Be Kind to Our Zoomer

While I can’t speak for all of Gen Z, I can confidently say that our son is one of the hardest workers I know. Miles has held a job since he was 16, starting at Halloween Express and later moving to Southern Lanes Bowling Alley (both owned by the same family). He graduated high school early and began working at Meijer that December, where he has now been employed for over a year and has learned nearly every role in the store.

Last summer and early fall, he had the opportunity to gain experience in his field while also remaining employed at Meijer. Once college started, he decided to leave the position and focus on school while continuing to work at Meijer. While I won’t go into the details of what triggered that decision, I am grateful he was able to gain experience in a career he truly loves—just ask any of his instructors at SKYCTC.  What upset me most, however, was a comment made by his former supervisor right before he left: “You need to learn how to work.” There were some weeks he worked close to 50 hours in addition to working his job at Meijer.   I assume the comment was said in the heat of the moment, but given his work history, that statement felt so inaccurate and unfair.  

Beyond that experience, I have heard similar criticisms from members of older generations about Gen Z’s work ethic. While I can’t speak for all of them, I can confidently say that this stereotype does not apply to our son.

Miles has always been a hard worker, dating back to his years as a varsity golfer, where he earned a top-five position on the team starting in eighth grade. Golf is far from an easy sport and requires consistent daily practice and discipline. Many tournaments meant spending six to eight hours on the course in challenging conditions—heat, rain, and long days of walking while pushing or carrying clubs.

On top of golf, he has always cared about his physical health and fitness. He has been a gym member for as long as I can remember and would often work nine-hour shifts before heading straight to the gym afterward.

We’ve experienced one of the worst snowstorms in recent history over the past few days. Yet since last Wednesday, our son has reported to work every single day—sometimes even working overtime—driving in hazardous conditions and helping keep the store running with only two or three others on staff.  Others had to call out—and I understand that, not passing judgement at all—but not him. Not our 19-year-old. He shows up early and stays late.  And because he still lives at home, I can't relax until I see him pull into the driveway. As a mom, I worry every single time he’s on those roads!

We are beyond proud of him. He has worked hard and saved for years, and last weekend he was able to purchase a beautiful new car—something he earned entirely through his own effort and discipline.

Today, my son who also has to work tonight, spent two hours helping me scrape a path on our driveway.  I went inside for two Advil, an Epsom salt soak, and slathered on Aspercream, while Miles headed to the with a friend to work out.  Aging is fun and humbling!

 

So what’s the point of this post? I’m not entirely sure there needs to be one. Maybe it’s simply a reminder not to judge an entire generation by the same standard, and to be mindful of the words we use. You never know how deeply a comment can affect someone who is already doing their best and working hard to build their future.  Please help me congratulate our hard working son!