The corporate ladder? Gen Z would rather take the elevator — or better yet, the emergency exit to balance. The 9–5 pays the bills, but that’s about it. Real passions come alive after hours, in personal projects, hobbies, or side hustles.
A Glassdoor report puts a name to this shift: career minimalism. And while the data is U.S.-based, most trends from across the Atlantic quickly make their way here — something already visible in Romania.
9–5 for the inbox, 5–9 for out-of-the-box
For many young professionals, the “dream job” is no longer in tech or consulting but in stable sectors like healthcare, education, or government. Security now outweighs flashy LinkedIn titles, especially in a world where 70% of Gen Z say AI has made them question their job stability. Ambition, however, hasn’t disappeared: 57% of Gen Z already juggle side hustles, turning free time into income, creativity, and projects that reflect who they are.
From micromanagement to mindful management
As leaders, Gen Z is rewriting the playbook. They’re focused on building teams that last instead of running them like hamsters on a wheel. Numbers back it up: 58% of young employees admit they ease their pace in summer (vs. 39% of workers 45+), and 31% expect flexible hours to be the top benefit from Gen Z managers. The old “bossy boss” model is out; conscious unbossing is in — a collaborative style where well-being counts just as much as performance.
Yay or nay? And what’s next?
Gen Z shows you really can have it all: financial security, time for what brings joy, and a job that doesn’t swallow your identity. And if that’s the future of work… it actually sounds pretty good.
