Shaadi.com founder and Shark Tank India judge Anupam Mittal has challenged the popular narrative that Gen Z is unwilling to work. In a detailed LinkedIn post, Mittal argued that the younger generation is not rejecting work itself but rather pointless work in favor of meaningful opportunities.
Survey Highlights Gen Z Priorities
In his post, Mittal cited survey data revealing that 57% of Gen Z respondents prioritized learning new skills, while only 12% chose promotions and 21% opted for salary hikes. Notably, 90% said they would accept lower pay in exchange for better learning opportunities. Mittal wrote, “They want fair pay, real learning, passion and ownership.”
A Personal Example
Mittal shared that one of his mentors is a 24-year-old he hired via a cold email, describing him as among the smartest and hardest working people he knows, focused not on titles or pay but on “chasing compounding.” This exemplifies the shift in priorities among the younger generation.
The Role of AI
Mittal emphasized that Gen Z is the first generation to build careers with AI from day one, making repetitive or “boring” work feel even more pointless. He predicted that high-learning roles will compound faster in value, as Gen Z seeks growth and ownership rather than traditional corporate markers of success.
Dismissing HR Claims
The entrepreneur dismissed HR leaders’ claims that Gen Z is “allergic to work,” calling it “rubbish.” Instead, he framed the shift as a generational redefinition of career priorities, where learning and meaningful contribution outweigh promotions and pay hikes. Mittal concluded, “Baaki bakwas hai,” underscoring his belief that the real story is not about Gen Z avoiding work but about them reshaping what work should mean in the AI era.
