When a Gen Z Employee's Leave Email Met the 70-Hour Work Week! Satire

Remember the uproar when Infosys co-founder N.R. Narayana Murthy suggested young people should clock in a 70-hour work week? For some, his advice was inspiring; for others, it sounded as outdated as dial-up internet. The debate set social media ablaze, sparking fresh questions about work-life balance and, let’s face it, the sacred art of chilling.

Just as the dust was settling, a Gen Z employee’s blunt leave email went viral. In it, the employee informed their manager (rather than asked) that they'd be on leave, setting off another firestorm on X (formerly Twitter). Shared by investor Siddharth Shah, the post attracted over 1.2 million views and left people debating: Are we witnessing the dawn of a bolder, braver workplace culture or the slow unraveling of professional decorum?

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how my gen z team gets its leaves approved pic.twitter.com/RzmsSZs3ol

— Siddharth Shah (@siddharthshahx) November 5, 2024

Wokeism with Workism!

To help young dreamers decode the chaos, here’s a satirical guide to balancing wokeism with workism:

1. Forget Work-Life Balance; Try Life-Work Balance Instead

While some preach the 70-hour work week, Gen Z prefers a fresh approach: if work doesn’t fit around life, it simply doesn’t fit. After all, there are festivals to attend, Netflix shows to binge, and friends to console during post-breakup mountain retreats. Why just “balance” when you can prioritize?

Lesson: Don’t let anyone decide your priorities. Create a version of success that includes both career wins and quality downtime—whether it’s launching a startup or catching the latest season of Stranger Things.

2. Master the Art of ‘Informative Leave Requests’

Gone are the days of shyly asking for leave; today’s professionals are setting a new standard. “Dear Manager, I am on leave.” That’s it—no reason, no groveling. Gen Z respects authority, sure, but they value their autonomy even more. And who doesn’t love the sound of “Sorry, I can’t, I’m on a soul-searching journey”?

Lesson: Sometimes, directness is a gift. But hey, maybe add an emoji or run it through AI for a sprinkle of formality. Not for permission—just for finesse.

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3. ‘Breakups are Valid Reasons for Urgent Leave’

In one viral post story, a Gen Z team member took a week off during a project’s critical stage. The reason? A breakup. While the old-school “power through” mentality might demand resilience, Gen Z’s approach emphasizes self-care—especially when mountain views offer perspective that spreadsheets simply can’t.

Lesson: Life happens. Sometimes deadlines have to wait, especially when healing is in order. Don’t be afraid to take a breather when needed. Just inform the team that you’re “taking the scenic route” back to productivity.

4. The Hustle Culture Divide: Gen Z vs. Mr. Murthy

N.R. Narayana Murthy later clarified that he worked 85-90 hours a week until retirement. For Gen Z, that sounds less like career advice and more like an ultra-endurance documentary. Yes, he’s successful, but this generation’s dream includes travel, mental health days, and creative side projects.

Lesson: Hustling is great, but hustling smart is better. Gen Z knows that working smarter can be just as powerful as working harder—and that sometimes a well-timed nap beats burnout.

5. Communication in the Age of Gen Z: The Power of Saying ‘No’

Saying “no” used to be frowned upon, but Gen Z has made it central to their workplace vocabulary. While managers debate whether this bluntness crosses a line, maybe it’s a lesson for everyone: boundaries are important, and honesty can benefit the whole team.

Lesson: Assertiveness is good—but tact goes a long way. Make sure your “no” doesn’t sound like a challenge to HR. Diplomacy keeps the door open for collaboration and keeps workplace boundaries a two-way street.

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6. The Power of Wokeism: Knowing When to Woke Out

Gen Z’s unapologetic approach to work speaks to a broader cultural shift. Their focus on well-being, inclusion, and autonomy is reshaping workplace norms. While they bring fresh ideas and passion, they also know when to pause if values are misaligned.

Lesson: Know your values and stand your ground when needed—but balance it with tact. Even the most revolutionary approaches benefit from a little finesse and timing.

While Mr. Murthy’s work ethic is legendary, Gen Z is mapping out its own path to success—one with more coffee breaks, scenic detours, and a healthy dose of self-care. If you’re a young entrepreneur, don’t feel bound by “the way it’s always been done.” Set your own rules, but remember that a little polish goes a long way.

Pro Tip: Whether it’s sending a blunt leave email or crafting your work-life balance, AI can be your best friend. It might not replace genuine professionalism, but it can help transform an “I’m out” message into something that’s HR-proof.

By blending ambition with well-being, Gen Z is creating a new success blueprint that’s innovative, intentional, and maybe just a little cheeky.

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Disclaimer: Inspired by Gen Z’s love for tech, this article was crafted with a little help from ChatGPT and Gemini AI. 😉