Why is Gen Z rejecting hustle culture and redefining the meaning of work? | The Stream

Modern workplace dynamics have changed globally since the COVID-19 pandemic. But recent reports have labelled Gen Z as the most difficult generation to work with, branding them as entitled, lazy, quiet quitters. However, emerging trends on and off social media suggest a different narrative.

From the “lazy girl job” trend to advocating for a four-day workweek, Gen Z is disrupting traditional workplace norms, advocating for work-life balance, and challenging traditional notions of success and productivity.

Presenter: Anelise Borges

Guests:
Gabrielle Judge - "Lazy girl job" trend creator
Kwolanne Felix - Writer and activist
Danielle Roberts - Anti-career coach
Joe Thompson - Union organiser and activist
Husayn Karimi - Labour journalist and organiser

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[shawntrader]

I think the youngsters just want to work with a sense of purpose and to be treated fairly vs. mindless busy work.

[gaurighatnekar]

I have been working with an entirely Gen Z startup and they are fast, efficient, super respectful, and know how to balance work and life. Their drive is something to look forward to. As a millennial, not having to work in a toxic workplace is a blessing ❤

[jon]

I am a millennial from the later end (1991) I resonate with Gen Z. Hustle Culture was a complete joke and I learned the hard way that hard work does not mean better rewards. You don’t really need much money to live a fulfilling life and that is something I embrace!

[JH-uvqx]

As a millennial, we tried to do what are Gen Z are doing currently. We were attacked badly by the Boomers, got called lazy and other stuff. Also we couldn't succeed since back then we were the minority.
Now since there is less boomers and more Gen Zs in the workplace, I hope this will finally be achieved.

[salivadriven]

As a Gen X with two Gen Z daughters I applaud this. I myself am semi retired at 52 and have reinvigorated my original love of painting. Pro union? Tick. Quiet quitting? Tick. Work life balance? Tick.
What were we thinking by putting education as a top priority, then saddling these young people up with huge debt, then creating an impossible housing crisis? Then ignoring the environment? Then telling them how important mental health is, but calling them lazy when they put their mental health as a priority? This modern world is hypocritical.
Big business pretended to care about mental health while enjoying record low wages and high profits. I’m excited to see where this goes. I stand with Gen Z

[g.i.]

They are smart. What has anyone gotten after years at a corporation when they get laid off ?? They’re not fools!

[yes]

70% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck, and corporate profits are at a 70-year high.

[OsvaldoGago]

For three years I worked four days a week. It really changed me as you do the most important work and had enough time to rest. I was far more motivated at work.

[denisebowman]

As a millennial with tons of debt due to acquiring higher education which was drilled into us to be the recipe for success, I absolutely resonate with working smarter not harder. People are tired of working to barely survive… they aren’t lazy they are innovative and very well informed about quality of life.

[smkd]

Im 43..i am proud of these women. Im not gonna label anyone as lazy..but i will say they are smart for finally saying enough is enough.

[arsnjkstudios]

I sign up at 8 in the morning in a office with no one else to talk. I leave at any time between 6.30 - 8.30. I'm dying inside out. I have huge respect for Gen Z.

Edit:
Hi All,
Thank so much for the love. A small update my office got shifted to the city thankfully. But the long office hours are still there like 8 - 6, 7... Even though less tired and I'm eating well.

Thank you so much. The people I don't know cared a lot❤️❤️

[geraldinegranger]

I applaud these intelligent members of Gen Z! I’m Gen X, did everything “right”, and feel like I was a fool. I was the model loyal employee. I didn’t realize the loyalty was one-sided.
And bravo for acknowledging reproductive labor!!

[willboler]

I got burnt out the second year into my dream job, and after I left I've developed this culture of slow work, where even tho I'm slower with my production, my quality and work life balance has sky rocketed. I'm not gen z, and I scoff at anyone bragging about "hard" work at this point, when they really mean that they just put in a lot of extra hours to speed through a poorly thought out project.

[eternallyborn]

From a millennial... Good job, Gen Z! I've been right there with you. Life is about more than work!

[misspiscesdreamz]

So glad ppl are realizing work is everything. Remote work has made life better. No wasting time commuting and no more small talk in the office. Dream come true! Also, working barely meets basic needs so why should it be the most important thing in life.

[ralucaifrim]

I am burnout from changing jobs and wasting time on job applications

[missmg]

As a millennial, I feel schadenfreude towards my former and current bosses in knowing what they will have to ‘deal’ with. After they did things to me like taking money off my check (for having changed the computer during working hours) and being told the reason is I wasn’t producing. How am I supposed to produce with a defective computer? They wanted me to use my personal (unpaid) time for doing that. So, no I don’t feel bad for those mfs. They took advantage of my need for work, but times are changing and I’ll be there, rejoicing with my popcorn in hand.

[frc_sc]

I sincerely hope Gen z and all future generations are able to beat the system and escape the mindless rat race my generation (millennials) and past generations were indoctrinated into believing in the key for success and only way to live an adult life. Good going gen z!

[vectoralphaSec]

As a millennial I 1000% agree with these girls. I am not loyal to my job and employer. I will quit/ leave if and when I want and I prefer to work for what I care about. I don't trust companies and employers.

[Dainja]

As a Gen Xer, I completely agree with the young adults. I have been working since 16 and have always felt like I was operating under duress to this very day. We should be doing everything we can to be productive members of society, but we should be better proponents of a fair work-life balance. I don't mind performing meaningful and purposeful work, but I have always hated busy-work. It's completely unnecessary and a waste of time. Do your work and get it done right and timely, but when there is downtime, relax and take it easy until the next real task comes along your way. Rinse and repeat. What is so wrong with that??