How 'waithood' can help Gen Zs thrive

RESEARCH suggests that there may be long-term benefits for Gen Zs who are embracing “waithood” – staying at home or longer.

- STAFF REPORTER

Market trend analysis firm Flux Trends found that young people are delaying – or forgoing – traditional “adulthood” markers such as moving out and marriage. Instead, they’re redefining independence, balancing privacy and autonomy while remaining at home.

The key question is: how can they use this phase as a launchpad for long-term financial independence?

Mariska Oosthuizen, chief marketing officer for Sanlam, says: “Our 2024 Sanlam Financial Confidence Index (FCI) found that Gen Z (young people aged from 18 to 26) is the most financially confident generation, with its optimism driven by financial self-determination and resilience. This suggests they’re not simply waiting – they’re making strategic choices in an uncertain economy. The real opportunity lies in ensuring their waithood is productive and that they can amplify their financial confidence when they do move out.”

What’s driving waithood?

Economic uncertainty, including the rise of the gig economy and contract work, makes financial caution essential. The FCI reveals that many young people are juggling multiple jobs, aligning values with long-term commitments like rent as they focus on financial stability.

However, while macroeconomic factors almost certainly contribute to Gen Z’s delayed transition to independence, there are deeper dynamics at play.