A cultural shift is underway as Generation Z steps into leadership roles and establishes its foothold in the workforce. From prioritising flexibility over stability to redefining workplace attire and language, Gen Z is reshaping what it means to work in the modern world. According to an article published by Your Tango, while many baby boomers are grappling with these changes from leadership positions, it’s clear that Gen Z’s evolving values are not just influencing workplace culture—they’re reshaping entire industries and career paths.
With Gen Z surpassing baby boomers in workforce numbers, it’s time for society to rethink which career paths they will follow—and which they will leave behind. Gen Z now sees many once-respected roles that were staples in Baby Boomer careers as undesirable.
Here are five jobs that boomers once revered but Gen Z is turning away from:
Administrative roles
While Gen Z values work-life balance and flexibility, they also seek a sense of purpose and fulfilment in their jobs. Many administrative roles—often seen as stable, flexible, and low-pressure—lack the meaningful connection and purpose that Gen Z craves. For them, jobs should go beyond simply paying the bills; they want roles that align with their values and provide a sense of belonging. Administrative tasks, often viewed as monotonous and disconnected from a greater purpose, don’t meet those expectations.
Factory floor jobs
Factory floor positions, once considered respectable and stable by baby boomers, are increasingly unappealing to Gen Z. With their strong preference for remote work, hybrid schedules, and flexible work environments, factory jobs—often rigid and location-bound—are seen as limiting. Gen Z is drawn to positions that allow them the freedom to manage their time and explore different responsibilities, even if it means lower pay. Inflexible factory schedules simply don’t align with the work culture they envision.
Competitive sales roles
In the sales world, competition is fierce, with workers often battling it out for commissions and recognition. While some may thrive in this high-stakes environment, Gen Z seeks a workplace culture that promotes collaboration and connection rather than rivalry. In a 2024 study published by Taylor & Francis Online, Gen Z has been labelled the “loneliest generation” due to rising rates of isolation and mental health struggles, thus, this generation values community over competition. Sales roles that foster intense rivalry and emphasise individual success are at odds with their desire for meaningful relationships and a sense of belonging.
Interestingly, many Gen Zers are drawn to the world of social media influencers—an unconventional form of sales where personal branding and collaboration are key. This preference highlights their desire for a more holistic, less combative approach to work and engagement.
High-paying corporate jobs with no benefits
It’s no secret that Gen Z has a different perspective on work-life balance compared to previous generations. While baby boomers may have sought high-paying corporate roles for the prestige and financial stability they offer, Gen Z prioritises perks and benefits like flexible schedules and health insurance. Many Gen Zers are unwilling to accept a high salary if it comes with little to no benefits. According to a 2025 Randstad report, employee perks are essential, and they are more likely to take a lower-paying job that provides a healthy work-life balance.
Even more striking, a Morning Consult and Samsung survey revealed that nearly 50% of Gen Z would prefer to work for themselves or start their own business rather than enter a rigid corporate environment. They are more focused on autonomy, flexibility, and a healthy work environment than simply climbing the corporate ladder for the sake of status or income.
In-person customer service
Once seen as reliable entry-level positions, customer service jobs are another area where Gen Z is stepping back. Given their experiences with social anxiety and their deep connection to digital communication, many Gen Zers find in-person customer service roles to be draining and stressful. The pressure to interact face-to-face with customers, often in high-stress environments, doesn’t align with their desire for more meaningful, comfortable workspaces. These roles, which require constant engagement and real-time problem-solving in person or on the phone, starkly contrast to the digital-first world that Gen Z is accustomed to.
Why these jobs are fading
As the workforce continues to evolve, Gen Z is driving a shift away from traditional career paths that once embodied job security, respect, and prestige. Their priorities are shaped by a desire for flexibility, personal growth, and mental well-being. Jobs that lack purpose, impose rigid structures, or foster unhealthy competition are simply not on their radar.
While baby boomers and older generations may have found fulfilment and success in these roles, Gen Z is asking for something different—an environment where they can thrive professionally while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
As Gen Z continues to reshape the workforce, employers must adapt, offering jobs that align with their values and aspirations. The question is no longer whether these changes are happening, but how quickly businesses can evolve to meet the needs of this new generation of workers.