Generation Z is not any longer at school, nevertheless it’s time to enter the workforce. Recently, there was a trend on social media in Indonesia where many Gen Zers proudly expose their jobs, that are very strict, as ones that are usually not considered “real jobs” in standardized social professions.
It is commonly like this: society accepts the work of a physician, lawyer or teacher as a “real job” since it provides income stability. Meanwhile, other jobs, reminiscent of selling groceries, running street food stalls or being a web based driver, were often seen as less respected.
Therefore, this trend is refreshing in society. Indonesia’s Generation Z will not be shy about revealing what work they do. Taking a more in-depth look, there are just a few interesting things we will note about this phenomenon.
Generation Z faces rising costs of living and low employment opportunities
Behind the trend of uncompromising disclosure of their “non-standardized” work lies the bitter reality of rising costs of living. According to Statistics Indonesia, the inflation rate from September 2024 to September 2025 is between 2.31% and a couple of.65%. In total, 37 voivodeships experience inflation.
Inflation is increasing the price of living for Indonesian Generation Z. Many of them are currently studying, living removed from home, and even entering the job market. However, employment opportunities remain limited and wages often don’t balance rising expenses. Expenses increase, but income stays the identical.
For this reason, many Indonesian Gen Zers don’t have any alternative but to earn money. The trend shows that many Gen Z people reveal their occupation, reminiscent of being a street food vendor, online motorcycle driver, grocery seller or domestic help and so forth, even in the event that they have a bachelor’s degree. This trend was met with positive reactions from the general public, who found it credible.
The existence of this trend proves that Generation Z continues to interrupt stereotypes and query rigid standards that usually don’t represent your complete community. And now they’ve the courage to disclose what work they do, provided they earn it truthfully.
Gen Z has digital platforms to create opportunities
Professions reminiscent of content creator or freelancer are still sometimes undervalued by society. These sorts of jobs are sometimes viewed as side hustles, largely on account of perceived income instability. Nevertheless, Indonesia’s Generation Z is exploring this path and increasingly following it.
As the digital age surrounds people today, many digital platforms have turn into useful tools for Generation Z to create their very own opportunities. Many Indonesian Gen Zers are starting their very own businesses through e-commerce and social media. They are often capable of making basic content to advertise their products.
Therefore, Indonesian Gen Z prefers to decide on this path because additionally they prioritize the necessity for work-life balance. According to Statista, as of February 2024, 92% of Gen Z in Indonesia agree that work-life balance is significant.
The data also shows that 68% consider a secure and supportive work environment necessary. This becomes one among the explanation why Generation Z prefers to not work within the office, but in flexible hours, which might higher deal with their mental health.
Generation Z works for what it’s value, not only for money
On the opposite hand, many Indonesian Gen Zers also consciously decide to work in these fields. Generation Z tends to search for jobs that align with their personal values. In Indonesia, Statista data shows that maintaining mental health and reducing stress are among the many predominant explanation why they value work-life balance a lot.
This shows that Generation Z in Indonesia is becoming more aware of the importance of mental health. They also realize that working without providing a secure environment can result in burnout. Gen Z likes to actively engage on social media, which proves that they need real interaction within the workplace where they will learn and grow together.
It’s not that Gen Z is picky, but quite that they’ve learned from past experiences, adapted quickly, and now wish to redefine the system. This act is a mirrored image of their desire to make a big impact that is not going to only earn them money but additionally enhance their self-development.
There is not any such thing as a “real” job. Every job is a job, and it is vital in every aspect of life. Indonesian Generation Z realizes this and needs to demand freedom in selecting the work they wish to do. Considering the tendency to disclose their work, that is indeed an inspiring move by Indonesian Gen Z that we must always not overlook.
