Billionaire John Catsimatidis expressed concerns about the work ethic of Gen Z, suggesting that they are too preoccupied with platforms like TikTok to pursue successful careers with the same level of dedication.
In an interview with the Daily Mail, he pointed out the problem of today’s youth being consumed by TikTok.
Catsimatidis recalled his own journey, revealing that during his youth, he worked a staggering 70 hours per week at a local supermarket.
He credited his work ethic and determination for his eventual success.
He recounted how his mother compelled him to find employment after he graduated from high school, pushing him off the couch where he intended to spend the summer watching television.
Initially, Catsimatidis spent his time at the supermarket, but he later transitioned into partial ownership of the store, ultimately expanding the business.
Today, at the age of 74, his net worth stands at around $4.1 billion, largely thanks to his ownership of Gristedes Food, a chain of grocery stores in New York City, as well as his involvement in the real estate and aviation company called Red Apple Group, as reported by Forbes.
In his interview with the Daily Mail, Catsimatidis offered advice to those aspiring to develop their careers. He emphasized the importance of hiring individuals who are more intelligent than oneself, acquiring education, and avoiding trouble.
He lamented the decline in work ethic among many workers today, highlighting the correlation between hard work and success.
He asserted, “The harder you work, the easier it gets to win. Look at people only working three days a week, and I’ll show you failures.”
As a father of two, Catsimatidis is known for his active involvement in politics, particularly through his radio talk show, “The Cats Roundtable,” where he has expressed his support for former President Donald Trump.
Catsimatidis is not the only business mogul to criticize the work ethic of younger generations.
Whole Foods cofounder John Mackey previously remarked that younger individuals “don’t seem like they want to work.” More recently, Keith Rabois, a member of the PayPal Mafia, accused some workers of engaging in “fake work.”
Do you agree?
