New York University Professor Warns Gen Zers about Remote Work and Work-Life Balance
A New York University professor has issued a cautionary message to Gen Zers who prioritize remote work and work-life balance. According to Suzy Welch, a professor at NYU Stern School of Business, these individuals are unlikely to reach top leadership positions as CEOs or achieve the same financial success as their peers.
In an interview with Insider, Welch explained that while remote workers may view work-life balance as their own version of success, there are trade-offs involved in rejecting the traditional hustle culture, especially at a young age. According to Welch, success is subjective, and these individuals may not aspire to become CEOs.
Welch emphasized that those who have experience working in traditional offices understand the benefits of being physically present. She stated, “I’ve seen the magic that happens when people are actually together.”
This sentiment echoes the thoughts of another NYU professor, Scott Galloway, who previously remarked that young people should not stay at home if they seek professional and romantic success.
Despite this, a 2023 Deloitte survey revealed that nearly half of Gen Z and millennials consider work to be central to their identity. However, they still prioritize achieving a healthy work-life balance.
These attitudes are reflected in emerging workplace trends on platforms like TikTok, where concepts such as “lazy-girl jobs” and the “snail-girl” lifestyle encourage individuals to seek low-stress, high-paying jobs with minimal effort.
However, Welch warned that those who choose these lifestyles may be disappointed when they do not reap the same financial rewards as their more hardworking peers.
Welch noted that the expectation of success simply showing up for a nine-to-five job is unrealistic. She advised Gen Zers to confront their anxieties and stressors, as avoiding them could hinder their progress. Welch clarified that she was referring to general stress and anxiety, not anxiety disorders.
She provided an example of having to skip a party to deal with clients, highlighting the real-life trade-offs that come with adulthood.
“That’s actually the work of your life – figuring out who you are and what journey you want to be on, and it might create uncomfortable feelings and sleepless nights, but that’s okay. That is part of being in the world,” Welch concluded.
It is essential for Gen Zers to consider the long-term implications of prioritizing remote work and work-life balance and whether it aligns with their personal definitions of success.
(Given the nature of the original content, it is worth mentioning that the statements made the professor are opinion-based and may not reflect the views of all individuals within the Gen Z demographic.)