Episode: 207

Episode Title: Gen-Z Worried About Career Potential

File Name: gen-z-worried-about-career-potential

Who’s more worried about their careers in a fast-changing world, the up-and-coming Generation Z or the Boomers? Find out, coming up next on the Syndicate.

Ep 207 show:

Welcome to The Perna Syndicate! I’m your host, Mark Perna, and this week we’re talking about new research from Washington State University on Gen-Z and how they approach work. 

The pandemic has created seismic shifts in the employment landscape. In this fast-changing world, which generation is more worried about their career prospects—the Boomers or Gen-Z? You might think it would be the older generations that would be most anxious about their ability to adapt. 

But the report, which surveyed more than 1,000 members of Gen-Z, found that younger workers tend to be more concerned about the future of their careers than their older colleagues. Some 68% of younger workers reported that they worry about their career growth potential, while only 43% of older employees say the same. 

Their worry is not for lack of ambition or drive. Some 79% of those surveyed also reported that they have lofty goals when it comes to furthering their careers. They’re just worried that in our current climate, they won’t be able to advance. 

This should give us all pause. Instead of focusing on how differently these two generations view the world, here’s an area we can all relate to. We all know what worry and uncertainty feel like—today more than ever. 

Younger employees can take a lesson from more experienced workers who know that sooner or later, the rapid changes always level off—and those who work hard will rise to the top.

Tomorrow: as employers start bringing people back to the office, who’s ready to come back, and why? We’ll talk about it tomorrow on the Syndicate. See you then!