Gen Z is making a cultural shift by embracing a lifestyle known as NEET, meaning “not in employment, education, or training.” This choice is leading to record levels of youth unemployment around the world, with about one-fifth of individuals ages 15 to 24 classified as NEETs according to the International Labour Organization. The reasons for this trend are not entirely clear, but the inability of Gen Z to achieve traditional milestones such as getting a job, earning less, and accumulating more debt are contributing factors.
Research has shown that young adults today are earning less than previous generations, with people in their 20s earning around $45,500, compared to millennials who earned $51,852 at the same age when adjusting for inflation. A survey conducted in November 2023 revealed that both Gen Z and millennial adults are facing difficulties in achieving milestones in the workforce, with a majority finding it much harder to buy a home, find a job, or get promoted when compared to their parents’ generation.
Many young people are struggling to make ends meet due to inflation and economic challenges, resulting in difficulties in achieving career milestones. Some individuals, like Anette Suveges, a 27-year-old account executive, are choosing to focus on the present due to feelings of depression about the future. The hustle culture that was popular among millennials is now viewed as outdated, with younger generations prioritizing their mental health and peace of mind over corporate success.
While some Gen Z individuals are willing to work, they prefer not to pursue traditional careers. The 2023 study found that 40% of young adults prefer pursuing less conventional economic opportunities, such as jobs with more relaxed environments, fewer overtime hours, and minimal responsibilities. Teaching has become a popular career choice among motivated Gen Z graduates, offering long vacations despite lower pay. However, despite their willingness to work, mental health issues are leading young adults to call in sick to their jobs more frequently than older generations, contributing to a growing trend of youth worklessness due to ill health.
Overall, Gen Z’s embrace of the NEET lifestyle is indicative of a broader cultural shift away from traditional career paths and towards prioritizing work-life balance, mental health, and personal well-being. With many young adults facing challenges in achieving career milestones, it is clear that societal norms around work, success, and adulthood are changing. As this generation navigates economic uncertainty and mental health challenges, it is important for society to support their decision to prioritize their well-being while also encouraging meaningful opportunities for growth and personal fulfillment.
