One in Four Gen Z Workers Regret Going to College
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
As artificial intelligence transforms the workplace and student debt balloons, a significant portion of Generation Z now expresses regret over their college education.
According to a new survey by Resume Genius, 23 percent of full-time Gen Z workers regret attending college, and 19 percent say their degree didn't contribute to their career.
Why It Matters
The data reveals a generation at a crossroads, questioning not only whether college was the right choice, but also what careers will remain stable in a rapidly evolving economy.
Gen Z, those born between 1997 and 2012, is entering one of the toughest job markets in history. A different report from Kickresume showed that 58 percent of recent grads were still looking for a job, compared to just 25 percent of the older generations (millennials, Gen Xers, and baby boomers).
A balloon reading "Congrats Grad" floats above the crowd during Harvard's commencement ceremony on May 29, 2025, in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
A balloon reading "Congrats Grad" floats above the crowd during Harvard's commencement ceremony on May 29, 2025, in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Libby O'Neill/Getty Images
What To Know
The top reasons for Gen Z's regret likely stem from overwhelming student loan debt, a lack of job opportunities in their chosen fields, and the perception of a poor return on investment for certain degrees. Only 32 percent said they're content with their education path and wouldn't change it, according to Resume Genius.
A different report by The HR Digest highlights that many Gen Zers, facing mounting debt and stagnant job prospects, would opt for higher-paying industries or skilled trades if given another chance. Thirteen percent say they would prefer a path without a traditional degree, evidence of a growing interest in trade schools, apprenticeships, and non-traditional career routes.
"Gen Z is carrying debt that either personally weighs them down or is tied to a company benefit that only kicks in if they stay loyal to the firm," Kevin Thompson, the CEO of 9i Capital Group and the host of the 9innings podcast, told Newsweek. "It's a new kind of indentured servitude. And to make matters worse, many of them are in roles they probably could've landed without the degree in the first place."
Generative AI is also drastically reshaping the value of a college degree. A recent Indeed report cited by the New York Post shows that nearly 50 percent of Gen Z job hunters feel their education is already obsolete due to AI's impact.
As companies increasingly drop degree requirements and prioritize AI literacy and digital upskilling, many college graduates view their expensive diplomas as less relevant in the modern job market.
"These kids got sold a bag of goods. College became this magical ticket that supposedly guaranteed success. But nobody mentioned the $60,000 a year price tag or the fact that your communications degree might qualify you to manage a Starbucks," Michael Ryan, a finance expert and the founder of MichaelRyanMoney.com, told Newsweek.
"I've had parents sobbing in my office because their kid's drowning in debt for a degree that's essentially expensive toilet paper in today's job market. The math hasn't worked since 2008, but we kept pretending it did."
Online learning and AI skills are in high demand, with upskilling programs rapidly expanding as employers need their teams to adapt.
"Every job currently posted on Indeed's job board will likely experience some level of exposure to generative AI and the changes it represents," said Linsey Fagan, senior Talent Strategy advisor at Indeed, in a statement to CIO Dive.
Gen Z workers are already responding to economic pressures and shifting values by diversifying their income streams.
The Resume Genius survey found that 58 percent of Gen Z employees have a side hustle, with another 25 percent considering one, primarily to supplement their income, pursue their interests, acquire new skills, or plan for entrepreneurship. This could also reflect a larger sense of regret about pursuing a degree, rather than investing in more lucrative skills or trades.
"Absolutely they regret it," HR consultant Bryan Driscoll told Newsweek. "Society told Gen Z college was the only path to a stable future, then handed them record tuition, predatory debt, and a job market that barely values degrees anymore, while still demanding five years of experience for entry level roles. That math doesn't add up."
"This isn't a Gen Z problem. It's a broken promise, a societal lie," Driscoll said.
What People Are Saying
Kevin Thompson, the CEO of 9i Capital Group and the host of the 9innings podcast, told Newsweek: "More and more are questioning whether the degree was worth it, and it shows. Enrollment is falling, and in the short term, this could move the price of college tuition down.
"Longer term, I think we'll see a divide. Fewer college grads could mean higher wages for those with degrees, simply because there's less supply. On the other hand, wages for lower-skilled jobs may stay flat or even decline due to oversupply. It's a shift in the labor market that's already playing out."
Michael Ryan, a finance expert and the founder of MichaelRyanMoney.com, told Newsweek: "[Gen Z is] the first to call BS on the whole system. They see their friends who skipped college making bank in trades or starting businesses while they're making lattes with a bachelor's degree.
"The job market's dirty secret? Companies started demanding degrees for jobs that didn't need them. Pure laziness. I've watched electricians out-earn lawyers and plumbers retire at 50 while college grads move back in with mom and dad. We convinced an entire generation that working with your hands was beneath them. Meanwhile, skilled trades are desperate for workers, and the pay reflects it."
