Where Did Work Ethic Go?

This week, I’ve been thinking a lot about LAX.

A makeup artist working for MAC at the airport was fired after sharing a “Daytime” TikTok video that breached significant security protocols.

In her clip, she showcased her TSA badge, her cash drawer setup, timestamps of her shifts, and even some customer interactions. All of that ultimately led to her dismissal.

Oversharing Is Not a Workplace Perk

I felt a mix of disbelief and concern when I saw it. I can’t help but wonder: have we lost sight of basic professionalism?

For me, there are certain boundaries—especially regarding security and finances—that should never be crossed. This incident serves as a sharp reminder of the high stakes involved when someone overshares at work.

Watching that video, I thought about how revealing cash drawer setups and customer interactions could easily lead to negative consequences.

I was raised with a strong work ethic, and I’m really thankful for that. At 14, I got my first job at Hungry Jack, where I learned what hard work and good customer service are all about.

If that meant keeping the drive-thru timer down or enduring challenging situations (like dressing up as a fairy for a kid’s party), I embraced it.

Honestly, I can’t imagine asking my boss for permission to film a drive-thru conversation. The reaction I’d have received… let’s just say, it wouldn’t have been positive.

Not A Karen—Just Grateful

Back then, I was taught to smile, remain polite, and always remember that the “customer is always right.” It wasn’t easy, especially when dealing with outlandish requests, but I did my best to handle everything with a smile because, hey, tips depended on it!

These days, though, I notice something different at places like McDonald’s. When I pull up to the drive-thru, the clerk sometimes silently holds the EFTPOS machine while pointing to the screen, almost as if to say, “Cash?”

I realize I might sound like an old-timer complaining about the younger generation. I promise I’m not. I treat customer service workers kindly because I once stood in their shoes.

I know firsthand how tough it can be to navigate real customers with real issues. It’s interesting how we often judge people by how they treat those in service roles, and for me, how they treat customers is a huge factor.

Yet if I’m polite and friendly, I hope for the same in return. Sure, I get that the previous customer could have been a nightmare, but two wrongs don’t make a right, right?

Maybe this shift in attitudes is generational. As a millennial, I learned to find humor in tough situations. But Gen Z and Gen Alpha? They seem to have a different approach, even coining the term “Gen Z Stare” to describe their unfiltered reactions.

If rudeness has become so common that we have to label it, that says something significant about our culture.

Perhaps as parents, we haven’t been instilling the importance of hard work and a positive attitude. A job isn’t just about qualifications; it’s about showing up, respecting your role, and navigating your path.

I’ve made it my mission to show my son the value of this, not just through my own work but also in how he charts his own future.

Oh, and one last piece of advice: never film while working.