Diary of a Corporate Gen Z: Career Nightmares, Real Talk, and Gen Z Solutions

Welcome to Diary of a Corporate Gen Z, powered by The Black Ink Press—where we spill the tea on career nightmares, Gen Z struggles, and the tips and tricks you need to survive and thrive in today’s corporate world. We know corporate life isn’t all rainbows and LinkedIn endorsements, so let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of navigating the ups and downs of professional life as a Gen Z.

This isn’t your typical “be productive” blog post, okay? We’re here to keep it real, tackle some of those nightmares we’ve all experienced, and share practical solutions to help you avoid them—or, at least, get through them without pulling your hair out.

1. The Micromanager Struggle: When You’re Treated Like a Newbie Forever

Let’s be honest. As a Gen Z-er, you’re probably used to autonomy. You grew up on tech, multitasking like a pro, and bingeing productivity hacks. But then you step into a corporate job, and boom—the micromanager shows up. You’re asked for constant updates, your every move is tracked, and you’re treated like you’ve never touched a spreadsheet in your life. Ugh.

The Nightmare: Your manager constantly hovers over your shoulder, asking questions that seem like they could be Googled. It’s draining, demotivating, and it feels like you're not trusted to do anything on your own.

The Gen Z Solution: Set clear expectations from the get-go. Initiate a conversation with your manager about how often they’d like updates and what specific information they need. Let them know how you work best (hello, autonomy!), but also be open to feedback. If you’re being micromanaged, it’s usually a sign that the communication isn’t as strong as it could be, so take the lead in improving that dialogue. Plus, create regular check-ins to build trust and avoid surprises.

Pro Tip: Over-communicate (but not too much). A quick email summarizing your progress can go a long way in making your manager feel informed, and that trust starts to build.

2. The Never-Ending Zoom Calls: Can We Please Go Back to Email?

If there’s one thing that became painfully obvious during the pandemic, it’s that Zoom calls are not always the solution. Sometimes, they’re the problem—especially when you’re stuck in hour-long meetings that could’ve been resolved with a two-paragraph email.

The Nightmare: You’re trapped in a Zoom meeting that could’ve been a Slack message. Your eyes are glazing over, your mind is wandering, and you’re just praying for the meeting to end.

The Gen Z Solution: First off, get comfortable with saying, “Can we address this in an email?” Or, propose that the meeting be shorter and more to the point. If a meeting doesn’t require your full attention or input, ask if you can step out early. You’re busy too, and that’s completely okay. Set clear agendas for meetings and ask for a summary afterward if you don’t need to be involved in every conversation.

Pro Tip: Look for “meeting-free” time blocks in your calendar, and protect them fiercely. No one needs to spend their entire day bouncing between Zoom rooms. Focus time is productivity gold.

3. The Ageism Problem: “You’re Too Young to Lead”

One of the worst things you can experience as a Gen Z-er is being written off simply because of your age. Whether it’s being sidelined in meetings, or your ideas being ignored, ageism is real.

The Nightmare: Your boss or colleagues dismiss your ideas because they assume you don’t have the experience to back them up. It feels like a constant battle to prove your worth.

The Gen Z Solution: Own your youth and energy. Use your fresh perspective as an asset! And don’t be afraid to lean into your skills. Show the value of your ideas through data or examples of how your solutions can move the needle. Be proactive and take on small leadership roles to build credibility, but also speak up when necessary—your voice matters, and if you’re the right person for the job, your age should never hold you back.

Pro Tip: Surround yourself with allies who see your potential and are willing to help elevate your ideas. Sometimes it takes just one mentor or colleague to advocate for you.

4. The Burnout Trap: How to Say No Without Feeling Like You’re Failing

Burnout is real, especially for us Gen Zers who are still trying to find that perfect balance between hustle and rest. You’re constantly expected to perform at a high level, and it’s hard to admit when you’re running on empty.

The Nightmare: You’ve agreed to every request at work, taken on too many projects, and now you’re totally drained. You can’t even think straight, but you’re terrified of letting anyone down or appearing incapable.

The Gen Z Solution: Say it with us: boundaries. Start by prioritizing your tasks based on urgency and importance. You don’t have to say yes to everything, and you definitely don’t have to prove anything to anyone by overworking yourself. It’s okay to delegate, ask for help, or simply say no. Set limits for your working hours, and don’t feel guilty about taking time for yourself. Rest is a part of the grind.

Pro Tip: Keep track of your workload and mental state. If you feel yourself spiraling, it’s time to reassess. Trust your instincts—burnout is a marathon, not a sprint.

5. The Imposter Syndrome Battle: Feeling Like You Don’t Belong

We all get that feeling—like you somehow faked your way into your role and it’s just a matter of time before someone figures it out. Spoiler alert: you belong.

The Nightmare: You constantly feel like a fraud, no matter how many accomplishments you rack up. You start questioning your abilities and whether you’re truly cut out for your career.

The Gen Z Solution: First, acknowledge that imposter syndrome is something everyone experiences at some point, no matter how senior or seasoned they are. The trick is to reframe those thoughts. Instead of doubting yourself, focus on the skills you’ve gained and the progress you’ve made. And remember, your unique background and perspective bring value that no one else can replicate.

Pro Tip: Celebrate your wins, no matter how small. Building confidence takes time, but over time, those little victories will help silence that imposter voice.

Wrapping It Up: Your Corporate Gen Z Survival Guide

At the end of the day, the corporate world can feel like a jungle, especially when you’re a Gen Z-er trying to carve your own path. But trust us—your voice matters, your perspective is valuable, and you belong in the room. The key to surviving and thriving is finding the right balance between professional growth and personal well-being.

Whether you’re tackling micromanagers, managing burnout, or navigating imposter syndrome, know that you’re not alone. The key is to keep learning, growing, and taking control of your career—and when in doubt, lean into the advice from this Gen Z-powered diary.

Until next time, keep your head high, your goals higher, and remember: you’ve got this. 💼✨