Discover how the youngest generation of men is breaking down old stigmas about seeking support and how this is leading to better mental health and greater financial success.
For generations, men in our society have been conditioned by a narrow and often harmful set of expectations about masculinity. They were taught that to be a “real man,” they had to be stoic, self-reliant, and emotionally reserved. Asking for help, whether for a personal problem or a professional challenge, was often seen as a sign of weakness. This traditional model of masculinity has taken a significant toll, contributing to poor mental health outcomes and often hindering professional growth.
Gen Z men are actively working to dismantle this outdated model. They are part of a generation that is more open, emotionally intelligent, and willing to challenge traditional norms. They are learning that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength and a powerful strategy for success. This shift in mindset is not only improving their wellbeing, but it’s also giving them a distinct financial and professional advantage.
1. They are breaking the stigma of “going it alone.”
The old archetype of the lone wolf, the rugged individual who solves all his own problems, is being replaced by a more collaborative and community-oriented mindset. Gen Z men are more likely to see the value in teamwork and to recognize that complex problems are often best solved by drawing on the collective wisdom of a group. This shift away from a purely individualistic mindset is a foundational change.
This matters because it opens them up to a whole world of resources and support that a more traditional mindset would have rejected. A practical tip is to identify one challenge you are facing and to proactively ask a trusted colleague or friend for their perspective on it.
2. They seek therapy to improve their focus and resilience.
Gen Z is the generation most likely to view therapy and mental health counseling as a normal and valuable tool for personal development. They understand that mental health is not separate from their professional life; it is the foundation of it. They use therapy not just to deal with crises, but to proactively build skills like stress management, emotional regulation, and communication.
These skills are directly transferable to the workplace and are critical for long-term career success. A man who has the tools to manage his stress and communicate effectively is a more resilient and effective employee. This can lead to better performance, faster promotions, and higher earning potential. For personal advice, it is always best to consult a qualified professional.
3. They actively and openly seek out career mentors.
The traditional model of mentorship was often a passive one, where a young man hoped that a senior leader would take him under his wing. Gen Z men are much more proactive. They are not afraid to reach out to people they admire, both inside and outside their own companies, to ask for guidance, advice, and mentorship. They see mentorship not as a sign that they are needy, but as a smart and efficient way to learn.
A good mentor can provide invaluable career advice, help you avoid common mistakes, and advocate for you within an organization. This can dramatically accelerate your career growth and earning potential. A simple first step is to make a list of three people whose careers you admire and to send them a polite and professional message asking for a brief informational chat.
4. They are willing to pay for coaching to develop specific skills.
In addition to mentorship, Gen Z men are also more open to the idea of hiring a professional coach to help them develop a specific skill. This could be a public speaking coach to help them nail presentations, a leadership coach to help them manage a team, or a negotiation coach to help them secure a higher salary. They see coaching as a targeted investment in their own human capital.
This willingness to pay for expert guidance is a powerful financial move. An investment in a coach who can help you successfully negotiate a 10% salary increase can pay for itself many times over. It’s a recognition that sometimes, the fastest way to grow is to get expert help.
5. They build collaborative networks instead of purely competitive ones.
While professional ambition is still strong, Gen Z men are often less focused on a zero-sum, competitive view of their careers. They are more likely to build open and collaborative networks of peers where they can share information, advice, and opportunities. They understand that a rising tide can lift all boats, and that helping a peer succeed does not diminish their own chances.
This collaborative mindset leads to stronger and more authentic professional relationships. A network built on mutual support is far more powerful and resilient than one built on rivalry. A practical tip is to make it a habit to share a relevant article or a potential job opportunity with at least one person in your network each week.
6. They are more open about their financial anxieties and knowledge gaps.
Traditional masculinity often made it taboo for men to admit financial vulnerability or a lack of knowledge. Gen Z men are more likely to be open with their peers about their financial anxieties, their student loan debt, and what they don’t know about investing. This openness creates a supportive environment where they can learn from each other.
This willingness to be vulnerable and to ask for financial advice from peers and experts can lead to better financial literacy and more informed decisions. It helps them to avoid costly financial mistakes and to build wealth more effectively over the long term.
7. This willingness to seek input leads to better decision-making.
The core benefit that underlies all these strategies is simple: a person who is open to feedback, advice, and new information will consistently make better decisions than someone who relies solely on their own limited perspective. By asking for help, Gen Z men are able to pressure-test their ideas, identify their blind spots, and learn from the experiences of others.
This leads to better choices in all areas of their life, from which career path to pursue to how to invest their money. Over a lifetime, this cumulative effect of better decision-making can have a massive and positive impact on their financial outcomes.
8. It helps them to avoid costly and career-derailing burnout.
The traditional male archetype of the “workaholic” who never complains and sacrifices everything for his job is a direct path to burnout. Burnout can be incredibly costly, leading to decreased productivity, health problems, and even the need to leave a job. By being more in touch with their mental health and willing to ask for support when they are feeling overwhelmed, Gen Z men can proactively manage their stress levels.
This helps them to avoid reaching a crisis point. A man who is able to maintain a sustainable pace is a more valuable and reliable employee in the long run, which is good for both his health and his career trajectory.
9. They learn crucial negotiation skills from mentors and peers.
Salary negotiation is one of the highest-leverage skills in a professional’s toolkit, but it is not taught in school. By seeking out mentors and talking openly with their peers about compensation, Gen Z men are able to learn effective negotiation strategies and gain valuable data about what their skills are worth.
This knowledge and practice can translate into tens of thousands of dollars in additional income over the course of a career. The simple act of asking for advice on how to handle a salary negotiation is a high-return investment of their time.
10. It accelerates their learning and overall career growth.
A person who is trying to figure everything out on their own will always learn more slowly than a person who is actively seeking guidance from those with more experience. By leveraging mentors, coaches, and their peer network, Gen Z men are able to dramatically accelerate their learning curve. They can avoid common rookie mistakes and adopt best practices much more quickly.
This accelerated learning leads directly to accelerated career growth. They can become competent and valuable contributors in their roles much faster, which in turn leads to earlier promotions and greater responsibility.
11. It builds stronger and more authentic professional relationships.
The traditional model of networking was often a transactional and superficial affair. The more modern, collaborative approach favored by Gen Z, which is based on mutual support and genuine help, leads to much stronger and more authentic professional relationships. People are more willing to help you when they know that you are also willing to be vulnerable and ask for help.
These strong relationships are a powerful career asset. They can lead to unexpected opportunities and a resilient support system that can help you navigate the ups and downs of a long professional life. A rule of thumb is to focus on giving as much help to your network as you ask for.
12. It helps them to identify and pursue better opportunities.
When you are isolated and only focused on your own work, you can develop a kind of tunnel vision. You may be unaware of new trends, emerging industries, or exciting opportunities that are happening just outside your immediate field of view. By actively talking to a diverse network of people, Gen Z men are able to get a much broader perspective on the professional landscape.
This wider view allows them to identify and pursue better and more interesting career opportunities that they might have otherwise missed. It keeps them from getting stuck on a single, narrow path and opens up a world of new possibilities.