They are under 25 years old and dream of a new life abroad. However, their vision of the global labor market is different from that of their predecessors. Who are these "new generation expats" challenging traditional corporate norms?
Born around the year 2000, with the internet, smartphones, and social media at their fingertips, Generation Z (Gen Z) is often stereotyped as selfish, lazy, and disengaged from the workforce. Yet, these are only misconceptions. Every year, millions of young people embark on journeys to study or work abroad, proving their drive and ambition.
Despite being aware of global economic difficulties, young expatriates and those dreaming of international travel are determined. They are often more pessimistic about the global economic context, having witnessed financial crises, geopolitical tensions, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which delayed or canceled many moving abroad plans.
How Gen Z perceives the world of work
Regardless of their location—be it the United States, Germany, Spain, Morocco, or Japan—young people describe the work environment as "complicated," "hard to navigate," and "merciless," especially for newcomers. Several commonalities exist despite variations due to social background, personal experiences, and professional history. The perceived "harshness" of the work environment often leads to misunderstandings. Experts identify several work trends impacting Gen Z, particularly those considering expatriation.
The mismatch between job and expectations
The job itself is a significant issue. Many young expatriates find themselves in roles that do not meet their expectations due to poorly defined job descriptions or misunderstandings with employers. This lack of clarity negatively affects both the expatriate and the company.
Job hunting even while employed abroad
Due to the challenging economic climate, young expatriates often continue job searching even when employed abroad, seeking better opportunities elsewhere. This quest for "better prospects" stems from a fear of being replaced in a volatile and competitive global job market. The memory of tech industry layoffs and resignations looms large. The IA boom brings both excitement and concern. Contrary to stereotypes, Gen Z is not a group of carefree spenders living day-to-day. Young international workers aim to secure their futures.
Commitment to foreign employers
Despite job hunting, young expatriates are neither lazy nor disengaged. They strive to prove themselves and become integral members of their companies. However, they are unwilling to sacrifice their health for their jobs. Unlike baby boomers, Gen Z does not live to work. For them, professional mobility is part of their broader life journey.
Greater autonomy
Another prominent trend is the growing desire for autonomy and flexibility, influenced by the shift towards remote work during the pandemic. Young expatriates want to be more than mere executors; they seek involvement in organizing their tasks and work processes. This autonomy helps them better manage the work-life balance, as they believe professional mobility should foster personal growth and social connections. They demand time for their activities and loved ones.
What Gen Z wants from working abroad
While more pessimistic than previous generations, Gen Z still believes in the possibility of achieving their dreams, whether it's the "American Dream," "Canadian Dream," or "Australian Dream." Those who move abroad see expatriation as a journey of personal fulfillment.
Paradoxically, this quest for meaningfulness sometimes leads to risks. Young people are increasingly venturing into precarious economic markets, such as cryptocurrencies. The success stories of newly wealthy individuals living luxurious lives in Dubai spur their expatriation plans, though the reality often differs from what you can see on social media.
Some employers criticize young people for having an all-or-nothing approach, seeking their "dream job" abroad with a good salary, flexibility, and ample free time. However, Gen Z is far from this caricature. They feel among the most affected by economic downturns and state policies. They study abroad despite the risk of precariousness and accept living and working conditions others might not. They are already making sacrifices to achieve their dreams, which drives their advocacy for better mental health recognition and support in the workplace.
It's important to note that Gen Z doesn't have a single portrait. Various cultures and life experiences shape young prospective expats. Many observed trends are not unique to Gen Z but also affect other generations. The pursuit of meaning, mental health preservation, and work-life balance are strong aspirations among older expatriates as well.
