As young people break away from a traditional career path, others settle into roles within large companies where they feel like “small potatoes.”
Alex Lam, a corporate trainer, entrepreneur, writer, and influencer behind “Semi Nerd Labs (半宅職薯),” offers a fresh perspective on the employer-employee dynamic and the aspirations of today’s job seekers. He highlights a trend among the younger generation toward a short-term career vision and a quest for meaningful work, suggesting that the challenges and opportunities they face are unlike any seen before.
Q1: What are your observations on the characteristics, personalities and challenges of young people in employment today vis-a-vis the past?
A1: The mindset and attitude of young workers today differ significantly from those entering the workforce five years ago.
Five years ago, young workers were more traditional in their thinking. They respected authority, believed in “giving first to receive later,” and focused on long-term growth. They didn’t mind putting in extra effort early on and embraced the idea of climbing the career ladder step by step.
Today’s young workers, however, often enter the workforce with a sense of being exploited—even before they’ve started working. This creates an oppositional mindset toward employers and manifests in a strong desire for immediate rewards.
For example, five years ago, a fresh graduate in an entry-level position might view advanced job training as a valuable opportunity, showing gratitude and eagerness to learn. But today, some might interpret this as being expected to perform higher-level tasks for entry-level pay and see it as exploitation.
This shift in mindset also explains the higher job-hopping rate among today’s youth. Many prioritise short-term gains, moving to whichever company offers slightly better pay, often disregarding the investment their previous employers made in helping them grow. In turn, employers become reluctant to train new hires, opting instead for workers who can deliver immediate results. This leaves a gap—no one wants to invest in nurturing fresh talent.
This dynamic has led to a situation where young people often need extensive education and training before entering the workforce, placing financial burdens on families, especially those with limited means.
Q2: What is the mentality behind flexible working culture and “self-motivated work”?
A2: I think young people today value self-motivated work. They don’t want to be micromanaged, bound by a rigid 9-to-5 schedule, or trade life experiences for the stability of a traditional job. As a result, many opt for gig work, remote roles, or digital nomad lifestyles, which offer freedom at the expense of stability.
If most young workers adopt this mindset, employers may have no choice but to adapt and accept these preferences. However, those who are willing to take on traditional full-time roles, assume responsibilities, and gain complex work experience may find themselves in high demand. Ultimately, the viability of these new work styles depends on collective action—if enough workers embrace them, workplace culture will shift accordingly.
Q3: What’s your take on the trend of “chase your dreams” that young people are ascribing to?
A3: This is a culture where society encourages young people to pursue their passions and do what they love—something traditional full-time jobs often cannot provide. Freelancers and slashers have the freedom to choose the work they enjoy while avoiding tasks they dislike.
Moreover, younger generations no longer define success by promotions or salary increases. Growing up in one of the most materially abundant eras in Hong Kong’s history, their basic needs are already met. They seek spiritual fulfilment and life experiences, prioritising self-actualisation over material gains. It’s a natural progression—once basic needs are fulfilled, the next pursuit is meaning and self-expression.
Q4: Why is it “the best of times” and “the worst of times”?
A4: Young people are living in one of the most challenging eras. Upward mobility has drastically narrowed, educational qualifications have lost their value, and success often hinges on family background. Those without inherent advantages must work significantly harder to stand out. This has led many to give up on dreams and embrace hedonism as a coping mechanism.
At the same time, they are also living in an era full of opportunities. Many have chosen to “lie flat” and abandon the rat race, leaving employers desperate for talent. If you persist, work hard, and adopt a “give first, gain later” mindset, you’ll quickly distinguish yourself.
The story behind “Semi Nerd Labs”
The idea for “Semi Nerd Labs” had been brewing in Alex’s mind long before its launch. Through his talks and workshops at Hong Kong universities, he explored career development and workplace dynamics, gaining insights into the similarities and differences between young professionals and management. He sought to share these observations, highlighting the tensions and cultural disparities between employees and employers to inspire self-reflection and growth.
Noticing a lack of critical, multi-perspective workplace advice in Hong Kong, Alex found existing guidance overly traditional and one-sided. “Semi Nerd Labs” was created to challenge this and foster dialogue across generations and roles. By embracing friction as a tool for growth, Alex aims to promote reflection, communication, and workplace harmony through an unconventional yet effective approach. ■