Gen Z

Gen Z: If you want to be partner, GC, or reach any big goal, you’re going to have to say yes more often than you might like.

Elder Millennials, Gen X, Boomers: If you want to retain talent on your teams or at your firms, you’re going to have to accept being told no more often than you’re used to.

We’re all seeing it: younger attorneys have better boundaries.

And there are two common reactions:

First, anger and frustration—writing people off as not being hard workers.

Second, jealousy—wondering why they get to say no when you didn’t feel you could.

I tend to fall in the latter camp.

Yes, sometimes it leaves me in a bind when I can’t find someone willing to take on extra work, but that usually gives way to: “Good for them. I wish I’d had the guts to say no when I was in their shoes.”

There’s a fine line between meeting expectations (and firm requirements) and overwhelming yourself to the point where your work suffers.

I’ve learned that lesson the hard way.

Here’s where I land:

I wanted to make partner, and I did.

I want to make equity partner, and I believe I will.

But I want my path to look different than those who came before me—and I want those coming up behind me to feel empowered to do it differently, too.

Of course, every job has baseline requirements. If you want to keep your job and advance, you need to meet (and often beat) them.

But you can do that with your own blueprint—one that honors your boundaries, your strengths, and your vision for your career.

The profession is changing, and that’s a good thing.

We can honor what’s required while also supporting new ways of working and leading.

If you’re building your career, don’t be afraid to set boundaries and define success on your own terms.

And if you’re leading teams, make space for others to do the same.

♥️🔥✌🏻

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed here are solely my own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Husch Blackwell LLP or any other organization. Examples are generalized and do not reflect current client matters or firm positions.