tl;dr: Gen-Z with pedigree have zero work ethics

I’m not trying to romanticize burnout or act like overworking is the goal - no one’s asking for 80-hour weeks or to be glued to a desk. It’s just about showing up and really putting in the work during the hours you're actually there. Get through the day, put in the grind for the 8-9 hours, instead of always finding little workarounds or boundaries like work’s this huge burden. With some folks, especially Gen-Z? It’s like they’re expecting applause just for clocking in. Honestly, the entitlement sometimes is hard to understand. Wanting work-life balance? Totally fair, makes sense. But there’s still a basic commitment that comes with a job. Every time there’s a project with a bit of grit, it feels like there’s this immediate instinct to push back, sidestep the tough parts, and look for the smoothest route. Nobody’s above rolling up their sleeves, you know? But some of these guys, they treat working hard like it’s an outdated concept, like giving full effort is optional. And for those with the big names on their degrees? Sometimes it feels like they think that alone should mean they’re past the heavy lifting. They want the titles and perks, but without really showing the effort. On the other hand, working with folks who didn’t have all those privileges? Whole different story. They’re here ready to prove something, fully leaning into whatever task’s in front of them. They don’t get caught up in endless boundary-setting or second-guessing feedback - they’re putting in the work, seeing it as a chance, not a chore. And they don’t expect shortcuts; they’re in for the real effort. It’s not about glorifying long hours - it’s about being fully present for the hours you’re on the clock. Seeing some of this avoidance around commitment, it’s like somewhere along the line, the understanding got lost that success is built in the small, daily grind - the stuff that doesn’t come with instant validation.