Millennials may be notorious for "ghosting" in the dating world, but now Gen Z workers are taking that trend to new heights - literally leaving their jobs without warning. A survey of 1,008 employed Americans reveals nearly half plan to quit within a year and one in four are already gone.
For this generation, job loyalty is a thing of the past. Instead, they're prioritizing mental wellbeing, identity alignment, and autonomy. According to workplace mental health expert Christina Muller, Gen Z workers are no longer willing to compromise their values for stability or security.
In fact, nearly 60% of Gen Zers describe their current job as a "situationship" - short-term gigs with no long-term commitment. The average Gen Z job lasts just 1.8 years, and many are ditching the traditional 9-to-5 altogether in favor of freelance work or side hustles.
But it's not just flexibility that's driving this trend; some are making money through kinkier pursuits like online gambling, creating content on OnlyFans, or selling their services as "sugar babies." A staggering 30% admit to simply walking out without warning - no notice, no goodbye email.
Researchers say Gen Z workers are treating careers like transactions, prioritizing short-term gains over job security and company perks. As a result, they're more likely to report feeling burned out and have lower job satisfaction than their peers who stay in one role for longer.
Only 46% of Gen Zers believe staying loyal to one employer is rewarded in today's job market, while an astonishing 65% say they'd rather quit than feel burnt out. It seems the concept of "ghosting" - once limited to dating apps - has now entered the workplace as a form of boundary-drawing and opting out of systems that prioritize wellbeing over work-life balance.
As sociologist Kevin Leicht puts it, Gen Z's job detachment is decades in the making. With early job experience lacking, distrust of institutions, and a general risk-averse attitude, this generation is more likely to quit before they burn out - leaving employers struggling to adapt to their new norms.
For this generation, job loyalty is a thing of the past. Instead, they're prioritizing mental wellbeing, identity alignment, and autonomy. According to workplace mental health expert Christina Muller, Gen Z workers are no longer willing to compromise their values for stability or security.
In fact, nearly 60% of Gen Zers describe their current job as a "situationship" - short-term gigs with no long-term commitment. The average Gen Z job lasts just 1.8 years, and many are ditching the traditional 9-to-5 altogether in favor of freelance work or side hustles.
But it's not just flexibility that's driving this trend; some are making money through kinkier pursuits like online gambling, creating content on OnlyFans, or selling their services as "sugar babies." A staggering 30% admit to simply walking out without warning - no notice, no goodbye email.
Researchers say Gen Z workers are treating careers like transactions, prioritizing short-term gains over job security and company perks. As a result, they're more likely to report feeling burned out and have lower job satisfaction than their peers who stay in one role for longer.
Only 46% of Gen Zers believe staying loyal to one employer is rewarded in today's job market, while an astonishing 65% say they'd rather quit than feel burnt out. It seems the concept of "ghosting" - once limited to dating apps - has now entered the workplace as a form of boundary-drawing and opting out of systems that prioritize wellbeing over work-life balance.
As sociologist Kevin Leicht puts it, Gen Z's job detachment is decades in the making. With early job experience lacking, distrust of institutions, and a general risk-averse attitude, this generation is more likely to quit before they burn out - leaving employers struggling to adapt to their new norms.
I'm not surprised by this trend, tbh. I mean, we've been seeing it for a while now with the rise of gig economy and remote work. It's like, people are finally realizing that job security isn't all it's cracked up to be and that their mental wellbeing is way more important. And let's be real, who wouldn't want to prioritize flexibility and autonomy? 
I think this is a sign of a bigger shift in the way we approach work and life. We need to reevaluate what we mean by "loyalty" and "commitment" and make sure that our workplaces are supporting our overall wellbeing, not just our productivity. 
. The traditional 9-to-5 isn't cutting it for them anymore - they need flexibility, autonomy, and a sense of fulfillment in their work. And let's be real, who can blame them? Burnout and job dissatisfaction are no joke 
.
. Will we start seeing more flexible work arrangements, better mental health support, and a focus on job satisfaction? I hope so! One thing's for sure: Gen Z is sending a clear message that their wellbeing matters 
.
. Its like they're trying to prioritize their mental wellbeing and autonomy over just having a steady income.
. And with the job market being so competitive, its hard to find people who are willing to stay in one place for long periods of time.
. Like, creating content on OnlyFans or selling themselves as sugar babies? It's like they're treating careers as transactions and not seeing them as a lifelong commitment 
.
. They're making money through online shenanigans or selling themselves out (no pun intended 
). Anyway, I guess this is what they mean by "freedom" – freedom to leave at any moment without consequences 
. It's wild to think that only 46% of them believe staying loyal to one employer is even worth it anymore 
. And let's be real, some of these side hustles can be super toxic 
what about the people left behind? the companies trying to make ends meet? it feels like everyone's just too scared to commit anymore... and all for a "situationship" gig that lasts 1.8 years? 
. Anyway, I guess this just means employers need to start being more understanding about mental health and work-life balance or risk losing another generation of talent. Not my problem though 
but 30% of them just up & leave? that's wild 
? 
. Maybe we'll see a new norm where ppl just focus on finding fulfillment rather than just getting paid 
It's time for the world of work to catch up and offer something more than just stability & security 
! Of course, there's gotta be some structure in place for everyone, but it's cool to see them prioritizing their own happiness 
.
️, but it's like they're playing a game of musical chairs 
. They can't commit to one place for too long 
, and that's affecting their mental wellbeing 
. Maybe a 4-day week or a robot to do all the chores 
?
. It's time for employers to adapt and prioritize employees' wellbeing over job security. We're not just drones in cubicles anymore 
. Newsflash: Gen Z isn't buying it! 
And honestly, who needs stability when you can make bank on your own terms? 
. Burnout is so overrated, and if it means feeling fulfilled and happy, then I'm down for the ghosting life