Is Gen Z actually lazy? Or just Fatigued?
By Riley Duignan
It’s a common debate among Gen Z and older generations, such as Boomers, to debate whether Gen Z is really the lazy generation. Celebrities and talk show hosts such as Whoopi Goldberg and Dr Phil have made comments about Gen Z being lazy kids and “I’m sorry if you only want to work 4 hours, it’s going to be harder for you to get a house.” Further comments saying “We busted our behinds” comparing themselves to Gen Z. But is it accurate?
Gen Z is more complex than just lazy; they face a completely different economy and different financial struggles.
In 1960, it was reported that the average price for a home was around $11,900, but by 2020, the average home cost was around $240,500.That’s almost a 2000% increase in price. Now, the average house price in 2025 is around $410,800. Not only have house prices almost doubled since 2020, but in 2025, it’s around a 3352.1% increase in price since 1960. In relation, in 1960, the average family income was around $5600. As of 2025, the average family income is around $74,580. In 1960, the average house price was around double the average family income, while in 2025, the average house price is almost 5.5 times the average family income.
Additionally, Gen Z reportedly works twice the amount as workers in 1960. Reports show that only around 1-6% of the workforce worked two jobs in 1960. But, according to a Business Insider survey, around 46% of Gen Z have taken a part-time or full-time job in addition to another position.
But even with multiple jobs, it’s still difficult to afford basic housing. Around 1960, only 29% of young adults aged 18 to 29 lived with their parents due to financial challenges. While CBS News states in 2023, around 45% of people aged 18 to 29 live at home with their families. This was the highest statistic since the 1940s. In 2023 more than 60% of Gen Z or Millennials reported moving back home because of financial challenges.
So, is Gen Z really the lazy generation? Of course, societal norms and prices have changed since the 1960s, but is it comparable? Of course, not many people likely would work if they didn’t need to, but has this Workforce become more stressed and have the people in it found more demand due to the higher prices? The answer is likely, yes.
It has become more common for younger Generations and Gen Z to doubt the amount that they need to work and rebel against the typical work 9-5 mindset, which is only natural. It’s now that we progress as a country when people doubt traditions and historic expectations.
Statistics have shown over and over again that it is harder to thrive and achieve that white picket fence American dream we were all told we would and should achieve. But the question is yours to answer. Do you think Gen Z is lazier or pushed harder?
Sources:
https://www.census.gov/library/publications/1962/dec/population-pc-s1-35.html#:~:text=In%201960%2C%20there%20were%2061.3,many%20women%20return%20to%20work.
https://www.businessinsider.com/gen-z-millennial-workplace-trends-labor-job-market-side-hustle-2023-6#:~:text=The%20survey%20also%20found%20that:%20*%2046%25,clothing%20*%20Inventing%20their%20own%20content%2Dcreation%20jobs
https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/a64524393/polyworking-career-trend-explained/
https://www.jstor.org/stable/41834435
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/gen-z-millennials-living-at-home-harris-poll/
https://fortune.com/2025/10/08/does-gen-z-live-with-their-parents-housing-study-15-million-more/
https://www.aeaweb.org
https://www.justice.gov/ust/eo/bapcpa/20250401/bci_data/median_income_table.htm
https://www.census.gov/library/publications/1962/demo/p60-037.html
https://www.thezebra.com/resources/home/housing-trends-visualized/#:~:text=Using%20data%20from%20the%20U.S.,in%201960%20to%20$68%2C703%20today.
https://www.fool.com/money/research/average-house-price-state/