we’re just carrying more than people realise

From my own experience and conversations with peers, I’ve noticed that the pressures Gen Z faces go far beyond just handling workplace tasks or meeting deadlines. The burden starts early with an extended educational journey—sometimes spanning up to 19 years—which, although a privilege, no longer guarantees a competitive edge since a degree has become more of a baseline than a standout qualification. On top of this, job stress isn't limited to workload alone. Many of us have felt the frustration of being blamed for decisions beyond our control or dealing with inconsistent feedback that leaves us unsure of how to improve. The modern workplace often sends mixed messages; one day, you’re praised, and the next, criticized without clear guidance. This unpredictability adds to the mental toll we carry. Outside work, the challenges continue. The cost of living has soared dramatically—housing prices are sky-high, and everyday essentials like meals have become noticeably more expensive. Many of us are facing lifetime financial commitments, such as housing loans, even before establishing our lives or families. Watching prior generations burnout from working late nights and sacrificing health has taught us to approach work-life balance differently. It’s not about avoiding hard work but learning from past cycles and questioning the status quo. Questioning is often mistakenly interpreted as weakness, but for us, it’s a strategy for survival and growth. Understanding these realities helps bridge the gap in perception about Gen Z’s resilience. We’re not weaker; we’re just carrying more weight, and redefining what career success and personal well-being mean in a world that’s constantly changing.