A writer missed deadlines every time we had a project due and he would switch his phone off in order to evade communication. PHOTO: TWITTER

Millennials and their “my life, my rules” approach

Nearly every youngster I have talked to is more interested in sakoon (relaxation) than working hard.

Shahrukh Sohail May 23, 2017
I started out early in the corporate world and I think that’s one of the reasons why I’ve always been motivated. But before I detail my torrid experience with Pakistan’s burgeoning youth, let me state for the record, these views do not represent all the youngsters in the country. This article is merely a reflection of what I have encountered in the field.

When I began my first internship during my O’ level days, I did the usual; hang around the office at times, Facebook a lot and extensively read up on European football. I basically enjoyed myself, but there were some things my boss never tolerated; not completing my assigned tasks, making excuses, being late to work or violating the decorum in any manner.

Those thoughts were permanently ingrained in me, and I lived by them. Once I was given the extremely ardent task of replicating the Yahoo homepage in html (it was living hell for a 15-year-old) and it got so bad that I eventually broke down in tears.

But I pulled myself together, researched, completed the task on time and never looked back. I didn’t complain to my boss nor did I stop my internship.

A few years later, I started a business and it eventually grew into a small but resourceful digital marketing company called WonderWorks. When it was time to hire fresh talent was when the tough part began. I had worked with writers before, but that was primarily freelance and this was the first time we had to hire someone in our scantily clad office, which was still working from my house.

We started with a graphic designer and though I was extremely impressed by his abilities, I was also equally appalled with his professionalism. Considering that most of our employees were part-time students, I took extra care in insuring that they had an extremely flexible schedule and gave them the entire month off for their finals.

I was expecting a few full-time employees after their graduation, yet I was horrified at what happened next. I asked our designer to come in after a lengthy break, which he promised to, during which work had piled up and we were stretched to the maximum.

I began waiting for him at around noon; his phone was switched off and he wasn’t responding to any of my messages.

By 3pm, I was livid and when he finally showed up at 5pm, I wanted to scream.

His excuse was,
Mujhe family kay sath Taxila jana parha.”

(I had to go to Taxila with my family).

If it was for an emergency it would be understandable, but a joy trip in the middle of the day? I didn’t get it. I didn’t understand why this generation was so entitled. Was it just me? Was it just the people I was coming in contact with? I didn’t know. But one thing I did know was that millennials have been boxed into the generation of the selfish category, and this was just my first experience.

However, this wasn’t the piece de resistance. That came the next working day, where upon asking where he was, I got a response saying,
Abhi bohat garmi hai, mein shaam ko aaon ga.”

(It’s really hot right now; I’ll come in the evening).

Unbelievable, I thought whilst breaking a couple of pens on my desk.

He finally showed up in the evening, did work for one or two hours, before claiming,
Mein thak giya hoon, mein ja raha hoon.”

(I’m tired now, I’m leaving).

I argued that this sort of behaviour is unacceptable and you cannot just come and go as you please.

Then came another bombshell:
“My life, my rules, I will come on my own time.”

Safe to say, I fired him.

Besides the graphic designer, I witnessed some other atrocities. A writer missed deadlines every time we had a project due and he would switch his phone off in order to evade communication. This was a recurring trend and when I was on the hunt for designers, I interviewed several people but chose one applicant, who despite being offered a very generous starting salary, declined saying he had other commitments, aka lack of time.

Nearly every youngster I have talked to is more interested in sakoon (relaxation) than working hard. Where does this come from and why are undergraduates behaving like this? It could be because sometimes, they have very unrealistic market expectations. It could be other reasons too, but either way, a major change in thoughts and a reality-check is needed for upcoming professionals.

To all the upcoming professionals, remember that hard work takes you everywhere – don’t take it for granted.
WRITTEN BY:
Shahrukh Sohail The writer is the CEO of a digital marketing firm called WonderWorks, a football consultant and former Chief Editor of FootballPakistan.com. Shahrukh tweets as @ShahrukhSohail7 twitter.com/shahrukhsohail7
The views expressed by the writer and the reader comments do not necassarily reflect the views and policies of the Express Tribune.

COMMENTS (12)

liberal-lubna-fromLahore | 6 years ago | Reply what u did is considered abuse in developed countries. u cant fire a person of working under distress. as an employer promoting common decency and following common sense approach, you are not offering safe and secure working conditions. Asking worker to work under scotching heat and then expecting him to bow in front of you like he's your slave, are you kidding me? He has every right to refuse to work a task hes not mentally comfortable with. No wonder Pakistani men are seen as barbaric and blood thirsty in the West. This idea is instilled in Pakistani men's brains since they are kids by their own mothers which is that " You are a man and so you are virtually a god and can expect everyone else especially people working below you to bow in front of you any time you want ". Shame on you. If this was USA, employee would be suing you right now for unfair dismissal. Hope one day this barbaric male chauvinist mentality of Pakistani men dies once and for all.
Shahrukh Sohail | 6 years ago The safe and secure working conditions were inside the office. If it's hot outside, how is that an excuse? Barbaric and bloody thirsty is stretching it a bit. And the whole point of this article is to address that the job concerns that most millennials have, is actually down to their attitude and behavior mostly. You can read up on global research regarding this.
Ahmar | 6 years ago | Reply I had exactly the same experience with younger employees from the upcoming generation. They're not focused on their work and career. They are very fickle and ready to quit their jobs on a whim. I think it is because they don't have any real responsibilities on them. Twenty years ago, people used to get married younger, They had a family, a wife and kids, to support from a young age. Nowadays they don't have responsibilities on them and quit very easily. My advise would be to hire married guys, or those with parents/siblings to support.
liberal-lubna-fromLahore | 6 years ago that makes you equally backward
VIEW MORE COMMENTS
Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