Conscious Unbossing

Yo, Ireland’s Gen Z crew – what’s the craic? New research from Strathmore Business School is spilling tea on a trend called conscious unbossing – Gen Z ditching the old-school management ladder for paths that vibe with their values. For SMEs (small and medium enterprises), this is a game-changer, and in Ireland, it’s hitting close to home.

So, what’s conscious unbossing? The research lays it out: Gen Z – born 1997 to 2012 – is saying “nah” to middle management roles, opting instead for gigs that let them grow as individuals, not bosses. They’re not lazy; they’re strategic, prioritising well-being, flexibility, and purpose over climbing a corporate tower. The study zooms in on SMEs, where flat structures and tight budgets make this shift a big deal. These businesses often rely on young talent to step up, but Gen Z’s like, “Not if it means burnout or losing my vibe.” In Ireland, where SMEs make up 99% of enterprises, this hits hard – think local cafés in Kilkenny or tech startups in Dublin’s Docklands. You’re part of this wave, dodging the stress of managing crews to focus on what lights you up, whether it’s coding an app or designing streetwear.

Why’s this happening? The research points to a post-COVID world where remote work gave you control – why trade that for endless meetings and team drama? Growing up second-gen, you’ve seen your parents grind – maybe a nurse retraining as a cleaner or an engineer driving cabs to save for your future. Nobody knows the weight of fleeing with no return like they do, and you’re not about to sacrifice your mental health for a title. In Ireland, you’re hopping the Luas to a gig or linking up in Waterford’s markets, valuing freedom over hierarchy. The study notes Gen Z wants purpose-driven work, and you’re living that – maybe volunteering in Tallaght or pushing climate action in Merrion Square. That’s your power, and SMEs need to clock it.

For Irish Gen Z, this parallels run deep. The research highlights how SMEs struggle when young talent skips management, risking leadership gaps. In Ireland, where 70% of jobs come from SMEs, that’s a wake-up call. You’re not just rejecting roles – you’re redefining them. Maybe you’re a Syrian-Irish coder in Limerick building apps solo, or a Nigerian-Irish artist in Smithfield selling prints online. The study suggests SMEs can thrive by tapping into your skills without forcing you into boss mode. In Galway’s startup cafés or Dublin’s creative hubs, you’re already proving that expertise beats titles. Your dual roots – Irish swagger mixed with your heritage – fuel this shift, and it’s shaking up the game.

The research digs into what SMEs can do, and it’s a blueprint for Ireland. It pushes for flexible roles where you lead through skills, not headcounts – perfect for a Gen Z crew that’s all about autonomy. The study also flags the need for training that fits your vibe – think digital skills or creative projects, not stiff management courses. In Ireland’s SME landscape this could mean apprenticeships that let you shine without the stress. Your parents’ hustle – rebuilding from scratch, saving every euro – taught you resilience, and now you’re channeling it into work that feels right, not forced.

Living the Unbossed Life, Irish Style

Irish workplaces and media are lagging. SMEs might cling to old management models, while RTÉ’s news or Ireland AM shows the same faces, not your unbossed energy. Where’s the host reflecting your flex grind, or a presenter tackling your well-being? The cost-of-living hit – rising rents, gig life – plus cultural juggling, needs a shift. EqualityWorx pushes for workplaces and media with you in mind. That’s the change you deserve

You’ve got power -when you vibe with a gig, you’re its hype squad. You juggle cultures, your parents’ grit, and that’s your edge. This is about rewriting Ireland’s work story. If SMEs and media see your unbossed wants – flexibility, purpose, skills – they’ll have to step up. Maybe a party pushes youth hubs with your flair, or Penneys co-designs with you, blending Celtic and African prints. It starts at equalityworx.com/submit. Drop a 300-500-word piece – your grind, your dreams – tag @EqualityWorx with #EqualityWorxVibe, and let’s build a Ireland that hears you. ✊🌍