For many Gen Z Americans, the economy has consistently been characterized by instability and crisis. Many completed their education online due to the Covid pandemic and entered a workforce plagued by high living costs and stagnant wages. The rise of artificial intelligence has further complicated entry-level job opportunities, leaving many graduates struggling to find employment.
This generation appears to be losing faith in traditional symbols of stability, such as home ownership, family, and retirement, which now seem increasingly unattainable. A June survey indicated that nearly 60% of Gen Z graduates were still seeking their first jobs. The financial obligations that previously anchored earlier generations—such as having children, securing affordable mortgages, and managing college debt—are now largely out of reach. College, once considered a guaranteed path to success, has seen its perceived importance decline, contributing to a growing reluctance among adults to have children. Furthermore, rising housing prices have led many in Gen Z to believe home ownership may never be possible for them.
The term “disillusionomics” has emerged to describe the economic reality faced by this generation, where traditional measures of success are becoming increasingly elusive. Economic mobility is no longer assured by hard work, prompting Gen Z to question the value of adhering to an outdated system. Their responses range from seeking predictable career paths in established sectors like consulting and finance to embracing risk by investing in markets, including cryptocurrency.
Additionally, Gen Z is exploring creative income opportunities, often resorting to unconventional methods to achieve a sense of financial stability. This pursuit has led to increased interest in passive income streams and entrepreneurial endeavors, particularly in response to the diminishing availability of traditional jobs.
Amid these challenges, Gen Z remains actively engaged in economic discussions and political choices, emphasizing that economic outcomes significantly influence their voting decisions. The generational divides on political and economic issues reflect differing approaches to shared economic challenges. To foster understanding, it may be essential to address the specific difficulties faced by this generation and reconsider how the economy can be structured to better serve all citizens.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/oct/03/us-economy-gen-z-stability-disillusion