My LIVE Yahoo Finance Interview on Gen Z’s Outlook on Job Hunting and Spending
I had a blast joining Yahoo Finance to dig into one of the biggest—and least talked about—financial challenges facing Gen Z right now.
Here’s the headline:
Gen Z isn’t most afraid of losing a job…
They’re more afraid of not being able to find the next one.
And that fear is reshaping their behavior in ways every leader, employer, and parent should understand.
What I shared in the interview:
Gen Z is navigating a moment that feels incredibly unstable. They’re seeing friends struggle to get hired, applying for dozens (sometimes hundreds) of roles without hearing back, and dealing with increasing competition for early-career jobs. The result? Even those who are employed are quietly worried about how long it would take to land a new role if something changed tomorrow.
Because of that uncertainty, Gen Z is doing something we have never seen at this scale:
They’re building emergency savings—fast.
Even if it’s just $100, $200, or $1,000, they’re trying to create a buffer because they’re not confident the job market will catch them if they fall.
But that’s only part of the story.
Gen Z is also reducing their spending in major ways—far beyond what inflation alone would cause. They’re getting hit with sticker shock from healthcare costs, rising rents, and everyday essentials that feel anything but “everyday.”
Add to that:
Many Gen Zers still receive financial support from parents…
…but those same parents are now under increased financial pressure themselves.
Which means the lifeline Gen Z used to rely on has less slack than before.
One more trend I shared:
Inside the generation, there’s a growing divide.
Some Gen Zers are moving forward—landing roles, building stability, making progress—while others in the exact same age group or hometown feel completely stuck. That gap is creating stress and comparison that often goes unspoken but is absolutely shaping their mindset. They’re also particularly worried about not only losing their current job as layoffs continue to surge, but also about finding their next job, especially after seeing their peers struggle to find employment.
All of this together explains the behavioral patterns we’re seeing:
- Pulling back on spending
- Building savings
- Being more cautious at work
- Staying longer in roles they might have left before
- Feeling financially vulnerable even with a job
It’s a pivotal moment for this generation. And it’s one leaders need to pay attention to if they want to support, engage, hire, and retain early-career talent.
If you work with Gen Z—at home or at work—I think you’ll find this conversation eye-opening.
Click here to watch the full interview, and then be sure to head over to my LinkedIn post about the interview to comment your thoughts! I’d love to hear your perspective.
And finally, if you want to learn how to unlock the best from Gen Z, check out our bestselling book: Zconomy. If you click the link, you can download 2 complimentary chapters! We are passionate about sharing our discoveries and separating myth from truth.
Posted: November 26th, 2025
Categories: Generations | Inspiration | Keynote Speaking | Leadership | Trends | Workforce
Written by Jason Dorsey
Jason Dorsey is an acclaimed generations and behavioral researcher and speaker. He's received over 1,000 standing ovations for his unique keynote presentations. Jason has led over 120 research studies. Adweek calls him a "research guru." His mission is to deliver new insights and practical strategies that solve business challenges for leaders.
