Everyone loves to give Gen Z a hard time, and while they might seem a little misguided, they actually have some pretty solid ideas.
Making fun of those born between 1997 and 2012 seems to be “in” these days, as millennials, Gen Xers, and Boomers think the way things were in their heyday was the right way. However, times change, and this generation is doing things a bit differently from their predecessors. They may not be spot on in everything they think and do, but these habits are ones we could all do with adopting, to be honest.
1. Quiet quitting the hustle culture
When Gen Z clocks out exactly at 5 PM and refuses to glamorise overwork, they’re not being lazy — they’re being smart. Setting clear work-life boundaries isn’t just about having more TikTok time; it’s about preventing burnout before it starts. Plus, turns out having a life outside of work actually makes you better at your job. Who knew?
2. Prioritising mental health days
The whole “taking a mental health day” thing might seem soft to some, but Gen Z is normalising something we all needed years ago. Being honest about needing a brain break instead of faking a stomach bug isn’t weird — it’s actually refreshingly authentic. Taking care of your mind before you hit empty isn’t just smart, it’s sustainable.
3. Job hopping without guilt
The days of 40-year careers at one company are gone, and Gen Z isn’t pretending otherwise. While older folks might see it as flaky, changing jobs regularly often leads to better pay, more diverse skills, and less settling for toxic workplaces. Sometimes loyalty to yourself pays better than loyalty to a company.
4. Living with parents longer
Sure, it’s easy to joke about basement dwellers, but Gen Z is actually making a smart financial move here. Saving money on rent while building a career or side hustle isn’t failing at adulting — it’s strategic planning. Besides, multigenerational living has been normal in many cultures forever. The real question is why we ever thought kicking kids out at 18 was smart.
5. Cancel culture consciousness
While some mock Gen Z’s “sensitivity,” being aware of how words and actions affect other people isn’t exactly a bad thing. They’re not cancelling everything — they’re just asking for basic respect and holding people accountable. Looking back, maybe letting casual discrimination slide wasn’t the flex we thought it was.
6. Digital detoxing regularly
The generation that grew up online is also the first to seriously set boundaries with technology. Having designated offline times and social media breaks isn’t being anti-social — it’s being self-aware. These kids understand their relationship with tech better than anyone, and they’re not afraid to put it in time-out.
7. Relationship transparency
Being upfront about expectations, boundaries, and feelings in relationships might seem intense to some, but it beats the guessing games of dating past. Gen Z’s “let’s talk about it” approach to everything from exclusivity to mental health might actually save us all some therapy bills down the line.
8. Micro-hobbies without pressure
Source: Unsplash Getting into super specific interests without worrying about mastery? Actually pretty cool. Whether it’s collecting tiny hats for cats or learning to make mushroom leather, exploring interests without the pressure to monetize them or become an expert is surprisingly healthy. Sometimes a hobby can just be a hobby.
9. Food consciousness
The obsession with understanding what’s in their food isn’t just trend-chasing — it’s about being informed consumers. Whether it’s environmental impact or health effects, knowing what you’re eating isn’t silly, even if asking if something’s gluten-free makes some people roll their eyes. Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to what you put in your body.
10. Financial transparency
Openly discussing salaries, splitting bills to the cent, and being direct about money might seem awkward to some, but this financial honesty is actually breaking down some harmful taboos. Sure, calculating each person’s share of the brunch bill might seem intense, but at least everyone’s clear on expectations.
11. Self-expression without apology
Changing hair colours monthly or wearing whatever makes them feel good regardless of “rules”? That’s actually pretty liberating. Gen Z’s approach to personal style isn’t about looking for attention — it’s about wearing their authenticity on their sleeve, literally. And honestly, who decided blue hair wasn’t professional anyway?
12. Digital communities
Making genuine friendships online isn’t strange anymore — it’s just another way to find your people. While some might mock having “internet friends,” these digital connections can be just as meaningful as traditional ones. Sometimes the best support comes from someone who gets you, even if they’re across the world.
13. Therapy speak
Source: Unsplash Yes, they might overuse terms like “boundaries” and “triggered,” but normalising mental health discussions is actually pretty revolutionary. Being able to articulate feelings and needs clearly isn’t being dramatic — it’s emotional intelligence. Though maybe we could dial back the diagnosis TikToks a bit.
14. Content creation mindset
Source: Unsplash While not everyone needs to be an influencer, seeing life through a content lens isn’t automatically narcissistic. It can encourage creativity, documentation of memories, and even business skills. Plus, having the confidence to share your perspective with the world takes guts. Just maybe don’t film everything at brunch.
