Honest or Unprofessional? Gen Z Intern’s leave request divides Internet

Gen Z is known for rewriting the rules, be it fashion, trends, or even workplace etiquette. Their unapologetic honesty and emphasis on mental well-being are changing how the corporate world communicates. A perfect example of this surfaced recently on Reddit, leaving the internet both amused and divided.

The Viral Email That Started It All

A Reddit user, who works at an AI startup, shared a screenshot of a leave email they received from one of their Gen Z interns. The email, casually titled ‘Going on a trip’, read:

“Hi, feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the work, and my energy feels a little off, so not getting that vibe right now. I'll be out from 28th July to 30th July (please don't miss me). Here's my train PNR XXX, and attaching the booking slip for reference. Will talk soon, bye.”

The Reddit user, surprised but amused, captioned the post: “Corporate world is not ready for Gen Z!” and added that in their 20-year career, they had never come across such a leave request.

Viral Email

The Internet Reacts: Bold or Unprofessional?

Reactions poured in quickly. Some applauded the intern’s refreshing honesty, while others called it unprofessional. One user wrote, “Honestly, this is iconic. We should all be this open.” Another noted, “This is not how you write to a senior at work.” Even fellow Gen Z users were divided on the tone.