The Plight of an Annoyed Member of Gen Z

There’s a common misconception that Gen Z doesn’t want to work anymore—that they’re lazy, entitled, and expecting handouts from older generations who “pulled themselves up by their bootstraps” and put in the hard work. While there’s a grain of truth to this narrative, it’s largely misunderstood.

Gen Z does want to work, but not under the same conditions previous generations enjoyed. Take Baby Boomers, for instance: one person could work a 9-to-5 job while their partner handled childcare in their suburban two-story home—by the age of 25. That reality is simply out of reach for most young people today. Increasingly, Gen Z is being forced to move back in with their parents because, even with a full-time job and a side hustle, they can’t afford rent. I’ve had to say goodbye to multiple friends this past year for that very reason.

Older generations often mistake Gen Z's critiques of the workplace, government, and capitalism as a sign of disengagement, assuming that young people want no part in today’s society. But I see the opposite: Gen Z wants to be part of society so much that they’re willing to fight to make it better. They’re striving to make the “American Dream” attainable again. We want affordable childcare so both parents can work and provide for their families. We want an end to price gouging in the housing market and at the grocery store. We want fair taxation, where corporations and billionaires pay their share. Most importantly, we want to feel that the work we do actually matters.

To my fellow Gen Z: you are not wrong for wanting a life outside of work. You are not lazy for refusing to take on a third job. You are an integral part of today’s society, and you are powerful and influential. The rise of movements like NMGZ proves that younger generations want to shape the future. I’ve seen 20-year-olds command the attention of CEOs, challenge business practices, and demand better.

So, the next time someone tells you that Gen Z isn’t doing enough, know this: we are doing more than enough.