What Happens Next
As college degrees lose luster and AI reshapes the job market, Gen Z is recalibrating its approach to education and careers.
Whether through trade school, entrepreneurship, or acquiring digital skills, many are actively seeking alternatives to the traditional college route in pursuit of job security and personal fulfillment.
"Gen Z is forcing the conversation we should've had decades ago. They're realizing college isn't magic, it's just expensive. And sometimes the smartest thing you can do is admit you made a mistake and pivot," Ryan said.
"The kids who figure this out early? They'll be the ones retiring young, healthy, and wealthy while their debt-laden classmates are still trying to justify their degrees."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Yahoo
Why is Gen Z embracing portfolio careers?
Why is Gen Z embracing portfolio careers? For decades, the default vision of a 'career' looked a lot like a straight line: graduate, land a full-time job, climb the ladder, retire. But today's young professionals are redrawing that picture entirely. Rather than anchoring themselves to one employer, many are building what's known as a portfolio career: juggling multiple roles, projects, and clients simultaneously. The shift to portfolio careers isn't about restlessness or side hustles. It's about reimagining work in a way that values flexibility, autonomy, and personal convictions over traditional notions of job security. And it's reshaping the workforce in real time. The rise of portfolio careers for Gen Z Research conducted in the fall of 2023 from Upwork, an online marketplace for hiring skilled freelancers, showed that 53% of Gen Z workers said they were already working full-time hours on a variety of freelance projects—not surprising, as 70% prioritized flexibility and autonomy above steady paychecks and formal titles. Gen Z continued to redefine how it works through portfolio careers in 2024 and is still doing so today. The evidence points to a foundational shift in how younger workers approach their careers—and it's one that businesses and professionals alike will need to understand and adapt to. The 4 forces fueling Gen Z's portfolio career movement Gen Z didn't arrive at the portfolio career model by accident. A combination of societal shifts, technological advances, and lived experiences has shaped their expectations—and opened doors that weren't available to previous generations. Our research identified four key drivers behind this changing mindset. 1. Flexibility The pandemic permanently disrupted how we think about work schedules and locations. For Gen Z, rigid 9-to-5 office jobs often feel outdated; they've seen how well options like remote work can be for businesses. Today, more than 60% of Gen Z workers say that inflexible work arrangements are a deal-breaker. Recent surges in remote work have proved that productivity doesn't have to be tied to a desk, opening up access to jobs far beyond one's immediate geography. That freedom is now a minimum expectation for dedicated portfolio careerists. 2. Technology The rise of high-speed internet and digital platforms has made multiclient work—and building different sources of income—more accessible than ever. Work marketplaces connect freelancers with clients around the world, and platforms like Etsy and even social media allow more self-employed creators to monetize their art, technical skills, and niche interests—all without a traditional employer. Earning potential and financial stability is no longer tied to full-time employment with a single company. 3. Values Gen Z is the most diverse generation to yet enter the workforce, and they expect to be able to reflect their identities and priorities in their work. Whether they're passionate about environmental advocacy, creative expression, or social justice, Gen Z wants professional experiences that align with their personal values. Working with multiple clients, either in lieu of a single full-time role or through part-time jobs and side hustles that take place after their day job ends, gives these young workers greater control over their professional and personal fulfillment. 4. Economics Gen Z's outlook has also been shaped by economic volatility—from the Great Recession to the pandemic and growing student debt. Many members of Gen Z see portfolio work as a hedge against financial risk. Instead of relying on a single employer for financial security, they spread that risk across multiple income sources. For some, portfolio work is a preference; for others, it's a survival strategy. Benefits and tradeoffs of the portfolio approach Portfolio careers aren't without their own set of risks and challenges, though. Understanding both sides of this type of work is essential for people of any age—and for the companies interested in attracting and retaining freelance talent. What's working Faster skill development. By juggling different roles or projects, Gen Z professionals with portfolio careers can accelerate their learning. Some projects reinforce existing skill sets, while others push them into new territory and force them to figure out how to use transferable skills in new ways. Personal brand ownership. Building a portfolio means building a brand. Many freelance or project-based workers gain reputations across different industries and platforms, showcasing their value beyond a single company or title. Lifestyle flexibility. Remote, flexible work allows people to prioritize travel, passion projects, or personal well-being without compromising income in the pursuit of work-life balance. What's harder Lack of traditional benefits. In the U.S., freelancers without employer-sponsored healthcare, paid leave, or retirement plans must self-manage these essential protections—and budget accordingly. Burnout risk. Managing multiple clients or projects requires strong boundaries and reliable systems. Without them, working too many hours is an easy mistake to make. Potential isolation. While flexibility is freeing, some portfolio workers miss the casual community of an office, or have trouble finding mentors. Digital tools and coworking spaces can help to establish a deeper sense of connection with other people in a similar industry—as well as other entrepreneurs and portfolio workers. What portfolio work means for employers As Gen Z reshapes the labor market, employers sticking to traditional models may face mounting challenges—not just in hiring, but in retaining and engaging top talent, too. Companies that want to stay competitive will need to develop their strategy across three key dimensions. 