Many employers and co-workers have expressed frustration with Gen-Z, claiming the generation resists—or outright rejects—traditional workplace norms. But new research suggests the youngest members of the workforce have little interest in conforming to those expectations. In fact, they increasingly believe the long-standing career structures behind those norms are on their way out.
A recent Next Gen of Work report from the freelance platform Fiverr surveyed 12,000 workers born between 1995 and 2012. The results show that most Gen-Z respondents do not see climbing the corporate ladder or staying with one employer for decades as a viable or rewarding path forward. Only 18% said moving up within a single organization is a smart career strategy, while 54% predicted that traditional employment itself could become obsolete. Just 14% said they aspire to work for a well-known corporation.
Instead, a growing share of Gen-Z is embracing “income stacking”—earning money through multiple jobs, freelance work, and side ventures rather than relying on one full-time employer. According to the survey, 67% consider having multiple revenue streams essential to long-term financial security.
Part of this shift is driven by values: Gen-Z is known for prioritizing autonomy, personal interests, and work-life boundaries. But economic concerns are also a major factor. Many respondents said they worry a single paycheck won’t cover rising prices, high rent, and student loan debt. Fiverr’s associate director of community and social impact, Michelle Baltrusitis, referred to this as “single-paycheck panic,” explaining that Gen-Zers are diversifying income because “relying on one job feels too risky.”
Importantly, this doesn’t mean Gen-Z is opting out of work altogether. Nearly 40% said they freelance while still holding a traditional 9-to-5 job, using the extra income to build stability before making career shifts. And many are integrating AI tools into their workflows to enhance productivity and manage multiple roles at once—almost 60% reported trusting AI to handle some professional tasks.
Despite their adaptability, Gen-Z remains sensitive to the perception that they are lazy. Nearly a quarter of respondents felt that criticism from older colleagues was unfair, and only 17% said early retirement was one of their goals.
Their willingness to work hard may help challenge those stereotypes—but older co-workers might appreciate it even more if Gen-Z could soften the occasional side-eye.