How Gen Z Redefines Success with Luke Goetting
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There’s a story about a young man who left his university after just one year. He was frustrated, disengaged, and felt like he was wasting his time.
He couldn’t see the point of sitting in lectures, jotting down notes he’d never use, and racking up debt for a degree that seemed increasingly irrelevant. His professors labeled him as lazy, his parents worried he lacked direction, and his friends couldn’t understand why he wasn’t following the traditional path. Sound familiar?
If you’ve heard similar stories, you’re not alone. This is the narrative we’ve been fed about Gen Z: a generation that’s lazy, entitled, and unwilling to work hard. But what if this perception is all wrong? What if, instead of being lazy, Gen Z is simply more strategic?
Luke Goetting, founder of Puffingston Presentations, knows this narrative all too well. As a millennial, he witnessed similar criticisms lobbed at his own generation. Now, working closely with Gen Z, he’s determined to change the conversation. “It’s not laziness; it’s strategic,” Luke says. And when you start to look closer, his perspective makes a lot of sense.
Gen Z grew up in a world that’s moving faster than ever. They’ve seen the rise of digital technologies, the decline of traditional industries, and the economic instability that followed the 2008 recession. They watched their parents’ generation work tirelessly for companies that didn’t always return the loyalty. So they learned to adapt, to pivot, to look out for themselves in a way that older generations might not fully understand.
“They’re navigating a job market where the rules are constantly changing,” Luke explains. “So, they’re adapting their approach. They’re not sticking around waiting for a promotion that may never come. They’re looking for opportunities to grow and learn, and if that means changing jobs frequently, then that’s what they’ll do.”
When we see a Gen Z employee change jobs after a year or two, it’s easy to think they’re just not willing to commit. But in reality, they’re weighing their options, leveraging new opportunities for better pay, more flexibility, and meaningful work. They’re not waiting for promotions that may never come; they’re finding their own way up.
“They can see their colleagues on social media, changing jobs and watching their salaries skyrocket. It’s not laziness; it’s strategic,”
Luke continues.
Gen Z isn’t afraid to leave a job that doesn’t serve them because they know their worth and they know there’s always another opportunity around the corner.
This isn’t just about job-hopping. It’s about a fundamental shift in how Gen Z approaches life and work. They value flexibility, meaningful engagement, and continuous growth. They aren’t interested in clocking in and out just for a paycheck. They want to know that what they’re doing matters.
Luke’s insights reveal a generation that’s not just surviving but thriving in a world of uncertainty. They’re building careers on their own terms, using the tools at their disposal—technology, social media, and a global network of peers—to navigate an unpredictable future. And they’re doing it with a strategic mindset that previous generations often mistake for a lack of drive.
“Different doesn’t necessarily equal bad. Let’s figure out how we can foster intergenerational collaboration. Gen Z has so much to offer in terms of innovation and fresh perspectives, but they’re often overlooked because their approach doesn’t fit the traditional mold.”
But can you really blame them for rejecting the old ways? When the traditional path doesn’t guarantee security or satisfaction, isn’t it smarter to forge a new one?
Instead of criticizing Gen Z for their perceived lack of loyalty or commitment, maybe it’s time we start learning from them.
They’re showing us that adaptability and resilience are the new keys to success. They’re reminding us that life is too short to be spent in a job that doesn’t bring fulfillment or growth. And they’re challenging companies to rethink what it means to be an employer of choice in a world that’s changing faster than ever.
Luke believes that it’s time for businesses to stop seeing this behavior as a problem and start seeing it as an opportunity.
“Organizations need to get better at showing their young employees the bigger picture,” he suggests. “If you want Gen Z to stay, show them a path for growth. Help them see how they can make an impact. It’s not enough to just offer a paycheck anymore.”
The question we should be asking isn’t why Gen Z isn’t following the old rules. It’s why those rules still exist in a world that’s so vastly different from the one they were created for. Gen Z’s approach to work isn’t a rejection of hard work; it’s a redefinition of what hard work looks like in the 21st century.
“Gen Z is incredibly entrepreneurial. Even if they’re working a nine-to-five job, many of them have side hustles that allow them to explore their passions and earn extra income. They’re not waiting for opportunities to come to them—they’re creating their own.”
They’re teaching us that it’s okay to prioritize well-being, to seek out roles that align with our values, and to leave behind what no longer serves us. They’re reminding us that success doesn’t have to look like climbing a corporate ladder; sometimes it’s about building your own ladder or deciding you don’t need one at all.
So, the next time you hear someone call Gen Z lazy, take a moment to reconsider.
Could it be that what we’re seeing isn’t a lack of ambition, but a new form of it?
Could it be that Gen Z is leading us towards a future where work and life are better balanced, where purpose and profit can coexist?
And here’s the question I’ll leave you with: Are we ready to let go of our outdated perceptions and embrace the opportunities that this new generation is bringing to the table?
Because maybe, just maybe, it’s time we start learning from them.
Listen to Uncharted Your Sidekick for Life: Episode 3, Season 2 – Featuring Luke Goetting
Luke Goetting: Luke Goetting began his professional journey in an unconventional manner. With a degree in entrepreneurship from the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota, Luke didn’t set out to become an entrepreneur. He initially ventured into outside sales for a security company during the Great Recession, which he described as a learning experience that felt entrepreneurial in itself. Despite the challenges, he found himself captivated by the dynamics of presentations and meetings, leading him to eventually establish Puffingston Presentations—a creative agency named after his sister's childhood nickname. Over the last decade, Luke has built a company that not only excels in presentation design but also reflects his passion for engaging young professionals in meaningful ways.
Natalie Peyton: Peyton studied theatre and film in Australia, New York and LA and performed stand-up on the “three coasts.” She honed her podcast executive skills over the last 4 years developing and producing dozens of podcasts and even hosts a children’s mindfulness bedtime program
Leon Vanstone: Leon brings his curiosity and sharp interviewing skills to the table, facilitating insightful discussions with our mentors, extracting valuable lessons and insights to empower listeners on their own path to growth and achievement.
Dan Dillard: Dan, with his thoughtful approach and engaging style, delves into the minds of our mentors on the podcast, crafting compelling interviews that uncover the wisdom and experiences driving their success and impact.
This blog was written by Anais Schmidt, one of the hosts of the Uncharted Podcast. Anais is also an aspiring musician. When not in her studio, she tours Europe with Monte Mai.
If you would like to join the conversation email us at anais@foundingup.com
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