Work Hard, Rest Harder

Blame it on COVID-19

The generational divide has often led society to view the lives and values of younger people through a sceptical lens. Today, Generation Z—often referred to as “Zoomers”—finds itself under scrutiny, criticized for being “lazy,” “entitled,” or “unfocused.” But as a member of Gen Z, I’d like to offer a defence. We’re navigating an unprecedented world—one shaped by rapid technological change, global crises, and societal shifts.

Let me ask this: How many of you here had to launch your careers during a global pandemic, a time when we were encouraged to keep to ourselves, only to now be blamed for being “lazy” or “inflexible” for questioning rigid work structures? None? That’s because this is a reality unique to our generation. Behind the labels and accusations, there are deeper reasons for why we think, feel, and act differently from previous generations—and those reasons are worth exploring.

The assumption that Gen Z lacks resilience or ambition stems from a misunderstanding of the unique challenges we face. Many believe we’re “unready” for the real world because we grew up in relative comfort. While this is partially true—many of us were raised in more protected environments than past generations—this support has left us with expectations that no longer match reality. We grew up being told that hard work would yield success, but we’re now confronted with a different world, one where financial security and stability are elusive even for those who work hard. We experienced remote work fresh into our work lives and saw personal come into professional.

The economic landscape we face is harsher than ever. With rising costs of housing, education, and healthcare, and an unpredictable job market, many of us are caught between high expectations and limited opportunities, creating a push-and-pull that’s difficult to reconcile. The reality that we might never attain the same financial security our parents enjoyed, despite having been raised with similar ambitions, is a painful and jarring realization. Our experience mirrors the flawed assumption that people living in poverty are solely at fault for their circumstances when in fact, they’re often victims of systemic issues beyond their control.

In reality, the world we’re entering operates by rules that seem increasingly detached from those we were taught. Our hardships stem not from a lack of effort but from economic forces and structures that don’t reward labour in the ways they used to. A college degree, once considered a golden ticket, now often feels like a step into an unyielding “rat race” that offers diminishing returns. Hard work certainly matters, but so do luck and the larger socioeconomic forces shaping our lives.

The COVID-19 pandemic was a transformative event for us, reshaping our outlook on work, mental health, and life itself. For many, the pandemic proved that productivity could be maintained outside the traditional office, challenging long-held assumptions about work that had previously gone unquestioned. As remote work became the norm, we saw how flexibility could coexist with productivity, and even thrive in some cases. Now, as companies mandate a return to the office, the disillusionment among Gen Z deepens. We experienced a glimpse of balance—of work fitting within life rather than life revolving around work—and returning to pre-pandemic expectations feels regressive. Our resistance to inflexible structures isn't laziness; it’s a demand for a more humane approach that values well-being as much as output.

The digital age, meanwhile, brings both unprecedented convenience and a relentless flood of information. This constant exposure can feel overwhelming and chaotic, making it hard to feel enthusiastic about climbing a traditional corporate ladder when each day brings new crises demanding our emotional resilience. The sensation of being “lost” isn’t a sign of apathy but a reflection of an unpredictable world. The job market offers little security, with “gig economy” roles often replacing stable, long-term positions. In this climate, the glorified hustle culture feels neither sustainable nor viable. Our preference for balance isn’t a rejection of hard work but a response to burnout’s inevitability.

We’ve seen firsthand how easily life can change and how unpredictable the future can be. Our approach to work and life reflects this shift in priorities. Where Baby Boomers and Gen X emphasized long hours and loyalty, we value flexibility, mental health, and purpose. Older generations might see this as laziness, but for us, it’s an attempt to thrive in a world that’s relentless. Traditional markers of success, like owning a home or achieving financial independence, feel increasingly out of reach. Instead, we’re recalibrating our goals, seeking stability, meaningful connections, and mental well-being over endless ambition.

Some may label us “woke” for challenging outdated systems or accuse us of “giving up” because we don’t conform to traditional ideas of hard work. But our approach isn’t about rebelling against the past; it’s about adapting to the realities of today. We’re here to question systems that don’t serve us, address injustices, and carve paths that align with the demands of this era.

In a world marked by profound instability, our pursuit of balance, purpose, and well-being reflects a resilience tailored to help us endure—not merely to survive, but to live meaningfully. COVID-19 didn’t just shake the world; it shook our perspective. We lost so many young lives during the pandemic, and for those of us who came of age in that time, the experience has left a lasting imprint. Life no longer feels like a long, uphill journey with endless optimism about “making it” someday. Instead, we view life as precious and finite, something to be cherished in the here and now. This is why we prioritize self-care, mental health, and sustainability, even if that means redefining what “hard work” and “success” look like.

So, the next time someone views our “laziness” or career choices as a rejection of ambition, consider that we’re making deliberate choices to sustain ourselves in an uncertain world. We’ve inherited a world more chaotic than ever, yet within this uncertainty lies strength. Many young people in our generation are grounded, empathetic, and mature beyond their years. We’re not “lost”; rather, we’re rejecting outdated structures and forging our own paths, driven by resilience and a determination to not merely survive but thrive. For us, resilience isn’t about endless stress for an unattainable dream; it’s about balance, meaning, and the strength to face a world that’s anything but predictable.