers in the modern age. There's so many distractions, hobbies, events, and all these things we want to do but also have to give up sometimes in order to focus on the more important things, like school. The great thing is that most teenagers are able to be proficient in school while also doing all these incredible things throughout their day that bring them joy, creating a good balance instead of overworking yourself like you mentioned. Mental health awareness is also another great point. Our culture has increased acceptance of acknowledging mental health struggles, and choosing Simone Biles as your example is perfect. So much pressure and high expectations were expected from her on the world's biggest stage, but she had the courage to put that aside and make the right decision to sacrifice it for her own well being. Great writing!
ReplyDeleteHi kennedy! You made a lot of good points especially on the mental health one. I completely agree because for the older generation they don't really take mental health as much of a problem and just brush it off. I also agreed on what you said about learning from each others generation, not only ours but theirs
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