Born in a post-internet world, now Generation Z or Gen-Z becomes the most highly connected, independent, and diverse generation that’s currently roaming in this fast-paced era. In Indonesia, Gen-Z takes 27.94% of their overall population. Gen-Z is also known as the digital natives because they're the generation that was accustomed to a device-in-hand practically since they were born. People are getting pretty intrigued with this generation due to their high influential potential.
If you’re born roughly between 1995-2012, you can call yourself a part of Gen Z. Back in those years, the internet was beginning to be commercialized, and Gen Z is probably the generation of people who don’t know a world without the internet. So, technology and the online space play a huge part in their lives, as they turn to technology for a lot of things from entertainment, research, education, and ultimately their social lives #DigitalNatives. And adjusting to the digital era and these youths of Gen Z, we may need to know a few things about how they behave and what they’re offering to society.
Exactly how will Gen Z change the world?
1. Realism over idealism ⚖️
One of their upfront traits is that Gen-Z can be very realistic because they know that the world they are experiencing isn't in the prettiest state. They’ve probably experienced a challenging economy such as this pandemic, devouring violent news stories, and living in a chaotic media environment. Therefore, Gen-Z isn’t attracted to perfection. Fake beauty commercials don’t work for this generation anymore, but authenticity from a quick how-to video on TikTok will capture their eyes.
2. The work-life blend ☕️
For most Gen-Z, the work-life balance is a myth. Generations before them may struggle to balance social life and working hours, but Gen-Z has the grit to blend their work-life altogether. Or basically, they couldn't care less if they're working on the weekends. While some experts predict that Gen-Z is the generation that will earn less than their parents, 60% believe that a lot of money is evidence of success. So, this generation would focus on the financial consequences of their decisions.
3. Potentially born as storytellers 🗣
Gen-Z is much more fascinated by real coverage stories, transparency, and the idea of authenticity. They enjoy watching, listening, and consequently experiencing other people's lives in a way that they can feel more in touch with their lives. For example, Gen-Z loves to watch documentary films because it allows them to experience history. Conjointly, they like to share what they’re experiencing so that other Gen-Z's can also relate. With this kind of passion, Gen-Z will likely have the potential to grow as a storyteller by sharing their dynamic thoughts and aspirations.
4. Connection matters more than ever 🤝
Compared to previous generations, Gen-Z spends more time communicating with their friends electronically. Because they're true digital natives, Gen-Z will know how to better connect and develop wider connections through networking with their social media. However, according to TIME, Gen-Z skills in social media will not have an entirely positive impact because it could also link to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. It is vulnerable for this generation to feel intimate with their online society yet somehow feel isolated at the same time. But luckily, their ability to connect better may strengthen the problem that they’ll face.
Currently, Gen-Z is entering the age where they would experience their quarter-life crisis as new graduates and early career professionals. So, how can they bravely navigate the current job market? Here we find Leena Nair’s, Chief Human Resources Officer at Unilever, advice to be interesting.
Pick a job that feels connected to your purpose. If you haven’t identified it yet, dive into new opportunities to help discover it.
When it comes to setting goals, instead of focusing on the destination, focus on the learning trajectory that will get you there.
What you studied in college may not always be reflected in your job, but what you learned about problem-solving, building your network, and learning how to learn, will always be useful.
There is no “perfect job.” It’s up to you to identify the elements you love about a job and figure out the significant impact in those areas.
In conclusion, Gen-Z is the generation that may lead the world to a better place. Society highly expects Gen-Z to be the generation that can change the old courses due to their digital skills and eagerness to learn and connect better. Their quarter-life may seem heavier than previous generations, but with the resources they’re easily able to get, they'll experience a great ride. So, if you’re a Gen-Z, provide yourself with a lot of information, such as reading this blog! Stay tuned for more blog posts, and follow us on Instagram @baikgp @ayureadypodcast for some exciting content about career and self-development topics.