Gen Z prefer part-time jobs – survey

MORE than half of those belonging to Generation Z, or those born between 1997 and 2015, prefer to get many “gigs” or part-time work, rather than settle into a more permanent job, a recent study showed.

The study conducted by health maintenance provider PhilCare, showed that 53 percent of Gen Z respondents wanted to have a number of gigs, as opposed to Gen X and Gen Y (or millenials), at 49 percent.

Dr. Fernando Paragas, UP College of Mass Communications dean and lead researcher of the Philcare Wellness Index

Generation X are those born between 1965 and 1981, while the millennial generation are those born from 1981 to 1995.

In an interview with The Manila Times, University of the Philippines College of Mass Communications Dean Dr. Fernando Paragas, lead researcher, said the study only proved that there are alternative options to an eight-hour regular job that requires individuals to commute to the office.

He added that Gen Z has that “aspiration” to become more carefree than those with a regular eight-hour job.

“You aspire to remove yourself from the 8 to 5 job, but the reality is whether you will earn enough from your side jobs and savings for retirement. Maybe in the beginning you can experiment but when you have a family, the sense of responsibility will kick in,” Paragas said.

He also said that the Covid-19 pandemic has shifted the mindset of Gen X and millennials, especially when faced with the prospect of being laid off from their regular jobs.

“We are surprised with the Gen Z and Gen Y, they have high entrepreneurial [skills], maybe one lesson during the pandemic, those who had been laid off had been more conscious of having multiple streams of income that would afford them some freedom,” Paragas said.

PhilCare Wellness Index chairman and former Health secretary Dr. Enrique Ona said the survey also showed a “shift in the retirement attitude among different generations,” with Gen Z showing confidence in achieving financial security.

“To recruit and keep talents from these groups, employers should consider taking on mentor roles that will guide young employees to having strong financial lives, like improving their financial literacy for example,” Ona added.

Joseph Augustin “Jaeger” Tanco, PhilCare president and chief executive officer, added that the survey also showed how health care has become a priority among employees, especially due to rising medical costs and hospitalizations, particularly after the pandemic.