A Case for Resilience

“Resilience can only form if we face, and learn how to be better equipped to manage our problems.” – Jo Frost 

Bold, cold and fragile. Whenever one reads reports from HR practitioners regarding workplace dynamics, these are some of the adjectives used to describe a certain demographic of the populace namely the Gen Z.

They are known for being vocal and assertive, distinguishing them from the preceding generations who were taught to ‘respect’ the establishment. Equally, they are known for their ‘wokeness’ – possessing a sharp keenness to and advocating for emerging issues. Yet, Gen Z are said to be impulsive – ready to ditch any opportunity including job positions at the slightest incidence of misunderstanding. After all, they claim to ‘know their worth’ and are persuaded that someone else will most surely appreciate them better. Simply, they are deluded that there’ll always be something better out there.

While most of the voices commenting on this issue have called them out as an ‘entitled generation with no chills’, I choose to address the matter from a different standpoint. I believe that many young people worryingly lack resilience and this fact alone ought to make society graciously pause and contemplatively reflect. 

Just a quick glimpse through the annals of history and you’ll notice that while still very young, our ancestors trekked long dangerous paths in search of land to settle in; they fought invaders and intruders thus securing our independence etc. But what battles and conquests have a current eighteen-year-old won apart from acing Motor Combat, Temple Run and Candie Crush? Gen Z aren’t entirely to blame for who they are. Instead, we can equally question their caregivers and the kind of environments they were raised in. 

As author Michael Hopf noted, “Hard times create strong men, strong men create good times, good times create weak men, and weak men create hard times.” While trying to ensure their children didn’t experience the hardships they faced, parents have inadvertently enfeebled their offspring. The average Gen Z has lived a ‘soft life’ since birth, no wonder they can’t stomach the slightest of difficulties either in school, workplace, relationships or life in general. Nevertheless, all isn’t lost. There’s still something we can do to assist our younger brothers and sisters as well as the upcoming Gen Alpha, beyond fuming, venting and complaining about them.

One, we need to teach the young ones under our care how to handle rejection without feeling dejected; and how to navigate through loss without allowing the experience to define them as a person; we need to deliberately allow the young ones to face difficulties to toughen up. This would mean sending them to camp in the jungle, hike in the mountains or simply allowing them to experience life in the countryside from time to time. In such a way, they’ll learn how to appreciate what they have and develop the capacity to endure when the same is lacking.

Two, parents and caregivers ought to remember they cannot always save their children from all their battles. Allow the child to learn how to stand up for themselves. As young as they are, empower them to make logical decisions when faced with difficulties. Ultimately, we can be assured that these seeds of endurance will find a ‘fertile land’ to grow and will morph into traits of resilience and toughness in years to come.

Lastly, a friendly reminder to Gen Z. Not every situation is worth walking away from despite not serving you right. Talk of unpaid internships, low-paying entry-level jobs and the unlimited menial tasks that come with them, you name it. My advice is: Sometimes, choose to look at the bigger picture. For instance, the work experience you’ll get as opposed to the desired pay. Make decisions logically as opposed to emotionally. This doesn’t mean that you should endure environments which will destabilize your mental health on account of garnering experience. No, the principle is, “Before walking away from any situation, consider the bigger picture. Life will not always offer a ready-made second option to run to. “

Most importantly A. P. J. Abdul Kalam punctuates it best: “When we tackle obstacles, we find hidden reserves of courage and resilience we did not know we had. And it is only when we are faced with failure do we realise that these resources were always there within us. We only need to find them and move on with our lives.”

Cheers, good people.