Generation Z is growing a reputation for not wanting the typical 9-to-5 lifestyle and is constantly receiving judgment. Sure, the babies of 1997 to 2012 are not chasing the traditional American dream that older generations pursued, but that’s because they’re trying to build lives that make them happy, not just ones that check off society’s boxes.
Gen Z wants to avoid the basic American life their grandparents are used to. They want to live a life that makes them happy rather than what makes their parents happy. They have spent years seeing their parents and grandparents complain about their 9-to-5; Gen Z would rather do something with their futures that didn’t bring relatives pain and stress.
Going into a 5-by-5 office with gray walls and coffee-breath coworkers sounds like a personal nightmare. Then, coming home to prepare to do it all over again sounds even more depressing.
And not to add, most salaries are not enough to sustain an enjoyable life. The cost of living has increased by 20% since 2009, according to CBS News. Although salaries have adjusted to inflation in past years, it is nearly not enough for a sustainable lifestyle.
Recently, Whoopi Goldberg took her opinions to “The View,” according to MSNBC. She said that Gen Z and Millennials are not working hard enough to make the money we need. Apparently, “working hard” now means working 20-hour days just to be able to afford a grocery list. Older generations constantly criticize Gen Z for not working hard enough, but the economy has changed since the 20th century. For Gen Z, the economic strain is so severe that having kids isn’t even practical for many.
Having kids is not a goal for much of Gen Z, according to CBS News. If money is out of reach for someone, supporting children becomes harder. To support kids, money needs to be had, but it has become questionable where that much money will come from. Gen Z would be considered evil if they had kids but couldn’t provide for them.
Gen Z’s financial struggles are part of why TikTok is so popular. With less access to wealth and stability, they turn to online spaces for support and community. Gen Z is constantly criticized for being chronically online when TikTok gives a sense of community to their generation. TikTok is Gen Z's battleground, and Facebook is the older generation's battleground; except the younger generation doesn’t try to ban Facebook because of a conspiracy theory.
It’s ridiculous that this generation is being ridiculed for wanting a different life when money is out of reach at this point. Gen Z wants to see the world. They want to take what has been offered and turn it into happiness. They are the generation living in vans in a different state every year. Gen Z would rather work a minimum-wage job on the beach than dress in a pantsuit and sit on an uncomfortable office chair.
Gen Z is going to be the generation that changes the definition of the “American dream.” Traditions change. Older generations need to understand that life is not all about money. Money is a made-up concept. But somehow, it has the human population in a chokehold and controls people to the point where violence erupts. Money makes people greedy and Gen Z feels more greedy to live a life that prioritizes something else – happiness.
Suzanne Piper is a junior at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnist do not reflect those of The Post. What are your thoughts? Let Suzanne know by tweeting her @_suziepiper.
