GenZ says "NO" a Lot!? - Ahem, ahem!

The Jonathan Livingston in me went on conversating with Gen Z, and here is what they told him! At first, their words felt jarring — short, sharp, unapologetic “No’s.” No, I won’t come in early. No, I’m not ignoring my burnout. No, I’m not overcommitting just to look productive. 

For us millennials, who grew up in a time where overwork was glorified and saying “yes” was the golden rule of belonging, these rejections felt almost alien. Yet, as I leaned in, I realized they weren’t pushing back against people — they were pushing back against systems that drained them.

And suddenly, nostalgia washed over me. I thought of the hushed voices among us millennials, the quiet sacrifices we made in the name of tradition, duty, or career ladders that promised the sky but often left us breathless midway. We were often taught to see exhaustion as success, silence as respect, and hustle as our worth. 

Gen Z, on the other hand, are rewriting a contrastingly fresh script. Their “No” is not weakness — it’s healing. Their boundaries are not walls — they are bridges to a healthier way of being.

 

All images are subject to copyright © Alfard.

Honestly, listening to them felt like being handed a mirror — one that asked us not why they are saying no, but why we never dared to. I have been in their place too — done what they did — and I feel them.

Just a gentle note — this article isn’t meant to be a tool for justifying a self-imagined system. Take time to truly understand, learn with openness, and stand your ground only when it’s genuinely called for.

Disclaimer:

Jonathan Livingston Seagull is a fictional character from the book “Jonathan Livingston Seagull” written by Richard Bach and first published in 1970. The story follows Jonathan, a seagull who is not content with ordinary life and seeks higher meaning through flight, freedom, and self-discovery. The book is widely regarded as an inspirational fable about individuality, purpose, and pushing beyond limitations.

For more details, you can visit the official Google Books page here: Jonathan Livingston Seagull – Richard Bach (Google Books)

Please share your views and opinions about the topic.

All images are subject to copyright © Alfard.
Would also like to know if anything offended you in this blog post.
You can reach me on amreenbanokhan@gmail.com.