Why Generation Z Is Increasingly Dissatisfied With Corporate Careers
There was a time when landing a corporate job was considered a sign of success. A steady paycheck, a health plan, and a desk with your name on it were the goals most college graduates chased. For Generation Z, that picture has lost its shine.
Over half of Gen Z employees in the U.S. now say they want to quit their jobs, according to a 2025 survey. They’ve seen the burnout of older generations, the layoffs that followed loyalty, and the rise of flexible, creative work that doesn’t require cubicles or corporate ladders. Many are still showing up to their 9-to-5s, but their patience with traditional office life is wearing thin.
The Status Trap Still Pulls Them In
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Interestingly, despite the frustration, many Gen Z graduates still find themselves chasing prestige.
Research from Oxford graduate Simon van Teutem revealed how bright young professionals fall into what he calls “the Bermuda Triangle of Talent.” His interviews with over 200 graduates revealed that those who value purpose often end up in consulting, finance, or law, as these careers promise stability and social validation.
They tell themselves it’s temporary—maybe a few years before doing something meaningful—but few ever leave. As paychecks grow, so do expectations and expenses, which then trap them in the very system they hoped to escape.
This cycle creates what van Teutem describes as the “insecure overachiever,” a person who relies on constant validation through work. Big firms understand that mindset well. They give ambitious recruits a sense of importance but little time or energy for reflection.
Social Media and the Sound of Discontent
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On social media, Gen Z’s workplace frustrations have become a cultural theme. Viral TikToks show new hires crying in their cars or joking about burnout weeks into their first jobs.
Yet, data from the Pew Research Center in 2023 paints a broader picture. Nearly 85 percent of workers aged 18 to 29 reported being at least somewhat satisfied with their jobs. They liked their coworkers, their supervisors, and even many of their daily tasks.
The online discussions highlight a generational skepticism toward traditional career structures. Many young workers question why they should trade their 20s for unpaid overtime and office politics when older colleagues still struggle to afford homes.
Viral videos give them a platform to express that frustration, even if their overall satisfaction remains stable.
The “Job Hugging” Era
Even with so many Gen Z workers wanting to leave, few actually do. Most are staying put due to weak job markets and layoffs. Economists have labeled this the “job-hugging” trend, where employees hold onto roles they dislike because there are fewer opportunities elsewhere.
Psychologists say this behavior comes from mistrust. The old social contract that said, “Work hard, stay loyal, and rise through the ranks,” collapsed years ago. Experts note that Gen Z is willing to move when it makes sense, but only if the next step feels worthwhile.
Instead of “doing their time” like older generations, they invest their effort where they see personal growth or creative payoff. Many focus their best ideas on side projects or “5-to-9s,” where they have more control and purpose than their full-time jobs provide.