Why Gen Z Are Turning Down Promotions

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Many Gen Z workers are changing how they think about success at work and some are saying no to promotions. Rather than always aiming for bigger job titles or more duties, they’re choosing to focus on their mental health, free time, and doing work that feels meaningful.

Let’s read the article and learn more about why and how this generation is redefining success.

https://www.newsweek.com/gen-z-work-promotions-2034241

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain the meaning of the phrase “a defining part of something“. “Emma sees her job strictly as a source of income rather than a defining part of her identity.” Use it in your own sentence.
  2. Define the verb “forgo“. “For 25-year-old Emma*, the decision to forgo promotions is a deliberate and deeply personal one.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
  3. What is the meaning of “expendable“? “Emma’s concerns echo a wider sentiment among Gen Z workers who feel little loyalty toward employers who, in their view, see them as expendable.” Use it in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think Gen Z might value flexibility more than status?
  2. How is Gen Z’s view of work different from older generations?
  3. What does “success” mean to you in a job?
  4. Would you accept a promotion if it meant more stress or less free time? Why or why not?
  5. Can you think of a time when someone chose peace of mind over a higher position?
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4 replies on “Why Gen Z Are Turning Down Promotions”

VOCABULARY: 1. In my opinion, if your job is a defining part of your identity, you will work happier.
2. I prefer to forgo something that I don’t like as much as it looks ideal from the outside
3. Nowadays, everything that does not make you happy is expendable

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

Why do you think Gen Z might value flexibility more than status?
I think people prefer to live more quiet and happy than stressed out and with money

How is Gen Z’s view of work different from older generations?
In my opinion the vision has also been changed by the companies themselves

What does “success” mean to you in a job?
If my work is recognized, flexible and more or less well paid

Would you accept a promotion if it meant more stress or less free time?
Depends on the time
Why or why not? I mean, today that I have little children, No. In the past o in the future, If I like my job, why not?

Can you think of a time when someone chose peace of mind over a higher position?
For example, in my case, I chose working from home far from big city before better roles and higher salaries.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this topic. Well done practicing your writing skills.

Here are some minor changes you can make in this sentence to improve it:

For example, in my case, I chose working from home far from big city before better roles and higher salaries.

For example, in my case, I chose working from home far rather than working in a big city. I prefer it over better roles and higher salaries.

Great work! To more entries from you!

1 ) sth especially from sth
Traveling define a part of my personality.
2) Give up
he decided to forgo dessert to stick to his diet
3 ) not valued
the employee feelt expendable comparing his self with wath IA can do

1) Because they prefer freedom and balance and mental health
2)Older generation saw work as identity , when the gen z sees it s just a part of life
3)growing and keep a good work life balance
4) Only if it fits my goals. Peace of mind matters more than pressure.
5) A friend turned down a manager role to avoid stress and spend more time with family.

Well done expressing your ideas through writing.

Remember to always answer in full sentences. Instead of saying, “Because they prefer freedom and balance and mental health“, you may say, “Gen Zs value flexibility more because they prefer freedom,and balance, and good mental health..”

Always enjoy doing your writing exercises.

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