My Gen Z Daughter and I Approach Our Careers Differently

As a Gen X dad, I get along well with my Gen Z daughter, but occasionally we butt heads across the generational divide. While we have a lot of things in common, we also have some different perspectives on life.

We communicate differently

My daughter is approaching 20 and has been comfortable with technology from a young age. She’s grown up with smartphones and social media and has benefited from technology in so many aspects of her life. Like much of her generation, my daughter prefers quick and informal communication methods, like texting or messaging apps. I grew up without the constant presence of social networking and continue to plod through the advances of technology, and I tend to prefer more structured communication, like phone calls.

While quick texts don’t always cut it for me, I admit they can be convenient. My daughter and her friends message quickly and use emojis, abbreviations, and memes to express themselves They use social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat to stay connected, but I feel uncomfortable sharing photos and videos to keep everyone informed about aspects of my life. I find that most of my peers plod steadily through messaging, keep it simple, and use formal wording.

We recently chatted over FaceTime when my daughter was overseas, and it was great to see her face on the other side of the world. Growing up in a technology-rich environment has shaped her proficiency and comfort with various digital tools, including videoconferencing platforms like Zoom. I envy that.

Technology has changed education, and she’s benefited from that

I went through a traditional education system focused on formal classroom learning, while my daughter has benefited from digital learning tools and online education. She can watch a recording of a university lecture if she misses it in person and can find information easily and quickly, which puts her in a good position for a possible legal career.

What frustrates me, however, is the use of the internet as a superpower. My daughter is more inclined to search for answers on Google and seek easy solutions for mundane things. I was always encouraged to be a free-thinker and to figure things out for myself.

We also view work and money differently

In the workplace, many of my peers typically value loyalty and job stability, while my daughter and many of her friends prioritize flexibility and work-life balance. While she is keen to pursue a high-paying job, and it’s possible she may change employers regularly, I have spent two-thirds of my working life with just two employers.

In terms of finance and money, my daughter is typical of her generation and lives in a world of immediate gratification. She likes the convenience of swiping and paying for everything with a card, and I like the old-fashioned way of paying with cash. She would rather we transfer money to her electronically than hand over cold, hard cash. Ironically, when she had a student job in a supermarket, the electronic payment system went down, and she admitted that cash had a place in society.

She also prioritizes speed when it comes to food (and, of course, paying for it). While my daughter thinks nothing of hopping on her phone to order Uber Eats, I don’t mind the delayed gratification that comes with cooking a delicious homemade stew. One action is quick and easy, and the other is rewarding but requires more effort. My daughter wants quick and convenient every time.

We both value responsible spending and security, but we have different approaches to how we handle our money. I have a more conservative approach to finances. My daughter prioritizes travel and experiences over saving for a house deposit and is not overly worried about accumulating student debt.

Though we don’t always see things the same way, she gives me hope

One area I envy my daughter’s generation is the strong commitment to environmental sustainability and eco-friendly practices. While I was growing up, I didn’t see the same level of awareness of environmental issues and the climate crisis in many of my peers.

My daughter’s passion for making the world a better place is inspiring and makes me feel proud and hopeful for the future. Her generation seems to talk more openly than mine about issues like mental health with friends, family, and colleagues, and that honesty is a good thing.

I am learning to accept that sometimes I won’t see eye-to-eye with my daughter. It can be frustrating, but disagreements are opportunities for growth and learning. It’s a journey of mutual compromise and appreciation for each other’s unique perspectives. And fortunately, we share core values, such as respect, kindness, and empathy, which strengthen our relationship.