PASSION OR PAYCHECK

What GenZ wants from work.

- Anmol

For decades, the equation was simple: work hard, get paid, move up. Careers were often seen as linear journeys, with stability and longevity prized above all else. A “good job” meant a steady paycheck, a respectable title, and, eventually, a pension or retirement plan. But as the world changes, so do the rules — and GenZ, those born between 1997 and 2012, are stepping into the workforce with a completely different set of expectations. They are not content to merely slot themselves into a preexisting system. For them, work is more than a means to an end; it is an extension of who they are, something that must align with their values, lifestyle, and vision of a fulfilling life.

The social and economic backdrop that shaped this generation is unlike anything their predecessors experienced. GenZ came of age with the internet at their fingertips, consuming an unfiltered stream of news, opinions, and personal stories from around the globe. They witnessed the rapid rise — and public fallout — of hustle culture. They saw mass layoffs dissected in real time on social media and watched entire industries grind to a halt during the pandemic. They grew up in a time when mental health conversations moved from whispered stigma to open, daily dialogue. All of this has profoundly shaped their relationship with work, fuelling a demand for careers that are not just financially rewarding, but emotionally sustainable.

For many, the very notion of “success” has shifted. The grand corner office, the 40-year tenure, the traditional 9-to-5 routine — these are not aspirational markers anymore. Instead, questions of value alignment, personal autonomy, and emotional well-being dominate career decisions. A typical GenZ job seeker might ask: Does this role align with my principles? Will my voice matter here? Can I work on my own terms? And most tellingly, does this work actually feel worth doing?

Generation With Different Priorities