1. Talent acquisition If your ideal candidate expects flexibility and autonomy, a rigid job description and in-office requirement might cause them to look for work elsewhere. Businesses may need to rethink full-time headcount as the only solution. Instead, employers should consider building blended teams: a core of full-time employees supported by a network of freelancers brought in as needed for specialized projects. Such an approach doesn't mean replacing staff with independent contractors—it means scaling talent to match changing business needs, while also aligning with how the next generation prefers to work. 2. Worker retention Traditional career ladders may not hold much appeal for Gen Z, who often prioritize variety, skill growth, and purpose. Companies can create rotational programs that offer the same dynamism and new opportunities found in freelance work, without requiring employees to leave the organization. 3. Workplace culture Gen Z expects more than a paycheck. Remote work options, flexible hours, and purpose-driven missions are no longer perks—they're expectations. To meet the moment, organizations need to invest in technology as well as structural and cultural change. That means redesigning how work is organized and evaluated, and ensuring flexibility is baked into the operating model ... not bolted on as an exception. Getting started: Small steps, big shifts The shift toward portfolio careers doesn't require organizations—or individuals—to overhaul everything overnight. In fact, the most sustainable changes often start small. Whether you're leading a team or managing your own career, the key is to begin with intentional experiments that reflect the future you want to build. For companies Modularize projects. Break down large initiatives into smaller, clearly defined parts that can be tackled by freelancers or rotating team members. Tools like Kanban boards or shared project management platforms make remote work easier to manage and scale. Build an internal talent marketplace. Let employees interested in gaining new skills explore cross-functional roles or different challenges within the organization. Doing so can improve retention and also surface hidden talents and growth opportunities. Foster skill-sharing. Encourage employees to teach and learn from each other across departments. Doing so keeps the work environment dynamic and aligns with Gen Z's appetite for variety and development. For individuals Explore without leaping. If you're curious about portfolio work but not ready to go all-in on a career change, test the waters through side projects, freelance platforms, or skill-building initiatives. Map your options. Create a roadmap for transitioning into a portfolio career. Identify the skills you want to develop, the clients or industries you're interested in, and a timeline that makes sense for you. Bring variety into your current role. Even within a traditional job, you can seek out cross-functional work, side initiatives, or professional development opportunities that mirror the dynamism of portfolio work. No one model fits everyone—but given the data, you might want to ask: How could a more flexible, diversified approach to work strengthen your resilience, fulfillment, or business outcomes? The future isn't fixed—it's flexible As Gen Z redefines the meaning of career success, the workforce is becoming more fluid, interconnected, and opportunity-rich. Whether you're a business leader navigating a shifting talent landscape or a professional rethinking your own path, embracing the portfolio mindset opens new doors. Freelancers are connecting with innovative companies to solve critical problems, push boundaries, and build meaningful career portfolios—on their terms. Upwork is not affiliated with and does not sponsor or endorse any of the tools or services discussed in this article. These tools and services are provided only as potential options, and each reader and company should take the time needed to adequately analyze and determine the tools or services that would best fit their specific needs and situation. This story was produced by Upwork and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
New York Post
8 hours ago
- New York Post
Is college actually worth it anymore? Gen Z isn't sure, study says
Is college becoming obsolete? A survey of 1,000 full-time Gen Z employees across the US, conducted by ResumeGenius, found that a good number of these young adults wish they'd pursued a different degree — or not attend college at all. According to the survey, about one in four Gen Zers said they regret attending college or wish they had chosen a higher-paying career path. Many young adults are starting to question if their college education was worth it. Seventyfour – 'Many Gen Z students feel they were told college was the only path, only to see people with strong degrees underemployed or overlooked,' Tallo CEO Allison Danielsen told Fortune. Adding, they're 'questioning whether college still delivers real value.' Tallo, a career consultancy company, surveyed more than 2,000 participants aged 18 to 30 and found that 62% of young adults said they aren't in the career they intended to pursue. 25% of those surveyed said they are actively struggling to find a job in their industry of choice — which is making them wonder if getting a college degree was worth it. It's not easy for today's college grads looking for work. shapovalphoto – Not all Gen Zers are unhappy — the ResumeGenius survey found that about a third of workers from this generation were content with their career choice. 49% of those who are actively looking for a job feel their college education has lost value in the job market thanks to AI, according to an Indeed report. As AI continues to evolve, it's clear that many of the traditional entry-level roles, often seen as stepping stones into the workforce, are rapidly being automated. 'Entry-level jobs tend to involve routine, well-defined tasks — exactly the kind of work current AI systems are best suited to automate,' Professor Daniela Rus, the Director of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory at MIT, told Newsweek. Experts argue that while some of these roles might not disappear entirely, they are evolving into something unrecognizable. For Gen Z, this transition could wipe out or change the roles they expected to apply for. However, their chances of being employed aren't completely deleted — they just might need to adapt to using this new technology. Experts claim digital nomads' familiarity with technology, particularly AI, could make them valuable assets in this new era. 'The advantage Gen Z has is that they are digital natives. They are well-positioned to work alongside AI, not in opposition to it,' Rus told Newsweek.
