A new study has revealed that today’s youngest professionals, Gen Zs, are navigating a job market marked by intense competition, rapid technological change, and increasingly uncertain career paths.
Drawing on a survey of 11,250 talents and an analysis of 126 million job postings globally, the study, conducted by international recruitment firm Randstad, reckoned a steady decline in entry-level roles across sectors.
“Our analysis shows that global entry-level job postings have fallen by 29 percentage points since January 2024,” the report reads.
It pegged the slump to greater competition, and accordingly, Gen Z talent is settling for opportunities that do not fit their long-term ambitions.
“In fact, almost half say that their current role does not align with their dream career.”
According to the report, the complex work environment fosters a core paradox: Gen Z are ambitious and capable but struggling to secure a foothold in the job market.
Notably, Gen Z are moving on faster from roles than their older peers at the same point in their careers.
Their average tenure stands at just 1.1 years in the first five years of their career, compared with 1.8 for millennials, 2.8 for Gen X and 2.9 for baby boomers at the same career point.
The study further revealed that around two in five Gen Z, 40 per cent, feel their education, or lack thereof, is a barrier to achieving their dream role.
The figure is markedly higher than for millennials (39 per cent), Gen-X (34 per cent) and the baby boomer generation (27 per cent).
Similarly, 40 per cent of Gen-Zs say their personal background, their demographics or family circumstances, for example, prevent them from going after their ideal career.
This is nearly twice the share of baby boomers (24 per cent) who express the same concern.
“It’s a concerning signal that such a significant number of Gen Z talent feel held back by barriers outside their control, from education concerns to socioeconomic background or family responsibilities. These constraints risk stalling ambition at a critical stage in their careers.”
Despite their concerns, the study stresses that Gen Z talent is still future-focused and ambitious.
From the study, two in five were noted to always consider their long-term career goals when making job change decisions, indicating they have an eye on the bigger picture.
