Born between 1997 and 2012, Generation Z has come of age in an era where two competing career narratives are both loudly preached — and neither seems to fully satisfy.
On one hand, students are urged to “follow your passion” to find meaning and purpose. On the other hand, we’re warned that settling for anything less than a high-paying job is irresponsible, especially given rising living costs, economic instability and sprawling student debt. This tug-of-war leaves many Gen Zers caught in a paradox: chasing interests that may not be financially viable, or prioritizing income so heavily that we sacrifice what makes work feel fulfilling.
This internal conflict doesn’t just shape big decisions like the choice of college major. It filters into everyday life: the kinds of internships one pursues, the risks one is willing to take, the stress and doubt that accompany every resume cover letter. Over time, the pressure to resolve this tension — between passion and pay — affects not just career trajectories, but mental health, well-being and the ability to adapt in a rapidly changing labor market.
I have felt these pressures both personally and professionally. I have held more than 10 jobs including, but not limited to: after-school and day-camp counselor, barista, recreational gymnastics coach and service receptionist at a car dealership. I grew up with a strong work ethic from my parents. I spent childhood days in dealerships watching my father, a master General Motors technician. I learned sales and communication by watching my mother, a real estate agent and inside sales representative. I’ve watched my parents grow professionally in their careers, and I’ve also experienced the stressful side of living in the full-time workforce from my parents’ jobs and my own jobs. It’s a world, I believe, most college students are not prepared for, yet this is the reality we are all heading into.
In research done by Bank of America, studies show that unemployment for new entrants was up more than 9% year-over-year in February 2025. The March 2024 jobs report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics also reported a surge in the unemployment rate, implying some workers are taking whatever jobs they can find in this low-churn labor market. For Gen Z, this could have long-term career implications as they struggle to find roles. It could also have ramifications for U.S. productivity as a whole.
The trending agreement on social media from recent graduates is that everyone is struggling to find a job. This affects the mental health of post-graduates, and this knowledge provides a fearful culture for current college students facing this reality all too soon.
Deloitte’s2025 Gen Z and millennial survey found that many younger workers are not looking to climb the corporate ladder but instead seeking purposeful work, mentorship and on-the-job learning opportunities. This includes developing critical skills like communication, leadership and empathy. According to Deloitte, of those surveyed with a positive outlook, 67% of Gen Z feel their work allows them to make positive contributions to their workplace and the world. Gen Z also wants more positive well-being and financial stability. In Deloitte’s report, 40% of Gen Z stated that they feel stressed or anxious “all or most of the time,” with most stress coming from their job. Working long hours and not garnering recognition or appreciation is an additional draining factor that stresses Gen Z as well.
Gen Z basically wants work to feel good. We spend our whole lives at work, and no one should have to survive until Friday. Gen Z is pushing the boundaries of what they want out of the workforce. They want a place where “thanks for doing that” isn’t rare, where mistakes don’t mean harsh paperwork and where you can learn without constantly burning out.
We’re all human at the end of the day, and we should all be able to live lives full of joy, depth and happiness. We need everybody, the fearless Gen Xers, the witty millennials and the passionate Gen Zers to make the workplace better for us all and for future generations, because we all deserve meaningful workdays that we look forward to. I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish together.
Marissa Hunt is a junior at UT this year studying journalism and media. She can be reached at [email protected].
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