The slow road to adulthood for Gen Z

[WORLD] In an era defined by economic challenges, evolving cultural norms, and shifting societal expectations, Generation Z (those born between 1997 and 2012) is reshaping the traditional timeline of adulthood. As they inch toward their 20s and 30s, many are opting for a slower approach to adulthood, delaying milestones such as marriage, homeownership, and starting families. What’s behind this shift? And how is this generation defining what it means to be an adult?

Economic Pressures Drive Delay in Major Life Decisions

For many Gen Zers, the decision to delay adulthood can largely be attributed to the economic climate they have grown up in. The 2008 financial crisis, followed by the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, has left its mark on their financial outlook. Student loan debt, the rising cost of housing, and an unstable job market have made traditional markers of adulthood—such as purchasing a home or settling into a career—more difficult to attain.

According to a 2023 survey from the Pew Research Center, 36% of Gen Zers cited economic instability as a major reason for postponing life milestones, particularly those related to financial independence. Unlike previous generations, Gen Z has had to navigate an era of inflation, high housing costs, and soaring rent prices, leaving many struggling to feel financially secure enough to make significant life changes.

"It's really hard to plan long-term when you're living paycheck to paycheck, and so many of us are," said Olivia Martinez, a 22-year-old marketing graduate from San Francisco. "For me, getting married or buying a house just feels like something far off in the future."

This economic uncertainty has resulted in delayed moves out of the family home, with a significant number of young adults choosing to live with their parents for longer periods. A 2022 study from the U.S. Census Bureau found that 52% of 18- to 29-year-olds were living with their parents, the highest rate in over 50 years.

Changing Social Norms: Redefining What It Means to Be an Adult

Beyond financial factors, Gen Z is also challenging traditional concepts of adulthood. With a growing emphasis on individualism and self-empowerment, many young people are redefining adulthood on their own terms. For Gen Z, maturity isn’t necessarily measured by career success or familial milestones, but by personal growth, mental health, and self-discovery.

Social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter have allowed Gen Z to share their experiences and redefine cultural norms at an unprecedented scale. Mental health awareness, body positivity, and a focus on authentic self-expression are now core aspects of this generation’s identity.

"Being an adult isn't about checking off boxes anymore," said 23-year-old Zoe Lee, a freelance graphic designer in Chicago. "It's about being comfortable in your own skin and figuring out what makes you happy, without feeling like you're failing if your life doesn’t look like the typical 'adult' narrative."

In fact, this generation’s focus on mental well-being often leads them to delay life changes until they feel emotionally ready. The pressure to conform to societal expectations—whether in terms of career or relationships—has become less of a priority. Instead, prioritizing personal happiness and mental health has become the goal.

Education, Career, and Entrepreneurship: A New Approach to Success

Another major change in Gen Z’s approach to adulthood lies in their educational and career trajectories. Unlike previous generations who saw college as the gateway to a successful career, many in Gen Z are reconsidering the value of traditional education paths.

The rise of online learning platforms, vocational training, and the gig economy has led many Gen Zers to opt for alternative routes to career success. Freelancing, remote work, and entrepreneurship have become increasingly attractive options, allowing for greater flexibility and work-life balance.

A 2023 report by Gallup found that 40% of Gen Z students considered non-college paths as a viable alternative to higher education. As they embrace non-traditional career pathways, the idea of a “dream job” is often replaced by a desire for more meaningful and flexible work opportunities.

Gen Z also has a reputation for being a highly entrepreneurial generation. According to a survey by Forbes, 54% of Gen Z respondents expressed interest in starting their own business or side hustle. With an emphasis on independence, they are carving out unique career paths that may not fit the mold of previous generations.

The Impact of Technology and Connectivity

Technology plays an undeniable role in how Gen Z navigates adulthood. Growing up in the digital age, this generation is hyper-connected, making it easier to access information, explore new opportunities, and build virtual communities. These online spaces have also encouraged Gen Z to embrace diverse lifestyles, which has further delayed the pressure to conform to conventional markers of adulthood.

For example, with platforms like YouTube and Instagram, many young adults have the ability to learn new skills, monetize hobbies, and pursue creative projects without the need for traditional employment. This has created a culture of “side hustles,” where income is generated from multiple sources, allowing greater autonomy and reducing the pressure to commit to a single, conventional career.

However, this constant connectivity has also led to a more anxious and uncertain generation. The pressure to maintain a perfect online persona, coupled with global challenges such as climate change and political instability, has led to mental health challenges. As a result, many Gen Zers are delaying traditional milestones in favor of creating space for mental health care and personal reflection.

A New Kind of Adulthood: The Slow and Steady Approach

As the world continues to evolve, so too does the concept of adulthood. For Gen Z, the road to maturity is not defined by rigid timelines, but by personal choice, evolving circumstances, and changing societal standards. They are crafting a new approach to adulthood that focuses on long-term well-being rather than rushing to achieve traditional milestones.

This shift may seem like a departure from the norms set by previous generations, but it reflects the unique challenges and opportunities that Gen Z faces. With a heightened awareness of their own needs, both financially and emotionally, they are taking a more deliberate, thoughtful approach to adulthood—one that prioritizes personal fulfillment and flexibility over speed.

As Gen Z continues to shape their paths into adulthood, it will be interesting to see how this slower, more intentional approach impacts future societal norms. What’s clear is that the road to adulthood has become more nuanced, and for this generation, it’s about finding balance, not rushing to the finish line.