Stop calling Gen Z lazy

Key points:

• Hardworking students need a support system as they strive to build their futures
• How higher-ed can benefit from the family navigator model
• Meeting the needs of “the COVID cohort”
• For more on student support, visit eCN’s Student Success & Well-Being hub

The stereotype of today’s college students as entitled youth living off their parents couldn’t be further from the truth. Walk into any coffee shop near a college campus at 6 AM, and you’ll find students already manning the espresso machines. Check the late-night DoorDash deliveries–students again. 

We dug into our pool of customers and uncovered that nearly two-thirds of college students work while pursuing their degree, with 45 percent working full-time or part-time jobs. Yet they’re still labeled as entitled and lazy by older generations, while the reality is that these students are caught in an economic trap that no amount of hustle can solve.

The financial reality of student work

Despite juggling coursework with jobs, today’s students face an impossible equation. Traditional employment, which accounts for nearly half of student workers, offers stability but often comes with rigid schedules that compete with academic demands.

Meanwhile, the gig economy, touted as a solution for flexible student work, has attracted less than a fifth of working students–perhaps because they’ve already figured out what many adults are just realizing: gig work’s promise of freedom often masks financial precarity.

Most telling is this: Of all these working students, only one in 10 can afford their own rent. This isn’t because they’re spending frivolously on avocado toast or the latest iPhone. It’s because wages haven’t kept pace with the rising costs of education and housing. When a month’s rent in a college town often exceeds what a student can earn working part-time at minimum wage, we’re not looking at a failure of individual responsibility–we’re looking at a systemic problem.

The changing landscape of work and education

The Class of 2025 faces unprecedented challenges. A staggering 57 percent feel pessimistic about starting their careers, a significant increase from 49 percent of the previous class. This pessimism isn’t unfounded; the job market has become increasingly competitive, with students in the Class of 2024 submitting 64 percent more applications per job compared to the Class of 2023.

Universities are recognizing these challenges and adapting. Many institutions are now offering online courses and programs designed to prepare students for the gig economy and the changing nature of work. For instance, the University of Michigan’s “Thriving in the New World of Work” class equips students with skills essential for navigating the modern job market.

Long-term implications and mental health

The financial struggles of college students have far-reaching consequences. Student debt and early career financial instability can significantly impact future career prospects and overall economic health. However, there’s a glimmer of hope: projections indicate a 7.3 percent increase in hiring for the Class of 2025.

It’s crucial to address the mental health aspect of this issue. The stress of balancing work, study, and financial concerns takes a toll on students’ well-being, potentially affecting their academic performance and future success. Universities must prioritize mental health support alongside career preparation.

Solutions and future directions

The solution isn’t just about encouraging more students to work–they’re already doing that. It’s about recognizing that our current system of higher education financing is broken. We need serious conversations about:

• Implementing living wages for student workers
• Developing affordable housing near universities
• Enhancing the role of financial institutions in supporting young adults building credit
• Creating more flexible work-study programs that align with academic schedules
• Expanding mental health resources on campuses

Without addressing these fundamental issues, we’re setting up an entire generation for financial instability, regardless of their work ethic. It’s time for policymakers, educational institutions, and employers to come together and create a system that truly supports our hardworking students as they strive to build their futures.

About the Author:

Scott Smith is the CEO of Fizz.