Gen Z is Redefining Work: The Emergence of Career Minimalism

As we approach 2025, the landscape of work is undergoing a transformational shift, largely driven by Generation Z. A recent report from Glassdoor highlights a new paradigm in professional aspirations and realities: career minimalism. For Gen Z, work is increasingly viewed not as an all-consuming endeavor, but as a means to financial stability that allows for passion projects and side hustles.

The Management Disconnect

In the Glassdoor survey, which included insights from over 1,000 U.S. professionals, a disconcerting finding emerged: 68% of Gen Z employees indicated they would not pursue management roles unless motivated by higher pay or titles. This stark contrast to the traditional corporate climb embraced by older generations signals a growing skepticism about management. Rather than seeing it as a prestigious goal, many in Gen Z view management as a “poisoned chalice.”

This skepticism is intertwined with broader concepts like “quiet quitting”—a term that embodies disengagement with work beyond the minimum—and “conscious unbossing,” where employees deliberately seek to distance themselves from traditional leadership roles. Gen Z is reshaping workplace culture, focusing less on the race to manage and more on establishing personal standards that fit their values.

Embracing Flexible Career Paths

Morgan Sanner, a career expert at Glassdoor, aptly described this shift as moving from a “rigid career ladder” to a “career lily pad.” This metaphor illustrates a landscape where young workers feel empowered to leap toward opportunities that best serve their personal and professional needs at any given time. With changing workplace dynamics, this new flexibility is seen as not only realistic but also essential.

In this flexible world, management may remain attractive to some, but Daniel Zhao, Glassdoor’s chief economist, suggests that many young workers see it as just one of many ways to succeed. While Gen Z is stepping into management roles at rates comparable to millennials, the motivation and perspective surrounding these roles have altered significantly. For Gen Z, management is increasingly regarded as a pragmatic step rather than an inherent goal.

The Side Hustle Economy

So where is all that ambition redirected if not toward traditional management? According to the Harris Poll findings shared in the Glassdoor report, a remarkable 57% of Gen Z currently engage in side hustles, significantly higher than older generations. This trend highlights Gen Z as a “true side hustle generation,” where personal work identity extends beyond traditional employment.

For Gen Z, side hustles aren’t mere pastimes; they are pivotal to their identity and often provide creative and entrepreneurial outlets unattainable within the constraints of their “day jobs.” As one member of the Glassdoor community put it, “I always joke that I don’t dream of labor… if people were truly passionate about their jobs, they wouldn’t pay anything.” This underscores a growing sentiment: passion should flourish outside the confines of standard employment.

Popular Side Hustles

The interest in side hustles raises questions about what kind of entrepreneurial ventures appeal to Gen Z. While the Glassdoor report does not delve deeply into specifics, other studies indicate that lucrative and flexible options dominate the landscape. Popular roles range from nurse practitioners and therapists, both providing healthy hourly rates, to remote-friendly positions like translation and graphic design. This interest in remote work reflects Gen Z’s desire for a better balance between work and life.

Redefining Management Expectations

When Gen Z does move into management, their approach contrasts sharply with established norms. The Glassdoor findings reveal a non-negotiable expectation of work-life balance. 58% of Gen Z managers plan to dial down their workload in the summer, which diverges significantly from the approaches typically embraced by older generations.

Their framework for success is about balance and fulfilling personal aspirations alongside professional obligations. According to Zhao, Gen Z is consolidating their goals in ways that prioritize financial security while maintaining personal well-being.

A Nuanced Perspective on Work Ethic

Critics often label Gen Z as lazy or entitled, but the data paints a more complex picture. This generation is setting healthy boundaries, diversifying their career portfolios, and prioritizing mental health in ways their predecessors may not have. They wield technology—particularly AI—both as a tool for opportunity and as a potential threat, navigating rapid changes with a mix of adaptability and caution.

Notably, the shift toward career minimalism signifies a desire for a sustainable and rewarding work-life balance. Glassdoor suggests that older generations could stand to learn from this trend—it’s not about doing less work, but rather about being strategic about energy investments. With this mindset, Gen Z is demonstrating that professional success can flourish in ways that don’t demand subservience to traditional work models.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Work

The Gen Z approach offers a refreshing lens through which to consider the future of work. Their vision comprises stable jobs for security, side hustles for passion, and boundaries that foster sustainability. As workplace dynamics continue to evolve, the principles rooted in career minimalism may pave the way for a new definition of fulfillment, encouraging professionals of all ages to rethink what success truly looks like. The future may not belong to those who climb but to those who navigate thoughtfully through the landscape of their passions and practicalities.