A TikToker from Gen Z, Andra Berghoff, has gained significant attention after quitting her office job and expressing her happiness in struggling to pay bills rather than being a “corporate drone.” Berghoff’s video received 4 million views, highlighting Gen Z’s overall disdain for office work culture.
In her TikTok video, Berghoff talks about her experience working in a marketing role at a healthcare company. She mentions being paid poorly and feeling unfulfilled during her 9-5 office job. She even goes as far as saying, “If I had to do this corporate drone thing for the rest of my life, I would rather clock out eternally.”
The anti-work attitude among Gen Z seems to stem from their cost-benefit analysis rather than laziness. Thousands of comments on Berghoff’s TikTok video echo her struggles and frustrations. One comment points out that wage stagnation is a significant factor contributing to this sentiment. Over the past few decades, wage stagnation has impacted Americans’ purchasing power. The minimum hourly wage has only increased from $3.10 in 1980 to $7.25 today, failing to keep up with inflation and the rising cost of living.
Berghoff also notes that it’s not just younger workers who struggle financially. She was surprised to learn that her 40-year-old coworkers were not earning much more than her. This wage stagnation affects workers of all generations, with baby boomers even facing homelessness at a rate not seen since the Great Depression.
Gen Z prioritizes work-life balance, as highlighted by Berghoff’s decision to leave her soul-crushing marketing role. A recent survey shows that 73% of Gen Zers prioritize work-life balance over a higher salary. This preference may be influenced by the challenging start Gen Z has had with events like the pandemic, the climate crisis, and inflation. A 2022 McKinsey study reveals that Gen Z has the least positive outlook among all generations.
As Gen Z enters the workforce, companies need to take their demands for higher salaries and better work-life balance seriously. For example, a survey found that 36% of this year’s college seniors prioritize mental health benefits in their job search. Older generations are also recognizing the importance of mental health, with many leaving their jobs due to declining mental well-being.
To make ends meet, many young Americans are turning to side hustles and freelancing. A significant percentage of Gen Zers and millennial professionals took on freelance work in 2022. Berghoff warns employers that if they don’t understand Gen Z’s motto of “work to live, do not live to work,” the situation will only worsen for everyone.
In conclusion, Gen Z’s dissatisfaction with traditional employment stems from factors such as wage stagnation and a desire for work-life balance. This generation is prioritizing their mental health and seeking alternative ways to make a living outside the traditional 9-5 grind. Employers must listen to Gen Z’s demands to improve the overall work environment.
