How to Navigate the Secret Workplace Rules No One Tells Gen Z About

What I Wish I Knew Before Starting My Career

When I was 22, standing in my New York City apartment with a “dream job” that barely paid my rent, I thought I’d made it. What I didn’t realize? The workplace is full of unspoken rules. And if no one clues you in, it’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind.

That’s exactly what I shared on the College and Career Clarity podcast with Lisa Marker Robbins, along with the real strategies Gen Z professionals need to succeed. If you’re navigating your first job (or even just your first interview), this one’s for you.

Emotional Intelligence Is the Secret Skill Everyone Needs but No One Teaches

Most of us graduate college focused on hard skills. Degrees. Internships. Leadership roles. Those checkboxes matter—but they’re only half the story.

The other half? Emotional intelligence (EQ).

If you’re not familiar, EQ is your ability to recognize and regulate your emotions, communicate clearly, and read the room. It’s what helps you stay calm when an interview question throws you off, ask for feedback without spiraling, or respond with clarity in a stressful meeting.

Here’s the kicker: Emotional intelligence isn’t something you’re born with. It’s a skill you can learn. The earlier you start building it, the stronger your career foundation becomes.

The Silent Penalties Gen Z Is Facing

Right now, Gen Z is up against more than just a competitive job market. There are a few invisible hurdles that many young professionals don’t see coming until they hit them head-on:

• Job hopping stigma: Gen Z is known for switching jobs every 1–2 years, often in pursuit of better pay or culture. While flexibility is valuable, some employers still see this as a red flag.
• The “entitled” label: Confidence is sometimes misread as arrogance. But with the right EQ, you can advocate for yourself while still showing coachability and humility.
• The gender pay gap: Women entering the workforce are still being offered lower salaries than their male peers. Knowing how to negotiate isn’t just nice, it’s necessary.
• AI anxiety: Gen Z is graduating into a world where AI tools are becoming the norm. The good news? You don’t have to compete with AI, you just need to know how to use it to amplify your value.

What Employers Like Me Are Really Looking For

In my own career, I went from intern to managing editor in under a year. I’ve been promoted four times and increased my salary by 5X. Today, I sit on the other side of the table interviewing and hiring people for roles across teams.

Here’s what I look for...and what many hiring managers wish more applicants understood:

• Clear communication: Can you express your ideas simply and with confidence?
• Curiosity: Are you asking thoughtful questions? Showing a willingness to learn?
• Self-awareness: Do you know your strengths and your areas for growth? Are you coachable?

The Power of Practicing Your Ask

Let’s talk salary for a second. Most people (especially women) are never taught how to ask for what they’re worth. Here’s the truth: If you don’t prepare to negotiate, you’ll likely leave money on the table.

My tip? Do your research. Decide your minimum salary based on cost of living. Then share a range in interviews with your minimum as the bottom number. Practice this with a friend, your mom, even your mirror. Confidence grows with repetition.

Want to Go Deeper?

This blog post is just a glimpse into my conversation with Lisa Marker Robbins on the College and Career Clarity podcast.

We talk about:

• How to decode workplace culture as a new hire
• Why self-regulation is more powerful than perfection
• The exact skills that help Gen Z women thrive in their first job and beyond
  
  👉 Listen to the full episode here
  👉 And if you haven’t yet, grab your free copy of my Career Confidence Playbook here: theindependencelab.com/playbook

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• Build financial independence without shame or confusion
• Develop the emotional resilience to thrive at work and in life
  

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