A generational shift is underway. For Generation Z, the oldest of whom are now in their late twenties, the traditional dream of a corner office and a 60-hour workweek has lost its appeal. This cohort is consciously rejecting the "hustle culture" that defined previous generations, having witnessed the widespread burnout that resulted from it.
Their vision of a successful life is built on a foundation of work-life balance, mental well-being, and personal freedom. For them, the ultimate goals are simpler and more profound: The ability to relax without guilt, to see the world, and to enjoy life with a loyal dog by their side.
The Rejection of Hustle Culture
Gen Z has grown up observing the effects of constant grind and is setting firm boundaries to avoid the same path. Data from Deloitte's 2025 Gen Z & Millennial Survey underscores this. It reveals that only 6% of Gen Z list "reaching leadership" as a primary career goal.
Anton / Unsplash / The overwhelming majority prioritize stability and mental health over climbing the corporate ladder, the survey finds.
However, this is not a sign of laziness. It is a redefinition of ambition. Teens in focus groups explain that downtime is not wasted time; it is essential rest. As 19-year-old Esme notes, even during social events like sleepovers, there might be times when friends are "just lying down, scrolling on TikTok for a little bit" to recharge their social batteries. They are deeply aware of their own energy levels.
Sixteen-year-old Clive admits that while a walk might make him happier, sometimes he just needs to be on his phone because he doesn't "want to put the energy in to go do something".
Gen Zs are Redefining Success
For Gen Z, a successful life is a balanced one. When they do work, it is often a means to an end: gaining independence and financial freedom, not an identity. Chloe, 18, with a summer job, sees it as a "good reminder that I need to be saving. I need to be in touch with reality".
Their broader vision of happiness, as defined by Deloitte, is a "trifecta" of financial stability, meaningful work, and overall well-being.
However, travel is a central pillar of this vision. It is a recurring theme in their aspirations for the future. Some, like express a desire to take a gap year to travel and have "the absolute time of my life" before exploring college or a career. Others envision an adult life that includes "traveling a lot" alongside financial independence. This wanderlust is backed by data, with 34% of Gen Z resolution-makers planning to travel more frequently.
Cotton Bro / Pexels / A clear cultural shift is occurring, particularly among child-free adults who consider their pets to be their children and central to family life.
A study by TrustedHousesitters found that nearly 60% of Gen Z pet owners worry more about their pet's well-being on vacation than their own enjoyment. So, this "helicopter pet parenting" leads 40% to spend excessive time on their phones checking on their pets, and 20% would prefer their partner to stay home to care for the pet than join them on a trip.
This profound bond influences major life decisions. Samantha, a 27-year-old from the UK, quit two different jobs because they weren't suitable for her Labrador, Betty. She first left a fully office-based real estate job for a more flexible role, and then left that subsequent job because the office environment was too restrictive for her energetic dog.