Gen Z shifting from traditional 9-5 jobs, 77% want to be their own boss, start businesses: research

A recent poll by Santander UK has revealed that Generation Z is redefining the traditional career path by prioritising entrepreneurship over conventional 9-to-5 jobs. The survey, which examined the career aspirations of young people, found that three-quarters of Gen Z are aiming to "be their own boss," signalling a clear shift away from long-term employment with established firms.

The report highlighted that 77 percent of Gen Z respondents expressed confidence in their ability to start and run a successful business, with 39 percent believing they could manage this solely via their smartphones. This underscores the generation's strong reliance on digital tools and platforms, which have become integral to business operations in the 21st century.

The survey also explored generational differences in entrepreneurship. Half of the respondents agreed that Gen Z and millennials have a distinct advantage in starting businesses because they were raised in the digital age. This contrasts with Generation X and Baby Boomers, of whom 34 percent felt that their opportunities to establish businesses were limited by societal pressures to follow traditional education and career paths.

Sam Jones, founder of Gener8 and a star on "Dragon’s Den", commented on the trend, stating, “Gen Z is proving to be the most entrepreneurial generation yet, and it's no coincidence. Unlike previous generations, they've grown up fully immersed in the digital age, where information, tools, and global connections are just a click away. This constant exposure has fostered a mindset that values innovation and agility."