Gen Z Is Getting Fired Left And Right — From A Millennial Who’s Watching It Happen?

 

Look, I’m not here to sugarcoat things. As a Millennial big sibling, I’ve been in the workforce long enough to see patterns — and right now, the pattern is clear: Gen Z is getting fired at alarming rates.

Don’t take my word for it. Fortune reports that 54% of managers say they’re struggling with Gen Z employees, and 30% admit they’ve already fired a Gen Zer within a month. Over on LinkedIn, hiring managers are venting that they “won’t be hiring recent grads again.” (Source: Fortune)

So, what’s going on? Are Zoomers being unfairly targeted, or is there something deeper happening?

1. “I Quit” Culture Meets Reality

“I Quit” Culture Meets Reality
Gen Z grew up in a time where mental health awareness and work-life balance were prioritized (which is great). But some of that has translated into overestimating their leverage in the job market.

A study by Forbes found that Gen Z has the highest quit rates across industries — often before their first year is up.
One hiring manager on LinkedIn vented: “We had a Gen Z hire quit after two weeks because ‘the vibes were off.’”
In a tight labor market, employers tolerated this. But with layoffs up and companies cutting costs, the safety net is gone. Employers aren’t playing along with the “I deserve better” movement anymore — they’re just letting people go.

2. The Hard Skills Deficit
There’s also a skills gap — and it’s hurting Gen Z’s job security.

According to MSN, hiring managers are frustrated with Gen Z’s lack of basic workplace skills, like email etiquette and in-person communication.
Remote work during their formative years meant less exposure to office dynamics — so when they enter traditional work environments, many struggle with professionalism and corporate norms.

The Hard Skills Deficit
“I had a new hire refuse to join a meeting because it was ‘too early’ at 10 AM,” one CEO shared in a viral LinkedIn post. The issue? The company had flexible hours, but everyone was expected to show up for morning standups. They let her go.

3. The Harsh Reality of Corporate Culture
Gen Z values authenticity, mental health, and flexibility — all good things. But the corporate world still runs on results.

A psychologist writing for Forbes explained that Gen Z expects more from employers but isn’t always prepared to match that with performance.
Another recruiter on LinkedIn noted: “Gen Z has high standards for jobs but low tolerance for workplace norms. That’s a tough combo.”
In short: You can set boundaries. You can demand better. But if you’re not delivering, companies will move on.

This isn’t a “Gen Z is doomed” take. They’re smart, innovative, and challenge outdated workplace norms. But right now, the job market is shifting.

If you’re Gen Z: Master the fundamentals. Show up on time, learn how to send a professional email, and understand that work is sometimes just…work.
If you’re hiring Gen Z: Meet them halfway. Give clear expectations, provide mentorship, and understand they’re navigating a wildly different world than older generations did.
If you’re a Millennial like me: Remember when they said we were entitled? Yeah, same thing. We figured it out. So will they.
Atthe end of the day, the workplace is evolving, and Gen Z will either adapt or get left behind. The question is: Are they ready for that reality?