Soft Skills No One Teaches Gen Z
You know what’s wild? We’re living in a time where universities are literally teaching Gen Z how to make a phone call.
Not in a cute, nostalgic “dial-up tone” way.
Like, actual lessons in how to say “hello” and survive the awkward silences without combusting.
Because being great at Instagram DMs doesn’t automatically mean you know how to navigate a passive-aggressive flatmate, figure out whether “flexible hours” means freedom or unpaid overtime, or make it through a first date without ignoring a dozen red flags because they said they liked Drive.
I’m not here to knock Gen Z — they’re emotionally intelligent, deeply value-led, and allergic to bullsh*t.
But if I were designing a real-life curriculum, this is what I’d be teaching them.
How to translate job descriptions without having a breakdown
Job descriptions are basically poetry—vague, full of subtext, and occasionally make you want to cry.
“Dynamic team player” = someone who won’t mind doing three people’s jobs and still smiling through Friday drinks.
“Startup culture” = chaos with no HR department.
“Great exposure” = we won’t pay you, but we’ll tag you on LinkedIn.
Get good at reading between the lines. Apply anyway. Show up like you’ve already got the job, and when rejection hits (because it will), cry in the loo, then move on.
Dating isn’t chemistry—it’s red flag spotting
First dates should be less about butterflies and more like job interviews for your emotional wellbeing. Ask questions that actually reveal something.
No women on their dream dinner party list? Red flag.
Still best mates with their ex “because she gets me”? Red flag.
All their heroes have six-packs and TED Talks? 🚩
Bonus tip: if their fridge is empty and their bookshelf’s full of self-help books written by dudes named Chad, run.
Office small talk: smile, nod, escape
You don’t need to be a networking ninja. You just need to know how to fake interest in someone’s new extension or their baby that looks suspiciously like Winston Churchill.
Golden rule: never ask questions. Always act like you’re on your way somewhere. And if you spot a colleague outside of work? Pretend you didn’t. They’ll thank you for it.
What to bring to a grown-up dinner party
If your host is over 30, wine is risky. Bring something charming and non-committal like fancy olive oil, posh chocolate, or wildflower honey from a farmer’s market you definitely didn’t go to.
Once there? Eat what you’re given. Compliment the table setting. Don’t mention your gut health.
Making friends as an adult is weird. Be okay with that.
You don’t need a soulmate in every setting. A gym friend who knows your PBs but not your middle name? Valid. A coworker you trauma-bond with over awkward client calls? Iconic.
Accept that most adult friendships are circumstantial. You’ll save yourself a lot of grief (and WhatsApp drama).
Never put anything in writing you couldn’t defend in court
Seriously. Group chats are permanent records. Don’t text secrets, don’t send spicy photos unless you’re prepared for a future political scandal, and never say anything you wouldn’t want read out at your wedding… or funeral.
Bonus: calls are for emergencies, not chat
Phone call = anxiety. Even when it’s just my mum.
If you call me unannounced, I’ll assume someone’s been arrested or died. And still ignore it. Then DM you asking, “All okay??” because that’s just how we do things now.
DMs let us prepare. Calls are for last resorts. Or actual emergencies. Or maybe a client who doesn’t know better yet.
TL;DR?
Life isn’t about having it all figured out. But if you can dodge a bad flatmate, decode a shady job listing, and survive a dinner party without insulting the risotto, you’re doing great.
The rest? You’ll learn on the way. Preferably via WhatsApp.
