For Generation Z or zoomers—young people born between 1997 and 2012—quitting a job is not a sign of failure or instability. On the contrary: it’s a way to set boundaries, establish priorities, and realign professional expectations. In a job market that has changed drastically after the pandemic, this generation arrives with new standards: they want balance, mental health, purpose, and real growth.
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A study conducted in the U.S. in 2022 by TalentLMS, with data highlighted by Statista, reveals the main reasons why zoomers are willing to leave their jobs. And their answers speak loud and clear.
📉 The 10 main reasons why zoomers quit their jobs
1. 💰 Unsatisfactory salary (54%)
Money still matters. More than half of Gen Z would leave their job if they feel the pay does not reflect their efforts, education level, or basic needs. This is by far the most powerful reason to quit.
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2. 🧠 Burnout and lack of work-life balance (42%)
Mental health is a top priority. Generation Z rejects environments that normalize chronic stress, excessive workloads, or long hours without breaks. They value their free time and demand workplaces that respect their emotional well-being.
3. ❤️ Not doing what they’re passionate about (37%)
Purpose matters as much as a paycheck. If their job does not align with their personal interests or values, zoomers will simply choose another path.
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4. 📈 Lack of growth opportunities (33%)
This generation does not settle for stagnant roles. They value training, promotions, and new challenges. If they feel there’s no professional projection, they prefer to leave.
5. 🏠 No remote work options (30%)
Although they don’t necessarily seek full remote work, flexibility is non-negotiable. The absence of hybrid or remote options is reason enough to say goodbye.
6. ⚖️ Issues with management or leadership (25%)
Gen Z expects empathetic, approachable, and fair leaders. If they don’t find a healthy relationship with their managers or perceive an authoritarian culture, they won’t hesitate to quit.
7. 📚 Lack of learning opportunities (23%)
They are eager to learn. They want to keep developing—not just executing. When they’re not offered training or new skills development, they see it as a red flag for stagnation.
8. 🏥 Inadequate health insurance (20%)
In a context where physical and mental health are vital, a poor benefits package can be a deal breaker, especially in a country like the U.S. where healthcare is expensive.
9. 👥 Lack of connection with colleagues (19%)
Generation Z values a sense of community. If the work environment is cold, lonely, or toxic, and they can’t form authentic bonds, their engagement level plummets.
10. 👔 Formal dress code (16%)
Although it may seem minor, enforcing strict dress codes is perceived as a symbol of unnecessary control. They prefer relaxed, authentic environments focused on results, not appearances.
11. Resignation as a right, not a crisis
For Generation Z, quitting is not fleeing. It’s taking control of their professional lives. This generation is disruptive and seems to be rewriting some of the rules that previous generations accepted without question.
Source: Statista
