Level Up Your Life: The CEO-Approved Secret Weapon Gen Z Needs (It’s Not What You Think!)

Introduction: The Gen Z Hustle – With a Millennial Twist

Gen Z, you’re known for your digital savvy, your drive for social change, and your entrepreneurial spirit. You’re entering a world of work that’s constantly evolving, and you're not afraid to challenge the status quo. But even the most innovative generation can benefit from the wisdom of those who've navigated the career landscape before. That's where Millennial founders come in.

"You don't get what you don't ask for." It sounds simple, almost cliché, but this powerful piece of advice is the secret weapon many Millennial entrepreneurs swear by. In this post, we'll break down why this mantra is crucial for Gen Z's career success and provide actionable steps to start asking for what you deserve.

Why Asking Matters: Understanding the Opportunity Gap

Gen Z is entering a job market where competition is fierce. Standing out requires more than just a stellar resume. It demands proactive self-advocacy. The truth is, many opportunities aren't explicitly offered; they're negotiated.

• The Myth of Meritocracy: We'd like to believe that hard work alone guarantees success, but the reality is that progress often requires actively seeking recognition and advancement.

• The Confidence Conundrum: Studies show that women, in particular, are less likely to negotiate salaries or promotions than men. Gen Z needs to be aware of these ingrained biases and actively combat them.

• The "Good Employee" Trap: Being a reliable, hardworking member of the team is essential, but it won't automatically lead to bigger opportunities. You have to signal your ambition and articulate your goals.

From Millennial Founder to Gen Z Game-Changer: Real-World Examples

Let's hear from the Millennial founders who've lived this advice:

• Sarah, Founder of a Sustainable Fashion Brand: "Early in my career, I was hesitant to ask for a raise, even though I was consistently exceeding expectations. Finally, a mentor pushed me to prepare a case outlining my accomplishments and the value I brought to the company. I got the raise and gained valuable negotiation skills."

• David, CEO of a Tech Startup: "One of my biggest regrets is not speaking up sooner when I felt I deserved a leadership role. I assumed my hard work would be noticed. It wasn't until I had a frank conversation with my manager about my aspirations that I was given the opportunity to lead a project. That project ultimately led to my promotion."

• Emily, Creator of a Digital Marketing Agency: "As a freelancer, I used to undervalue my services. I was afraid of losing clients if I increased my rates. But once I started confidently asking for what my work was worth, I attracted higher-paying clients who appreciated my expertise."

Actionable Steps: How Gen Z Can Start Asking (and Getting!)

Okay, Gen Z, it's time to put this advice into action. Here's a practical guide to asking for what you deserve:

1. Know Your Worth: Research industry standards for salaries and benefits in your role and location. Use online resources like Glassdoor, Salary.com, and Payscale. Understand how your skills and experience compare to the market.

   • Example: "A junior marketing specialist with 1-2 years of experience in [City, State] typically earns between $[X] and $[Y]."

2. Identify Your Goals: What do you want to achieve in your career? Are you looking for a promotion, a raise, more responsibility, a specific project, a mentorship opportunity, or a change in your work-life balance? Be specific about what you're seeking.

   • Example: "I want to lead the social media strategy for the new product launch."

3. Prepare Your Case: Gather evidence to support your request. Document your accomplishments, highlight your contributions to the team's success, and quantify your impact whenever possible. Create a clear narrative that demonstrates your value.

   • Example: "In the past quarter, I increased website traffic by 20% through SEO optimization and improved social media engagement by 15%."

4. Practice Your Pitch: Rehearse what you're going to say in a mirror or with a friend. This will help you feel more confident and articulate during the actual conversation.

   • Example: "I'm excited about my contributions to the company and I'm ready to take on more responsibility. I'm confident that I can lead the social media strategy for the new product launch. I've already developed some ideas for increasing engagement and reaching a wider audience..."

5. Choose the Right Time and Place: Schedule a meeting with your manager or the relevant decision-maker. Pick a time when they are likely to be receptive and in a good mood. Ensure you have a private, quiet space where you can have an open and honest conversation.

6. Be Confident and Assertive: Project confidence and clearly state your request. Use "I" statements to express your needs and desires. Be prepared to negotiate and compromise.

   • Example: "I am confident that I can excel in this role, I am excited about this opportunity and I would like to discuss how to be able to do this."

7. Be Respectful and Professional: Even if you don't get what you want immediately, maintain a respectful and professional demeanor. Thank the person for their time and consideration. Ask for specific feedback on what you can do to improve your chances in the future.

8. Follow Up: If you don't receive a decision right away, follow up politely within a reasonable timeframe. Reiterate your interest and reiterate your qualifications.

Beyond the Ask: Building a Culture of Open Communication

Asking for what you want shouldn't be a one-time event. It should be part of an ongoing dialogue with your manager and colleagues. Build a culture of open communication where you feel comfortable sharing your goals, asking for feedback, and advocating for your needs.

• Regular Check-ins: Schedule regular meetings with your manager to discuss your progress, challenges, and career aspirations.

• Seek Feedback: Actively solicit feedback from your colleagues and mentors. Use this feedback to identify areas for improvement and develop your skills.

• Network Strategically: Build relationships with people in your field who can offer advice, support, and opportunities.

Conclusion: Own Your Career Trajectory

Gen Z, you have the potential to revolutionize the world of work. By embracing the "You don't get what you don't ask for" mentality, you can take control of your career trajectory and achieve your full potential. Don't be afraid to speak up, advocate for yourself, and pursue your ambitions. The future is yours to create.

Thought-Provoking Questions:

• What's one thing you've been hesitant to ask for in your career? What's holding you back?

• How can you apply the advice in this post to your current job or career search?

• What resources or support systems can you tap into to help you become a more confident advocate for yourself?

• How can you encourage other members of Gen Z to embrace the “You don’t get what you don’t ask for” philosophy?