by NZOLO MUTHAMA
Zoomers are walking a tightrope, navigating between ambition and anxiety, the weight of expectations, the fear of failure, and the uncertainty of the future casting a shadow on the well-being of a generation in pursuit of economic stability.
Today is the last day of exams, after which preparations for the day of graduation will begin, and we will finally be done with college. I have been asking my classmates what they intend to do with their lives. Do they plan to go back home for a while or immediately find a job? I have noticed something common among the majority of the friends that I have been talking to. They seem a bit lost, speaking of passions and the fear of losing themselves in workplaces. Job security is not really their pursuit; they seek something authentic, a venture to fill them with life, give them fulfilment, a sense of belonging, and meaning. They seek freedom.
After all, they have grown up in a world where smartphones are extensions of their hands and social interactions transcend physical boundaries. This generation of mine experiences a hyperreality where online and offline worlds converge. Social media platforms become spaces for constructing individual and collective identities, blurring the line between reality and the digital realm. With a few taps, they are able to access a wealth of information and connect with global perspectives. In coffee shops, you’re likely to find them engrossed in virtual conversations, effortlessly navigating the digital world.
This era of influencers and content creators has given rise to a generation unafraid to embrace their unique identities and broadcast them to the world. YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram are not just platforms; they are canvases for self-expression. Postmodernism’s rejection of fixed categories also aligns with my generation’s fluid approach to identity. Beyond challenging traditional gender and cultural norms, they embrace individualism and explore the diverse facets of their personalities. My generation questions established norms and institutions and seeks alternative sources of information, challenging the narratives woven by traditional structures. Every dynamic of reality is subject to scrutiny as they seek transparency and authenticity. My generation is what many call free?–?Gen Z.
So, let’s look at this freedom for a minute. We are not just entering the workforce; we are reshaping it. Or are we? If you are seeking to retain us, then you have to let go of the traditional work model and offer a hybrid or fully remote work option. What does a career track even mean anyway? We are the generation that desires to attain a life balance that is deeply intertwined with work, and appreciate employers who understand the importance of flexibility in achieving this equilibrium. Our fluency in technology isn’t just a proficiency; it’s a way of life, a revolution. We are not just streamlining work; we’re very aware of the need to transform it. As a matter of fact, gig owners looking to attract our talent must embrace and invest in advanced technologies that align with our preference for efficiency and connectivity.
Unlike the many who came before us, we are not content with merely fitting into the corporate structure (Does the structure still exist?) We value environments that nurture creativity, encourage independent thinking, and provide avenues for innovative projects. If you are a boss that embraces the spirit of experimentation and values employees’ creative endeavours, then you are likely to unleash our full potential. We like a culture of frequent, constructive feedback and expect recognition for our contributions. Know our value before you approach us; work is not just a job for us, it’s an avenue for making a difference in the world. If you do not offer us the possibility to thrive, we’ll find other means of surviving.
Let’s look at the numbers
A 2023 Bankrate survey of 2,417 adults found that Gen Z was more likely than other generations to switch jobs. Additionally, for 55 per cent of Gen Z workers there was a strong likelihood that they would be seeking new employment in the next 12 months, compared to millennials (43 per cent), Gen Xers (28 per cent), and baby boomers (13 per cent). The high rate of job turnover within this generation is not a symptom of restlessness but a reflection of a collective insistence that work align with personal values and passions. It is a declaration of independence, a refusal to conform to outdated models of professional success.
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