The Real Struggles of Gen Z: A Battle of Values and Visions

I’ve watched the struggles of Generation Z unfold with a mixture of empathy, concern, and sometimes even a sense of recognition. There is a tension that exists between these two generations, one that often feels like a battle for understanding, respect, and, ultimately, survival in a world that feels increasingly out of control.
Gen Z's struggles are real, and they are not always understood by the older generations, especially when it comes to their perception of stability, success, and the future. As someone who grew up in an entirely different world—where stability was rooted in a steady job, homeownership, and clear career paths—I can’t help but notice how drastically the landscape has changed for younger generations.
The Pandemic: A Global Disruption to a Generation's Future
For Gen Z, the notion of stability has become something of a myth. The global pandemic of 2020 solidified what they’d already begun to suspect: the system they inherited, the one their parents worked hard to secure, doesn’t seem to offer the same promise of security. My generation, was taught to work hard, buy a house, and put in the effort to build a stable future. But for Gen Z, the dream of stability has become a faint memory. They’ve watched institutions fail them—be it the housing market crash, student debt, or the collapse of industries—and now they question if stability is even achievable.
The Illusion of Stability: A Vision That Doesn’t Align with Reality
What’s striking about Gen Z is their fascination with escaping what they call "The Matrix." This idea isn’t just about rejecting authority or social norms; it’s about rejecting the entire system that seems to be built on consumption, materialism, and fear. Many young people are enamored with the idea of financial independence, digital nomadism, and decentralization as a way to carve out their own lives, free from the oppressive structures of the past.
While this is an admirable pursuit for autonomy and freedom, it’s also a dangerous one, especially when it leads to seeking shortcuts and schemes that promise quick financial success. In this environment, Gen Z is vulnerable to exploitation, often through the very platforms they use to connect with the world.
Exploited by the System: The Price of Fear and False Promises
It’s easy to point the finger at the influencers and entrepreneurs who sell the dream of "overnight success." Gen Z has been subjected to the glamorization of hustle culture, where working 24/7 is seen as the only way to avoid a life of mediocrity. The success stories are intoxicating: a young influencer makes millions by selling a digital course or dropshipping their way to financial freedom.
However, these stories rarely show the ugly truth behind the scenes—the countless hours of grinding, the failure, the stress, and the compromises. When success is reduced to a glamorous image on social media, it becomes a dangerous myth that many young entrepreneurs chase, unaware that it often leads to burnout, disappointment, or worse—fraudulent schemes that end in loss.
The Trap of Image Over Substance
One of the key struggles Gen Z faces is the constant pressure to build a brand, not just a business. In an era where visibility and influence are seen as measures of success, it’s easy to get swept up in the notion that if you're not constantly promoting yourself, you’re falling behind. The rise of influencer culture has made image the currency of success, but the pursuit of this image often comes at the expense of building something real and sustainable.
Young entrepreneurs, especially those who look up to the success stories of social media moguls, often fall into the trap of prioritizing the appearance of success over the substance that sustains it. We see the highlight reels but miss the hard work and sacrifices behind them. The constant pressure to be "on" for the world can lead to burnout and disillusionment, especially when the business isn't as glamorous as it seems.
Conclusion: Struggling to Find Balance
The real struggle for Gen Z lies in balancing the pursuit of economic and psychological security with the pressure to maintain an image of success. I’ve seen the value of steady progress, patience, and consistency in the pursuit of success. Stability might not look the same as it did when we were younger, but that doesn’t mean it’s not attainable. There’s something to be said about maintaining realistic expectations, being prepared to put in hard work without expecting instant results.
Instead of criticizing Gen Z for their impatience, we need to offer guidance. We need to extend the wisdom of experience without dismissing their desire for change. We must bridge the gap by offering a more holistic understanding of success—one that balances innovation and authenticity with time-tested principles.
In this way, both generations can learn from each other and, perhaps, create a new world—one that values both change and stability, action and patience, autonomy and connection.