They Aren’t Afraid: How a New Generation is Redefining Success at Work

During a recent reflective consultation session, I had the opportunity to spend time with a supervisor. We talked about turnover, candidates applying for open positions, and the differences between seasoned workers and newer employees entering the workforce.

We explored the mindset of those of us who grew up with societal and generational messages like: “Suck it up,” “You made your bed, now lie in it,” and “Pick a career and stick with it.” I certainly wasn’t raised with the belief that I should enjoy my work—job satisfaction was an extra perk, a luxury reserved for a lucky few.

I also wasn’t taught to advocate for myself, to pay attention to my well-being, or to evaluate benefits beyond just having a paycheck. Managing those “additional job duties as assigned” was just part of the deal. I was taught to respect my boss, not question authority, and to always say yes—because otherwise, I might look like a bad worker, a selfish team member, or, worst of all, I could be fired.

So, what did this supervisor and I notice?

Newer and younger workers in today’s workforce aren’t afraid.

They aren’t afraid to ask for what they need.
They aren’t afraid to say no.
They aren’t afraid to take time for their interests and well-being.
They advocate for their time, energy, and finances.
They recognize when a work situation isn’t the right fit—and they leave if necessary.

Even as I type this, I can feel my hands sweat and my throat tighten with fear. Because of that conditioning. It’s still in me.

• I don’t have to make decisions from a place of fear or scarcity.
• I don’t have to over-give or tolerate more than I receive to be worthy.
• My yes’s and no’s are valid and deserve to be honored.
• And most importantly—my yes’s and no’s don’t define my integrity or character. (taps third eye, throat, heart, and solar plexus chakras for extra reinforcement!)

Honoring Your Needs in the Workplace (and in Life)

Honoring your needs isn’t selfish—it’s essential. When you prioritize your well-being, you build a foundation for longevity, productivity, and overall fulfillment.

Here are some key ways to advocate for yourself in the workplace:

• Setting Boundaries & Managing Workload
  • Clearly define work hours and avoid excessive overtime (yeah, I know—easier said than done).
  • Set boundaries around communication (e.g., no work emails after hours).
  • Learn to say no to tasks that exceed your bandwidth.
  • Prioritize tasks effectively and delegate when needed—you drive life, life doesn’t drive you.
• Mental & Emotional Well-being
  • Take breaks AWAY from your desk/office.
  • Advocate for a workload that aligns with your capacity in each moment.
  • Surround yourself with a supportive work environment—and be mindful of toxic energies that drain you.
• Physical Needs & Workspace Comfort
  • Create a workspace that supports you—ergonomically and energetically (plants, pictures, crystals—whatever makes you feel good).
  • Stretch, hydrate, and move throughout the day.
  • Adjust your environment to reduce distractions (noise-canceling headphones, standing desks, etc.).
• Professional Growth & Recognition
  • Seek out learning and development opportunities.
  • Ask for feedback and advocate for promotions or raises when deserved.
  • Recognize and celebrate your achievements—not just those of others.
• Work-Life Balance & Integration
  • Use your vacation or banked hours (seriously, take them).
  • Engage in hobbies and activities that recharge you.
  • Tune in to what you need—whether it’s social time, solitude, adventure, or stillness.

Shifting from Fear to Alignment

For many of us, our professional identity is deeply tied to who we are—it’s part of our purpose. That’s why it’s even more important to integrate our well-being into our work, so we can sustain ourselves in the long run.

Fear and scarcity aren’t sustainable motivators. Well, technically, they are, but at what cost? I encourage us to explore healthier ones.

The great news? More and more of us are recognizing that the old conditioning no longer fits. We are raising, mentoring, and supporting newer workers in doing things differently.

So let’s do the same for ourselves. Let’s get congruent—align our internal beliefs with the wisdom we’re passing on to others.

They aren’t afraid. And we don’t have to be either.

What shifts have you made in your approach to work? If you’re looking to empower your team, contact me to explore how I can help your organization thrive.