Work hard and success will follow? Gen Z isn't buying it

Journalist Emi Nietfeld suggests that Gen Z is not buying the notion that hard work will lead to success. For generations past, the mantra "work hard and success will follow" was a guiding principle. However, Nietfeld argues that this belief no longer holds true for the current generation. In her New York Times article, she compared her own journey into the job market a decade ago with the experiences of today's young people.

Nietfeld, who came from a challenging background, went on to earn a computer science degree from Harvard and landed a dream engineering job at Google. She believed in a strong work ethic, seeing it as spiritually superior to always striving for more. However, she contends that the reality for Gen Z is different. In 2026, applying for jobs is a frustrating and demoralizing experience, with many young people submitting resumes that are quickly screened out by AI.

She spoke to students who applied for hundreds of jobs without success, often applying to roles they were already qualified for. Despite the limited job opportunities, Gen Z expects to become financially successful, with some believing they need to earn nearly $600,000 (about NZ$1 million) to be considered successful, far exceeding the earnings of 98% of Americans.

This may be influenced by social media and the current cost-of-living crisis. Many young people in Gen Z are already worrying about how to support their parents, given the struggles of their own financial situation. Additionally, a significant portion of Gen Z aspires to be entrepreneurs, with two-thirds wanting to own their own business.

They often express a desire to start their own ventures rather than work for established companies. Nietfeld's research reveals a sense of powerlessness among Gen Z, noting that young people feel as powerless as prisoners did in the 1960s. This lack of agency over their future is a difficult mindset to overcome, and she believes it poses a significant challenge for the future.