Generation Z, the first truly digital natives, are coming of age in a world grappling with unprecedented instability. From geopolitical conflicts and economic uncertainty to climate change and mass layoffs, they’re facing challenges unlike any generation before them. A 25-year-old neuroscience and AI researcher, Amogh Mehrotra, poignantly describes their experience: “We were raised with war bleeding through our screens…we’ve seen more armed drones, missiles and mutilated children before 9 a.m. than any generation before us.” This constant exposure to global chaos has fostered a deep sense of uncertainty and anxiety among many young people. They feel they’re inheriting broken systems and are expected to fix them, a daunting task for any generation.
The response to this overwhelming reality is varied. Some Gen Zers employ dark humor as a coping mechanism, as evidenced by viral TikTok videos depicting outfit ideas for “World War III” or nervously acknowledging the realities of ongoing conflicts. Others, like Tanushree Srivastava, a 26-year-old fashion communication graduate in the UK, face significant hurdles in establishing their careers and building their futures. The economic and political climate has made securing a job and achieving financial stability incredibly challenging. Srivastava’s experience highlights the difficulties faced by many young immigrants, with visa restrictions and inflation adding to the pressures of building a life abroad. The anxieties extend beyond personal goals; the prospect of war and its impact on family members in other countries adds another layer of worry.
However, the narrative isn’t solely one of anxiety and despair. Many Gen Zers are actively choosing agency over apathy. Amrita Bhasin, a recent UC Berkeley graduate, exemplifies this proactive approach. After witnessing the instability of the tech industry and the widespread layoffs, she decided against accepting a job at Meta and instead launched her own company, Sotira, a B2B marketplace. This entrepreneurial spirit is echoed in a 2024 Fiverr survey, which revealed that 70% of Gen Z are freelancing or plan to, and a quarter aspire to start their own businesses. The desire for financial independence and early retirement is a strong motivator.
Harsha Poojari, founder and creative director of An Honest Media Company, shares a similar sentiment. She leverages her access to information and the flexibility of self-employment to focus on projects aligned with her values, prioritizing work that contributes to a better future. Poojari emphasizes the unique opportunity Gen Z has to shape their careers and create positive change, owning the means of production and choosing projects that align with their personal values. This generation is not simply reacting to the chaos; they’re actively working to solve the problems they see, demonstrating resilience and a determination to build a more sustainable and equitable future. As Bhasin states, “If any generation were to be the one to have to address these issues, our generation is doing a really good job.”
The experiences of Gen Z highlight the complexities of navigating a turbulent world. While anxiety and uncertainty are prevalent, a significant number are choosing to take control, embracing entrepreneurship, prioritizing their well-being, and working towards a better future, both for themselves and the world at large.
