This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia, which closed in 2021.

Generation Z Wants To Own Their Own Businesses, Be Valued

Meet Gen Z, Because They Probably Don't Want To Work For You
Young Boy wearing Toy Astronaut suit, in wheat fie
Tom Morrison via Getty Images
Young Boy wearing Toy Astronaut suit, in wheat fie

Like the Millennials aren't hard enough to get your head around, now we've got research coming out about the hopes and dreams of Generation Z.

This unimaginatively named cohort of people have big plans, and they don't want you to be their boss.

The exact Gen Z time frame differs from study to study, but generally speaking, they are today's teenagers and younger, born around 1995 to 2012.

The latest study Generation Z Grows Up of 50,000 high school graduates born between 1996 and 2000 across 46 countries found they valued individuality, education and following their passions.

When it came to career prospects, the Universum study found 55 percent wanted to start their own company. More than a third listed their greatest career fear as being unable to find a job that matches their personality. A whopping 83 percent said they were open to the idea of being contacted by employers through social media.

As for education, 47 percent say they would "maybe" consider joining the workforce instead of pursuing university or Tafe.

Gen Z-er Jessica McLachlan, 17 of Canberra told The Huffington Post the findings sounded about right.

"I think we don't really mind between going to uni or straight into a job because we know how much HECS debt can be," McLachlan told HuffPost Australia.

"I think we want to start our own businesses because we've got a different perspective.

"I don't really think of myself as Gen Z though."

Close
This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia. Certain site features have been disabled. If you have questions or concerns, please check our FAQ or contact support@huffpost.com.