Are Gen Zs and millennials too different a generation that it’s become so hard to agree on one thing and another?
Just last week, Gen Zs and millennials were (once again) at each other’s throats after a debate about fresh graduates’ starting salaries came up. The reason: A Filipino Twitter user questioned why people are “sh***ing” on Gen Z for demanding a higher starting salary.
It’s a well-known fact that the starting salary in the PH is within the range of P18,000 to P20,000. While this was an acceptable salary range in the past (especially when the economy isn’t fluctuating or whatnot), the same could not be said now. A lot of people agreed with OP’s sentiments, and shared some of their own thoughts as well:
The whole topic has already been quite a very touchy one for some, others had some serious hot takes that warranted a lot of attention. Specifically, a Twitter user named @AdvertisingAEs (now deactivated) added more to the flame by giving a very questionable and backward opinion on the issue.
After tweeting a series of very (**** takes, if you ask me) poor takes, everyone started calling @AdvertisingAEs for it (a ratio well deserved, actually). However, there were others that were in somewhat agreement with the now-deactivated user, causing the Gen Z vs. Millennial debate to continue.
All of us can definitely argue about this and may possibly have some things and thoughts to say on the matter. Truth be told, I myself am a person “working” abroad and earning 2-3x more than the laughable starting salary that fresh graduates in the Philippines have. I am not the only one saying this—possibly everyone who is working abroad says the same.
However, not everyone has the luxury nor the opportunity to go overseas to find work or things to do because of their personal situations. That is why many fresh graduates are desperate to find jobs that have an acceptable salary and are suited to their expertise and worth.
Some millennials, however, are still intent on pushing for the fact that everyone has to experience having a measly salary, climb up the hierarchy, and then earn what they deserve. Well, very old-fashioned of them to say, but that’s not really applicable anymore. Just because they went through something hard, doesn’t mean they have to project their own insecurities on a generation that’s actually fighting for better pay.
Though, while all this is actually happening, don’t you think we should all hold one thing accountable for the cultivation of this toxic and outdated mindset? The companies that still give low salaries and pay to fresh graduates “just because” they’re just starting. A.K.A., those institutions that favor worker exploitation for their own gains.
Let’s all stop this in-fighting among ourselves when we all have a common enemy that’s just in front of us. To employers, let’s stop making things hard for the fresh graduates and stop exploiting workers! They’re the reason why you’re in the position you’re in now, you know.
Also, this may not be relevant but: Is P35,000 still a livable wage in the Philippines?
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