'I'd rather stay an intern': Why some Gen Z workers in Korea are choosing less responsibility
For some young Korean workers, leaving the office on time matters more than finishing every task, and avoiding the responsibilities of a permanent position can be more appealing than climbing the corporate ladder. These attitudes are emerging among members of Generation Z, who are challenging workplace expectations long shaped by loyalty, overtime and deference to senior colleagues. In a…
Some young Korean workers prioritize leaving the office on time over completing all tasks, and find the responsibilities of a permanent position less appealing than maintaining a less demanding role. This shift in attitude among Generation Z workers challenges traditional expectations that have long been shaped by loyalty, overtime, and respect for senior colleagues.
At a roundtable discussion organized by the Hankook Ilbo, young participants shared their perspectives on work, career progression, and interactions with colleagues, revealing both generational differences and internal conflicts in their own professional approaches. While younger employees now demand clearer guidelines and more explicit direction, they sometimes struggle to meet those same expectations when they are tasked with leading others.
For Korea's Generation X, who are now in their 50s, working late at the office was once seen as a mark of commitment. In her 2000 novel "A Very Old Joke," acclaimed Korean author...
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