Is the unconventional the new Convention?

This generation is redefining many things, careers being one of them, being a doctor, engineer or Chartered Accountant might have been the convention about 5 years ago but recently these career options have become “unconventional” and have fallen out of favor. People are rejecting the traditional notions of a 9-5 job and opting for a career that might have been considered unconventional a few years ago while simultaneously redefining the meaning of success.

Jobs Content writers, stand-up comedians, and influencers or content creators as a whole, are trending currently. However, the major question is why people of this generation, or " Gen Z,” are tilting towards such unconventional careers. And what are the driving forces behind this that are making this pursuit also quite successful?

According to one Forbes article, it is the work-life balance that matters most to this generation and they are much more unlikely to sacrifice that in order land a more “prestigious” job. As opposed to previously where people swapped big titles and plushy office rooms with their mental health and peace, this generation sees no point in climbing the corporate ladder but instead are putting more emphasis on striking a healthy balance between their professional and personal lives.

They are looking for meaning and purpose in their lives rather than blindly chasing that corporate hierarchy instead prioritising flexibility.

In this new creator economy, there is a rise of a new class of entrepreneurs called the creators, these include freelancers, business coaches, gamers etc. It is after the pandemic that such type so unconventional jobs started to take off and have become the norm and desired career paths for many.

The reasons behind this are numerous, younger generations are being drawn to flexibility and freedom which a 9-5 job fails to give. Further, being their bosses reflects their deep-seated desire for innovation, and self-determination, as well as their want for independence. They don’t dream of finding a perfect job only so that they could work for someone else, rather they dream of such a work environment where they are master of their craft, always wanting to create new things and thoughts.

One may criticize Gen Z for always being online but one can’t deny the fact that these jobs are not only helping them by prioritizing health above all but at the end of the day also providing them with happiness and a sense of fulfillment, and at the end of the day that is what matters.