Fast Company
8 hours ago
- Fast Company
There's a way to design better, together
In an age where remote work has become the default for many creative teams and AI is adding more collaborators and iterations into the mix, the design process is increasingly being tested. Tools are abundant, yet collaboration often feels more fragmented than fluid. To understand how we can build better, together, I talked with Saad Rajan and Vivek Haligeri Veerana, cofounders of the design platform Naya. Their collaborative work won one of 75 Gold Awards—the highest honor in the iF DESIGN AWARD 2023, and another collaborative Naya project won an iF DESIGN AWARD 2024. Their unique insights into the creative process, the importance of iteration and feedback, and tips for how to navigate digital overload while pursuing great design can benefit us all. Q: You both come from deeply technical, as well as creative backgrounds. What first made you realize the design process was broken? We spent years in product development—everything from custom aircraft to architectural structures—and constantly ran into the same issue. The most innovative or creative ideas weren't surviving. They'd get lost in folders or buried in inboxes. Some ideas slowly fade away over rounds of revisions. Others get diminished through ineffective workflows. That friction compounded when working across teams, tools, and locations. When we got to Harvard's Graduate School of Design for a Master's in Design Engineering, we dug in even deeper. We realized that what leads to great design—iteration, collaboration, and connecting the dots—is exactly where current systems struggle, especially in remote environments. Q: What's changed most about design work in the past five years? Design has become more distributed due to remote work. That shift opened up incredible potential—but also introduced chaos. AI adds in yet another layer of complexity: There are more assets and stakeholders, which leads to more feedback. Iteration happens across dozens of platforms. Feedback is scattered across Miro boards, Google Docs, Dropbox, Slack, email, and text. Everyone's working hard, but not necessarily together. And because remote teams are less likely to share rough drafts, you lose those hallway conversations where someone glances at a colleague's screen and offers a useful edit or great addition to an existing idea. Without shared context, people hesitate to jump in. Q: That makes iteration and collaboration much harder. How do you define great design today? It starts with embracing the messy middle. Iteration isn't just about rework—it's where creativity lives. We believe great design comes from doing, undoing, and redoing. However, that only works if you can more easily track and celebrate progress. Feedback is a huge part of this process—in fact, it's everything. The more voices, the better the outcome. That could be your engineer, your end user, someone from the marketing team, or an AI agent. But for that to work, feedback must be centralized. It also needs to be timely and visible to everyone. Design is complex, and it nearly always benefits from transparency and strategic collaboration. Q: So how does Naya address this problem? We built Naya to be the connective tissue of modern design. It's a digital studio that brings together over 100 file types—including Figma files, PDFs, videos, 3D models, and more—into a single, searchable space. You can see every version, comment, and decision in context, so it's easy to understand where an idea is heading. We also use AI to reduce the noise. It helps summarize feedback, suggest solutions, prevent rework, and even automate some of the work you don't want to do. But we're not replacing creativity or designers—we're enhancing it by surfacing insights from your own process. Sustainability isn't just about the end product. It's also about cocreation, equity, and reducing wastes—of both materials and time—along the way. Wasted time, duplicated effort, lost knowledge, and missed connections are all barriers. But when you iterate well, gather diverse input, keep track of your decisions, and work collaboratively, you're not just moving faster. You're designing more thoughtfully. Remote work isn't going away, and the number of design tools are multiplying. The question is whether our systems and habits are evolving to support the depth and inclusivity that good design requires. We believe they can—and must. And our users agree, from multinational corporations like Google and Adidas, to large design firms like MillerKnoll and IDEO, alongside boutique brands around the world. Q: Final thought—what's the one thing you hope teams take away from your work at Naya? We want people to understand that great design is possible—even with a primarily remote workforce and increase of AI tools—if we rethink how we work together and optimize for the digital age.
