Gen Z redefines work in a volatile job market

Amid layoffs, Gen Z is pushing back against overwork, choosing clear boundaries, sustainable growth over old notions of indispensability

- Geetika Sachdev

Rohan Mehta, a 24-year-old graphic designer at a Bengaluru startup, shuts his laptop at 6 pm every day, even when team meetings or crisis calls spill over to a couple of hours later. Despite an uncertain job market, he maintains firm boundaries. "I don't believe staying late makes me indispensable. Overworking only drains creativity and morale. I know my superiors don't appreciate my attitude but this is who I am," he says.

Similarly, Ananya Singh, a digital marketer at a Mumbai-based agency, sets clear expectations about availability. "I tell my manager upfront when I will be offline. Last week, I had a painting class, and I made sure my team knew I wouldn't respond during that time," explains the 23-year-old. "It's not about shirking responsibility, it's about balance. If we respect our personal time, we are more focused during work hours."