Garfield famously hated Mondays—despite not having a job. For the rest of us, though, that creeping dread on Sunday evenings is all too real. It’s called the “Sunday Scaries,” and for Gen-Z, it’s more than just a passing mood. It’s affecting their job decisions.
A new survey by Resume.io, a Netherlands-based resume-building site, found that 45.9% of Gen-Z workers in the U.S. have considered quitting a job because of Sunday anxiety, and over 1 in 5 (20.2%) actually have. That’s nearly double the rate of older generations — across all age groups, only 11.7% say they’ve quit over the Scaries.
So, what’s driving this?
According to the survey:
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33.1% blame workload and deadlines
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23.6% cite burnout and exhaustion
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15.7% point to unrealistic expectations
Entry-level workers are hit hardest, with about 1 in 5 feeling anxious every single Sunday.
Finance expert Michael Ryan explains this isn’t about Gen-Z being “flaky.” Instead, they’re the first generation to openly prioritize mental health over money. Having seen their parents deal with layoffs, recession, and work-induced stress, Gen-Z is seeking purpose, balance, and well-being — and they’re willing to walk if they don’t find it.
Resume.io’s findings back this up:
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71.6% of Gen-Z workers say their job negatively affects their mental health, compared to
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44.6% of Millennials and
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37.8% of Gen-X.
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While some critics may view this attitude as entitled, others see it as a necessary and overdue shift in workplace values. After all, CDC data shows that over 12% of American adults experience regular anxiety, and nearly 5% struggle with ongoing depression. Gen-Z isn’t hiding from this reality—they’re confronting it.
For business leaders, this data is a wake-up call. Flexible hours, healthier office culture, and open conversations about mental well-being aren’t perks—they’re necessities. Supporting mental health isn’t just good ethics; it’s good business.
If your younger employees seem anxious on Sundays, don’t ignore it. Listen. Understand. And above all, don’t dismiss their concerns — they might just be the ones pushing your company in a healthier direction.