Gen Z Challenges: How to Find Your Place in the World of Work and Life?

While every generation has had its own challenges, the problems of Generation Z seem entirely different and much more complex. The responsibility of becoming an adult, housing difficulties, and the constant balancing act between studying and working place a significant physical and mental burden on this age group. If you are in your twenties, it is no surprise that you feel like you must navigate a world where expectations are often unrealistic, yet there appears to be no clear roadmap for handling emerging challenges and responsibilities.

With this article, we want to support you by exploring why it is so difficult to succeed as a young professional today, what societal and generational pressures those born between 1997 and 2010 face, and we will also provide some useful tips to help you find your place in the workforce with more confidence.

Why Is It So Difficult to Start a Career Today?

Housing Problems and the "Hotel Mom" Dilemma

A natural part of growing up is the desire to become more independent from our parents. However, for Generation Z, starting an independent life and moving out increasingly feels like a distant dream. Rent prices are skyrocketing, and owning a home is nearly impossible unless parents can afford to buy one or an inheritance makes it feasible.

Scholarships and financial aid generally do not cover the costs of maintaining a private home, so many are forced to stay in the so-called "Hotel Mom," which, while financially safer, makes independence much harder in the long run.

But What Could Be the Solution?

In such cases, it is worth considering alternative housing options—such as looking for a shared rental, where you can split costs with others. In larger cities, student dormitories or housing programs may be available, often at a much lower cost than renting an apartment. Besides saving money, these options also provide an opportunity to build friendships and connections that can be useful both during your studies and later in life.

Work or Study – The Dual Pressure

One of the biggest sources of anxiety for Generation Z is the constant lack of time. How can you perform well in school while also earning money to support yourself, when your schedule is already overloaded, and exam periods make stable employment nearly impossible? And even if you do find a job, studying alongside work often leaves little time for rest and social life, which can quickly lead to burnout.

How to Maintain Balance?

Always choose a job that fits well with your schedule, as your primary responsibility at this stage is still studying. Today, there are many jobs that can be done online or on weekends, allowing for flexible working hours or requiring only two days a week.

Effective time management is also crucial—efficient planning, a clear schedule, and setting priorities can help prevent feeling constantly overwhelmed. Additionally, check if you are eligible for any scholarships or financial aid, which could provide a little extra financial security and allow you to work less while still covering your expenses.

The Challenges of Starting a Career

The Pressure to "Figure Out What You Want to Do in Life"

How many times have we heard the question: "So, what do you want to be when you grow up?" As if by the time we turn 18-25, we should have a clear, long-term plan for the rest of our lives. In reality, many young people have no idea which direction to take, and that is entirely understandable and normal.

The problem starts when societal pressure makes you feel like you must immediately find your “true calling” upon finishing school, even though most successful careers are built through experimentation and career shifts.

The Covid Generation’s Struggles

Unfortunately, this situation was made even worse by the fact that the oldest members of Generation Z—those currently 23-25 years old—entered the critical phase of adulthood and identity formation right when the Covid pandemic slowed life down for months, even years, and restricted social opportunities.

Instead of discovering themselves through personal connections, community experiences, and early job experiences, many were stuck in isolation, trying to navigate their future in an era when, under normal circumstances, the world should have been opening up for them. This missing period of real-world experience still causes uncertainty for many in terms of career choices, relationships, and independence.

Trade or Degree?

Another major dilemma is whether to pursue a university degree or vocational training. Career guidance in schools often does not provide real help, as it is based on outdated information and fails to consider the rapidly changing job market. Many young people spend years earning a degree, only to realize that a well-chosen vocational skill could have provided a stable livelihood much earlier.

There are often huge differences in job opportunities and salaries, so making an informed decision is crucial.

The "Don’t Ask for Too Much, but Have Experience" Paradox

One of the most frustrating contradictions of starting a career is encountering job postings for entry-level positions requiring 2-3 years of experience. But how can you gain experience when no one gives you the chance?

Luckily, there are ways to gain valuable work experience even before earning a degree or professional qualification:

• Part-time jobs not only provide income but also help develop crucial skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and customer service.
• Internships offer real-world experience that looks great on a résumé.
• Volunteer work can give you professional exposure while also supporting a meaningful cause.

How to Find Yourself in the World of Work?

To understand what truly interests you, it is worth experimenting and trying out different student jobs before officially entering the workforce. This will help you identify what you enjoy and what you definitely don’t want to do long-term.

Even if your first job is unrelated to your studies, every experience contributes to your understanding of yourself and the working world.

Generational Differences and Societal Pressures

The Sudden Responsibilities of Adulthood

As children, we often heard: "When you grow up, you can do whatever you want." But no one mentioned that with this freedom comes a ton of responsibilities—rent, bills, taxes, insurance, and workplace expectations—all of which suddenly become your responsibility alone.

This transition can be overwhelming, and it is completely normal to feel uncertain about it.

How to Make the Transition Easier?

The good news is that the skills needed for independent living can be learned gradually. Start by managing your spending more consciously and practicing saving money. Understanding financial basics is one of the most important steps toward a stable adult life.

Additionally, learn about your workplace rights, how to write an effective résumé, and how to perform well in job interviews—these small steps will help you feel less lost and more prepared for professional life.

Finding Your Place in the Workforce

Despite the many challenges, Generation Z possesses skills that are highly valuable in today’s job market:

✔️ Confidence in digital spaces
✔️ Quick adaptability to new technologies
✔️ Flexibility in a constantly changing world

These abilities make Generation Z especially valuable in fields like automation, social media, and remote work, where rapid adaptation is essential.

Final Thoughts

The path to finding your place in life is not always straightforward. It’s okay not to have everything figured out yet—what matters is that you stay open to new opportunities and keep learning from different experiences.

At Y Diák, we understand the struggles young people face. Our goal is not just to offer student job opportunities but also to provide real support in navigating the working world. Whether you are looking for your first job or a stepping stone toward a long-term career, we are here to help guide you every step of the way.