Breaking Down Jersey Gen Z: Work Ethic is Good Despite Stereotypes

Many people are quick to criticize the work ethic of Gen Z folk, but they may want to rethink certain stereotypes that have become perceived as true. Apparently, Baby Boomers in New Jersey who complain about the Gen Z work ethic are less concerned about their own work than our younger generation.

LinkedIn’s latest Workforce Confidence Index survey found 35% of Gen Z workers feel guilty for not working when they’re on vacation. The U.S. average in the survey across all ages was 29%. In fact, it found that more Gen Z employees feel guilty while on vacation than any other age group. Gen Z say they're going to unplug on vacation, but feel guilty and plug in while on vacation.

Additionally, a higher percentage of the Gen Z generation than Baby Boomers, Gen X, and Millennials say they don't plan on vacationing within the next year due to the state of the economy. Gen Z don't have as much vacation time as their older more experienced co-workers either, the article points out.

I'm a Gen Xer, and I find that my generation has just as many negative thinkers toward work as any other generation including Gen Z. It all depends on your own experience and what you choose to believe.

We have a Millennial and two Gen Zers in our family, and it's not my experience that any of them have a less-than-inspiring work ethic. However, when it comes to feeling guilty about not working on vacation, the two Gen Zers are just graduated high school. They're now starting college and haven't had the workforce experience to which the study refers.

LinkedIn senior editor at large George Anders said, “Gen Z is very conscientious…but from what we're seeing, Gen Z's commitment to delivering good work is as intense as any other generation.” The article also mentions that those who were proud "workaholics" when they were younger, now feel that, despite their success, it was probably not the best way to be.

One of my children is a millennial and his job is further proof that the recent article published by GoBankingRates is spot on. Not only is he not employed in one of these occupations, he confirmed that he would not be interested in any of them at all.

Between being in college or graduating from college during the Great Recession to dealing with student loan debt, millennials know a thing or two about needing money. This has led to a lot of them seeking stable career paths, ensuring they always have money coming in.

But one thing millennials do reject is the profit-first mindset. Money is not the number one driving factor in deciding on a career. Instead, they’re more people-first and want jobs that align with their values and their lives. According to the article, it’s because of all of this, there are some jobs that millennials aren’t looking to work for, and here are a few of them.

You can find the full list here.

It will be much too boring thanks to the lack of creativity and stimulation. The "tasks are repetitive and strictly defined, leaving no room for experimentation or personal touches." Some people prefer this kind of job, but not those between 25 and 40 years old.

Most of the solicitors showing up at my door recently appear to be under the age of 25. That small sample size tells me that Generation Z, as of today, is ok with this gig. However, for Millennials, the salary fluctuates too much month-to-month, which is one of the huge turn-offs.

Most know, including Millenials that these jobs are on their way to being almost obsolete. This is due to technology and very few people not already booking their own vacations online. Data entry is either done automatically or can be done very easily.

Most Millennials are socially conscious and committed to sustainability. They’re looking to reduce their impact on the environment, not add to it. Working in this field would go against what they believe in, plus its really hard work and not really the most healthy choice for an occupation.