A Gen Z intern has ignited an online debate with his unconventional demands during an interview. The intern insisted on a stipend of Rs. 50,000 and expressed a preference for working only five hours a day. He emphasised his desire for a work-life balance and openly stated his disinterest in the culture of multinational corporations (MNCs).
Amidst the prevailing hustle culture, striking a work-life balance has become increasingly difficult. In this environment, putting in more work hours may not necessarily lead to a better appraisal, but it often earns favour from management.
However, Gen Z seems determined to break away from this toxic culture. Instead of conforming to conventional norms, they are forging their own path.
The interviewer, Sameera Khan, took to Twitter to share the intern's unique demands, which have since sparked discussions and differing opinions across the online community.
In her tweet, Sameera Khan shared her experience interviewing a Gen Z intern who expressed a desire for a work-life balance, limiting work hours to no more than 5 hours per day. The intern also conveyed a preference for working at a startup, expressing a dislike for the culture of multinational corporations (MNCs). Additionally, the intern sought a stipend ranging from Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000. Sameera's tweet concluded with a lighthearted remark, wishing the future of work well amidst these changing expectations.
I was interviewing a GenZ intern today and he says he is looking for work life balance with not more than 5 hours of work.
— Sameera (@sameeracan) July 19, 2023
Doesn't't like the MNC culture so wants to work at a start up.
Also, wants 40-50k stipend.
God bless the future of work.
Intern Demand Rs 50k For Working 5 Hours, Sparks Debate
The tweet quickly went viral, garnering an impressive 654.9K views and eliciting a diverse range of responses from Twitter users.
One individual appreciated this generation's approach, noting how they prioritised their work-life balance and valued their time, contrasting with the experiences of many Indian employees. They opined that there was no need to ridicule the intern's demands and believed that with time, the individual would gain experience and understanding.
Another person, who frequently hires Gen Z interns, shared their observations. They mentioned that while Gen Z interns demonstrated creativity, they struggled with pressure and often had high compensation expectations. The user also mentioned that some Gen Z interns seemed to take job opportunities for granted. They acknowledged the current job market's openness but raised concerns that hiring might slow down in the future, especially with the increasing presence of freelance Gen Z workers.
Another individual found their perspective refreshing, stating that it was inspiring to witness them prioritising work-life balance and actively seeking a fulfilling work environment. They expressed their best wishes for Gen Z in finding the perfect fit for their aspirations.
A different user observed the evolving dynamics between generations, noting that this generation's opposition to exploitation shouldn't come as a surprise to millennials. They highlighted the younger generation's assertiveness in demanding healthier and more equitable work conditions.
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