Anak, bakit ka na naman lilipat ng trabaho?
Ma, gusto ko lang matuto ng bago. Ayoko ma-stuck.
If that sounds like a familiar conversation in your home, you’re not alone. Across the Philippines, many parents are watching their Gen Z children take a very different path than they did—changing jobs more often, working from home (sometimes in pajamas), and prioritizing flexibility over stability.
At first glance, it might seem like they’re being indecisive. But if we look closer, we might find that this generation isn’t lost—they’re just building a different kind of future.
A Strong Job Market—But Changing Expectations
As of November 2024, the Philippine Statistics Authority reported a national employment rate of 96.8%—a sign of economic recovery and resilience. Yet even with jobs available, Gen Z workers (those born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s) are asking deeper questions about how—and why—we work.
According to a study by DOLE’s Institute for Labor Studies, many young Filipinos value jobs that align with their values, offer mental wellness support, and allow for flexibility. They’re not just looking for a paycheck—they want purpose, growth, and a bit more breathing room.
And maybe, just maybe, they’re onto something.
Work Is Broken. Gen Z Can Help Fix It
That’s the bold title of a TEDx talk by researcher Amanda Schneider, whose ideas have sparked conversation globally. In it, she poses a surprising question: Would you rather stay in the same job for the rest of your life, or change jobs every year until you retire?
When Gen Z workers were asked the same thing, most chose the second option. To older generations, that might sound risky—but for them, it’s about growth, learning, and avoiding burnout.
We can ignore them. We can stereotype them. Or we can learn from them.
And when you think about it—wasn’t it always the bold thinkers who changed the world?
Three Lessons From Gen Z Worth Listening To
1. Hybrid Work Isn’t a Perk—It’s Normal
While many of us had to adjust to Zoom calls and work-from-home setups during the pandemic, Gen Z entered the workforce with hybrid work as their default. For them, it’s not new—it’s normal.
One young worker put it bluntly: This isn’t hard. This is just how we work. The adjustment’s harder for you old people.
Some companies in the Philippines are beginning to listen. One Quezon City-based tech firm, for example, reported that over 80% of its employees preferred the hybrid model, citing better productivity and work-life balance. It’s a small but telling sign that flexible work isn’t going away.
2. They Crave Honesty and Clarity
This is the generation raised on Google reviews and real-time feedback. Naturally, they expect that same transparency from their employers.
Amanda Schneider reframes the classic Golden Rule into what she calls the Platinum Rule: Treat others the way they want to be treated.
In practice, that means being upfront about work culture, expectations, and opportunities from day one. For Gen Z, clear communication builds trust—and without it, they won’t stay long.
At companies like Penbrothers, which employs a largely young, remote-savvy workforce in Manila, clarity and purpose are baked into job design. It’s not just about getting the job done—it’s about understanding why it matters.
3. They Want to Be Heard—Not Just Hired
Gen Z isn’t just looking for a job. They want to be part of something. Schneider points to examples like Gucci’s shadow board, where young employees were invited to help shape leadership decisions. The result? A 136% sales increase.
Even in the local BPO sector, companies like KMC Solutions are finding new ways to connect with their younger workforce—not just through raffles and fun runs, but through mentorship, career pathing, and open forums where younger voices are heard.
And let’s not forget: involving them early isn’t just smart business—it’s a show of respect.
From Working Moms to New Work Models
Schneider’s own journey started when she left a demanding corporate job to find better balance as a working mom. What began as a flexible setup for mothers eventually grew into a workplace model that supported single professionals, retirees, and returning veterans.
We succeeded because we embraced the very principles Gen Z embodies.
In other words: what began as a personal pivot became a proof of concept—for a more human, flexible way to work.
How Filipino Families Can Support This Shift
This moment of change doesn’t have to divide generations. It can be a bridge.
As parents, titos, titas, or even just mentors, we may not always understand our anak’s choices. But we can listen. We can share what we’ve learned. And we can remind them that success doesn’t come in just one shape—or follow just one path.
So the next time your child tells you they’re changing jobs, maybe ask:
Anak, ano’ng natutunan mo doon?
Instead of: Bakit ka na naman aalis?
Because behind the job changes, Zoom calls, and. flexible schedules, what we’re really seeing is a generation trying to find their place in a world that’s changing fast.
And if we pay attention, we might learn a few things too.
