‘What’s the hurry?’ Millennials often wonder when their favorite Gen Z officemates hand in their resignation letters after less than a year at the job. Beyond the surface assumption that the younger generation easily gets bored, there are a host of other reasons why Gen Z frequently switches jobs. Career advancement is just the tip of the iceberg! Here’s what drives Gen Z’s work experience priorities.

In the name of career growth

For Gen Z, navigating the early stages of their career often involves strategic job changes. These moves, typically done every two years or so, are driven by the desire for (a) professional growth, (b) skill development, and (c) salary increases. It’s not about “jumping ship” — it’s all about making calculated moves that will bring them closer to their dream career.

To try everything, everywhere, all at once

Unlike Boomers and many Millennials, who often spend decades at a single company (an insane feat that deserves its own recognition), Gen Z prioritizes flexibility and exploration in their careers. The younger generation loves to dabble in dozens of jobs, sometimes all at once. This isn’t to say they lack commitment. They’re just looking for work that aligns with their goals and lifestyle. After all, it’s a short life, and there are simply so many things waiting to be experienced in this world.

In this economy?

Stable salaries were once a major reason for staying with a company, but with rising inflation, that seems impossible these days. Gen Z is more likely to seek opportunities with salaries that reflect their worth and the work they bring to the table. And if a single job isn’t enough, freelance gigs are a perfect fit for their desire to experiment. The gig economy allows Gen Z to prioritize personal pursuits outside of work and, ultimately, decide which career path they want to pursue.

LF: Meaningful work

But if you think Gen Z is all about the money, you’re wrong. Sure, pay is important, but what’s even more fulfilling is finding work with a purpose. This generation wants to feel that their work contributes to something bigger. Gen Z’s passion is ignited once they work toward projects that align with their values.

It’s a strong job market out there

Unlike previous generations, Gen Z is entering a workforce that’s rife with possibilities. Their parents and grandparents might’ve had limited career paths, but today’s landscape explodes with exciting new options. The possibilities are endless — from social media content creation to virtual assistants. And because Gen Z grew up in the digital world, they’re comfortable navigating it. If you’ve got so many career options to choose from, would you only settle for one?

It’s all about the vibe

Office politics? Nobody has time for that, especially Gen Zs who want one thing: To be happy in their career. For them, it’s all about the vibe and prioritizing positive, collaborative work culture. The occasional tea-spillling is tolerated but when co-workers are unreasonable, hostile, and just downright unpleasant to work with, you’ll find Gen Z already out the door.

They know what they deserve

Remote work is a big deal for Gen Z, especially after the pandemic. They now realize that many jobs can easily be done in the comfort of their home. That means no dealing with traffic or even the occasional annoying co-worker. Traditional office settings continue to exist, but more and more Gen Z are looking for remote or hybrid work set-up that grants them flexibility with their time.

But sometimes it’s peer influence, too

Don’t get us wrong, not all Gen Z have the mindset we’ve listed in this article. This is a diverse generation with a wide range of career aspirations. But they aren’t immune to their friends on social media who brag about six-digit salaries after switching to their fourth job while doing freelance on the side. Whether they admit it or not, Gen Z can’t help but feel a twinge of FOMO and wonder if they’re falling behind if they’ve been staying for more than three years in one company.

With all that being said, it’s important to remember that career journeys are ultimately unique. Whatever generation you belong to doesn’t really matter; it’s different for everyone. Yes, Gen Z is redefining the workplace with its culture, but not every Gen Z has bought into the job-hopping trend. Some still prioritize stability, while others crave exploration. These preferences aren’t right or wrong, they simply reflect an individual’s goals and values.

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