Employment in a regular full-time position was the dream of most people for many years. But many young workers in Generation Z are opting out of that model altogether. Rather than a single full-time position, they are opting for several part-time positions, freelancing, and flexible working hours. The change is spurred by both economic factors and a changing attitude to work, experts say. Now this trend is taking over and is changing the way we hire, operate our workplaces, and future-proof our jobs.
Moving Away From the 9-to-5 Model
For many young people, a continuous full-time career is not the ideal scenario. Rather, they are taking on “poly-employment” and working multiple positions at once to provide greater flexibility and independence.
Flexibility Matters More Than Stability
Unlike the previous generation, who seemed to value job security, many Gen Z employees value freedom over routine. Having multiple part-time jobs can provide greater flexibility in your schedule, workload, and lifestyle.
Inflation Pushing Toward Multiple Jobs
Economic realities are playing a large part, too. Many young people are finding that in order to be financially stable, they need to work multiple jobs, due to high costs of living, student loans, and a challenging job market.
Distrust Traditional Career Paths
Experts believe that Gen Z has been witnessing the impact of layoffs, economic downturns, and burnout culture on older generations all their lives. This has led to a shift in thinking for many that the thought of remaining loyal to one employer is no longer a promise for the future.
Traditional Jobs Have Become Harder
Recent research indicates that many employers have a hard time keeping young employees, primarily due to communication problems, lack of initiative, and a mismatch of the cultural values of the workplace. That tension is driving some of the Gen Z workers away from the traditional employment model.
AI Is Changing the Way Poly Workers Operate
A small fraction of Gen Z employees are using AI tools to do more with less. A small number of Gen Z employees are leveraging AI tools for more with less. They can use automation to schedule, finish repetitive tasks quickly, and manage multiple tasks concurrently.
Others See AI as a Serious Threat
AI is not always perceived as a positive development. The uncertainty in an already tough job market has been exacerbated by some young workers being worried that automation will replace many of the flexible and entry-level positions for which they are employed.
Workforce May Never Look the Same Again
The trend towards poly-employment is part of a broader shift in the perception of work, success, and stability among younger generations, experts say. Many young workers from Generation Z are developing flexible career paths that suit their lives, rather than a single career trajectory.
