I run a company that employs 40+ Gen Z. Working across ~30 brands at a time. Doing the most hour by hour demanding task imaginable: Having to stay on top of every social media trend and execute against it. I love my work but it is mentally and emotionally taxing as can be. You put your soul into a project just to see it got shot down. Internal creative needs a post out “right f*cking now” that they just told you about. Your time outside of work is spent around other Gen Z who we constantly obsess over understanding. Dinner with your friends is really your personal consumer insights session. And good luck trying to scroll social media like a regular person… There is no meditation or mindfulness program that can turn my brain off. What has been a life saver for me is finding a different outlet. An outlet equally demanding and challenging. Sometimes it’s working out. Sometimes training for a marathon. For the past year, music has been my favorite outlet. My drum kit is my zen palace. The place where no other thought exists. I have all four limbs playing at different speed, tempos, and force. While I constantly count tempo in my head. While I picture the song layout anticipating an upcoming bridge or transition. While I try to keep a straight face and not let the crowd see the panic inside. Throw a few beers in to hinder the brain a bit and I’m at 100% focus and brain capacity quickly. That upcoming pitch meeting, that internal fire, upcoming payroll — none of it exists to me in that moment. If you’re an “engine always on” person like me, there is no turning off the engine. There is only channeling that energy elsewhere. Our editing team will grill me for the horrible edits I put together for promotion, but I hope you enjoy: P.S. Go Chiefs!!!
FIRE