Gen Z Is Avoiding These Entry-Level Jobs: Expert Insights

Gen Z, the generation aged 13 to 28, is dramatically reshaping the job market by rejecting certain entry-level positions due to low pay, rigid hours, and poor working conditions. According to Abigail Wright, a senior business adviser at ChamberofCommerce.org, this shift is driven by a desire for better work-life balance and fair compensation.

Why It Matters

A recent Gallup poll revealed that only 31% of U.S. employees are engaged at work, the lowest level in a decade. This disengagement is most pronounced among workers under 35, with Gen Z leading the charge in refusing jobs that previous generations accepted as necessary stepping stones.

Caption: A waitress at work, representing one of the jobs Gen Z is avoiding. (Credit: Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images)

Jobs Gen Z Is Avoiding

• Retail & Food Service Jobs: Often seen as underpaid and overworked.
• Call Center/Customer Support Roles: High burnout rates and lack of flexibility.
• Warehouse/Manual Labor Jobs: Physical strain and demanding conditions.
• Rigid Corporate Office Roles: Inflexible schedules that don't align with modern values.
• Sales Jobs with Commission-Only Pay: Unreliable income and high pressure.
• Internships Without Pay: Exploitative practices that offer little in return.

Many of these roles are viewed as lacking dignity and offering insufficient rewards for the effort required. Gen Z is increasingly opting for freelance work, side hustles, or remote careers that provide more autonomy and better compensation.

Expert Perspectives

Abigail Wright emphasized, "Gen Z is redefining what a 'good job' means. Many roles tolerated by older generations are now called out for being underpaid and mentally draining."

Kevin Thompson, CEO of 9i Capital Group, added that economic factors play a key role: "With skyrocketing rent and high debt, low-wage jobs are no longer feasible for many young people."

Drew Powers, founder of Powers Financial Group, praised Gen Z's approach: "They value life experiences over monetary gain and know their worth, refusing to be trapped in low-dignity work."

The Future of Work

Workplaces that prioritize flexibility, mental health, and fair pay are more likely to attract and retain Gen Z talent. Businesses that fail to adapt may face high turnover and recruitment challenges. As Wright noted, meeting this generation's expectations benefits all modern workers by promoting respect and better working conditions.