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Then reality hits. The workplace doesn’t care about feelings. Promotions aren’t handed out like candy, and the world certainly doesn’t pause to accommodate a sense of entitlement.
Kempczinski Delivers a Brutal Lesson
As the leader of one of the world’s largest fast-food empires, Kempczinski oversees 36,000 restaurants serving 69 million customers every single day. He earns nearly $20 million annually and knows a thing or two about what it takes to climb the corporate ladder.
Last week, Kempczinski shared a candid video on Instagram, where he addressed his nearly 50,000 followers under the title, “Tough Love with the McDonald’s CEO.”¹
His message was blunt: “The advice I would give is: remember, nobody cares about your career as much as you do.”¹
He didn’t hesitate to call out the modern sense of entitlement. “So this idea that there’s somebody out there who’s looking out for you, who’s going to make sure that you get that opportunity, who puts you in the right thing — great if it happens — but at the end of the day, nobody cares more about your career than you do,” Kempczinski stated.¹
The 57-year-old CEO acknowledged his words might sting, but emphasized their necessity. “So you’ve got to own it. You’ve got to make things happen for yourself,” he added.¹
A Generation Conditioned for Handouts
Kempczinski’s warning runs counter to the worldview Gen Z has been taught. Many believe companies should mentor them, promote them automatically, and hand over leadership roles without requiring effort.
Data reflects this entitlement. According to research from Randstad, Gen Z workers remain in their first jobs for just 1.1 years on average, compared to 1.8 years for Millennials and nearly 3 years for older generations.² Many jump ship at the first sign of discomfort.
Even worse, 70% of Gen Z college graduates expect a promotion within their first 18 months.² In other words, they want corner offices without proving they can handle basic responsibilities.
Only 6% say attaining a leadership position is their main career goal, yet rapid advancement is still expected. The lesson? They crave rewards without putting in the work.
Kempczinski’s Path to Success
Kempczinski didn’t achieve his position at McDonald’s by waiting for opportunities. He built his career through years of grinding at Procter & Gamble, PepsiCo, and Kraft Foods. After joining McDonald’s in 2015, he became president of McDonald’s USA in 2016 and CEO in 2019.
He took the helm just before the COVID-19 pandemic decimated dining rooms worldwide. Instead of complaining, he guided McDonald’s back to full profitability by late 2020, demonstrating the accountability and ownership young workers lack today.
The Reality of Workplace Entitlement
Many in Gen Z expect employers to prioritize mental health, work-life balance, and self-expression over performance. Research shows 91% of Gen Z workers report occasional mental health challenges, and 61% would quit for better benefits.²
The harsh truth Kempczinski delivers: nobody in business will hold your hand. Companies hire to solve problems and generate value—not provide therapy. Advancement comes from mastering your craft, exceeding expectations, and proving your worth through results, not complaints.
Merit, Not Entitlement
Kempczinski’s advice reflects a return to merit-based success. Opportunities aren’t earned by showing up with the right pronouns or demanding accommodations—they come from excellence, hard work, and accountability.
The sooner young workers internalize this, the better their careers will be. Job-hopping and finger-pointing won’t cut it.
His recent comments may also hint at McDonald’s business realities. On an earnings call, he noted declining traffic among lower-income customers, many of whom are Gen Z. “We continue to see a bifurcated consumer base with [quick-service restaurant] traffic from lower-income consumers declining nearly double digits in the third quarter, a trend that’s persisted for nearly two years,” Kempczinski said. “In contrast, QSR traffic growth among higher-income consumers remains strong, increasing nearly double digits in the quarter.”
Whether guiding the company or young workers, Kempczinski’s message is clear: success comes from accountability, perseverance, and results—not entitlement.
