The Two Sides of Gen Z’s Work Ethic
Headlines scream about “lazy” Gen Z workers, while LinkedIn feeds overflow with twenty-somethings launching side hustles and chasing their dreams. So, which is it? Are we witnessing a generation rejecting the grind or redefining it? The answer, like most things, is nuanced. Gen Z is caught between two seemingly opposing forces: the desire for strict work-life boundaries (quiet quitting) and the drive to find fulfillment beyond a 9-to-5 (passion projects).
From Burnout to Boundaries: Understanding the Quiet Quitting Shift
To understand this duality, we need context. Gen Z entered the workforce during a tumultuous time. The rise of the gig economy, coupled with economic downturns and the COVID-19 pandemic, shattered the illusion of job security. Burnout became rampant, leading many to question the value of overworking themselves for companies that wouldn’t hesitate to let them go.
This disillusionment fueled the quiet quitting trend, where employees do the bare minimum required of their jobs and prioritize their personal lives. It’s not about laziness; it’s about setting boundaries and reclaiming personal time in a world that constantly demands “more.”
