There’s a clear divide between what Gen Z values and what hiring managers seek. My team at Becoming You Labs recently used our values-assessment tool, The Values Bridge, to study over 77,000 people and cross-referenced it with a national survey of 2,100 hiring managers from industries like tech, consulting, banking, and professional services.
The divide is striking: Gen Z’s top values are self-care, authentic self-expression, and helping people, while hiring managers want achievement, learning, and hard work. Only 2% of Gen Z shares their bosses’ priorities.
One CEO said, “This explains exactly why we can’t hire.” A hospital executive bluntly put it, “We’re hiring new doctors, but they don’t want to work as hard as before.” And an HR head summed it up: “This is crazy. And confirming.” Gen Z pushes back on this, questioning why they should live by Boomer values that they see as responsible for today’s problems.
This clash has been building for years, and it’s intensified with AI threatening entry-level jobs. So, what should Gen Z do if they don’t want to give up their values but still need work? Here’s my advice:
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Get honest about how much you value wealth
In my NYU Stern class, I don’t let students self-report their desire for wealth because people often don’t tell the truth about money. You need to be clear about the amount of money that feels like “enough” to you—whether it’s a modest vacation or something else. My research shows 42% of Gen Z ranks affluence in their top five values, while 23% put it in their bottom five. Knowing where wealth fits in your priorities helps you decide whether to adjust your focus or not. -
Find or create a company that respects your values
If you want to stay true to your values, look for companies known for supporting well-being, authenticity, and giving back. These workplaces attract many applicants, so come prepared with a great resume and cover letter. Alternatively, entrepreneurship lets you build a culture aligned with your values, but requires stamina and market fit. -
Make a long-term deal with yourself
Changing your core values is tough and usually won’t stick. But if work is urgent and wealth important down the road, consider a decade-long commitment to embracing workcentrism and achievement temporarily. Don’t waver or revisit this choice every day—commit fully and give it time to pay off. Remember, overnight success is rare.
How you live your values profoundly impacts your income, purpose, and career path. Make this choice wisely—drawing on the wisdom of your past and the years ahead.