logo
Some Gen Z Workers Are Quitting Jobs Over 'Sunday Scaries'

Some Gen Z Workers Are Quitting Jobs Over 'Sunday Scaries'

Newsweek3 days ago
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
The "Sunday scaries" have been known to affect employees across the board, but Gen Z appears to have a special sensitivity to the anxiety that can hit right before a new work week.
In a new report from Resume.io, roughly one in five Gen Z workers said they actually quit their job over the "Sunday scaries."
"This generation is the first to prioritize mental health over wealth," Michael Ryan, a finance expert and the founder of MichaelRyanMoney.com, told Newsweek in part.
Why It Matters
The younger generation, which includes workers up to the age of 28, has quickly earned a bad reputation among employers.
A recent report from Intelligent.com revealed that one in six businesses said they were hesitant to hire recent college graduates over concerns about how prepared they are for the work, as well as their communication skills and professionalism.
And a whopping six in 10 employers had already fired college graduates who were hired in 2024 in September of last year.
Woman lying in a hammock and working with a notebook on January 12, 2010 in Varkala near Trivandrum, Kerala, India.
Woman lying in a hammock and working with a notebook on January 12, 2010 in Varkala near Trivandrum, Kerala, India.
EyesWideOpen/Getty Images
What To Know
The "Sunday scaries" are having damaging effects on the newest crop of employees.
Today, the "Sunday scaries" generally refer to the anxiety and dread that can occur right before the work week begins, usually on Sunday evening. The term first originated on Urban Dictionary in 2009 and has now been a common reference for many workers dealing with high levels of stress and burnout.
In the Resume.io survey of 1,000 Americans, 20.2 percent of Gen Z workers said they had quit a job over the Sunday scaries. And 45.9 percent have considered doing so.
Across the larger worker population, one in seven employees said they experienced Sunday anxiety every week, and 11.7 percent have quit a job over it.
"This generation is the first to prioritize mental health over wealth," Michael Ryan, a finance expert and the founder of MichaelRyanMoney.com, told Newsweek. "They've watched their parents sacrifice for 'job security,' only to face layoffs, recession, and stress-related illness. Gen Z isn't job hopping because they're flaky. They're hunting for alignment. Purpose. Boundaries. If they can't find it? They leave."
Gen Z was also more likely to report that their job negatively impacts their mental health, with 71.6 percent indicating their job has at least a somewhat negative effect on their well-being. Meanwhile, only 44.6 percent of millennials, 37.8 percent of Gen X, and just 27.3 percent of Boomers said the same.
The top contributors to the Sunday scaries included workload and deadlines (33.1 percent), burnout and exhaustion (23.6 percent) and unrealistic expectations (15.7 percent).
Generally, entry-level jobs were the most vulnerable to Sunday anxiety, with 19.6 percent of those workers saying that they feel it every Sunday.
"The pressure and workload that is placed upon many in professional positions is increasing and it feels like many young people are being asked to do the work of two or three employees," Matthew Solit, the executive clinical director at LifeStance Health, told Newsweek.
"The workplace culture in America does not always favor rest and time away from work, instead favor checking emails while out of office and working long hours. Simply put, the burnout factor is higher, and the youngest generations are seeing it and struggling more to cope."
What People Are Saying
Michael Ryan, a finance expert and the founder of MichaelRyanMoney.com, told Newsweek: "For Gen Z, 'Sunday Scaries' has become a flashing red siren. Warning of burnout, toxic work cultures, and lives out of balance. They're not lazy. They're just not willing to sell their soul for a paycheck that can't cover rent and therapy."
Matthew Solit, the executive clinical director at LifeStance Health, told Newsweek: "The 'Sunday Scaries' is a very real phenomenon and at times can be debilitating for anyone in any generation. Gen Z is particularly impacted by it given how fresh this group is in the workforce and the fact that the oldest of this generation is currently 28. For Gen Z and even many millennials, the idea of what life and success in the workforce would look like did not live up to the vision that was projected on them by other generations. Many in this age group find themselves in high-stress and low-return positions that they did not envision."
Kevin Thompson, the CEO of 9i Capital and the host of the 9innings podcast, told Newsweek: "The anxiety and profound lack of connection with their current employer brings on the Sunday scaries. Many are feeling overworked and possibly overlooked as the cost of everything increases. I bet there is a significant correlation between job satisfaction and compensation, which many GenZ may feel left behind."
What Happens Next
Gen Z's reaction to Sunday scaries likely reflects a larger shift in the workforce, where employees are gaining more power, Ryan said.
"Older generations asked, 'How can I fit into this job?' Gen Z flips the script by asking 'How does this job fit into my life?' And yes, that makes some employers uncomfortable," Ryan said.
"Employers clinging to outdated 9 to 5s and performative wellness perks will hemorrhage true talent. But companies who adapt aka flexible hours, culture, mental health benefits, loyalty will be paid back to them. To me, this is just the pendulum of power swinging back to the workers, not the employers."
HR consultant Bryan Driscoll echoed this sentiment.
"Quitting over the Sunday scaries isn't retreat - it's acknowledgement," Driscoll told Newsweek. "And it's a red flag for employers. It reflects a workforce that's no longer willing to tolerate toxic cultures, vague expectations, or the erosion of work-life balance. Gen Z is demanding better and if companies don't adapt, they'll keep losing talent."
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Donald Trump Defends 'Weak Dollar,' Economic Analysts Respond
Donald Trump Defends 'Weak Dollar,' Economic Analysts Respond

Newsweek

time29 minutes ago

  • Newsweek

Donald Trump Defends 'Weak Dollar,' Economic Analysts Respond

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. President Donald Trump defended the weakening U.S. dollar during a conversation with reporters Friday. "Well, you know, I'm a person that likes a strong dollar, but a weak dollar makes you a hell of a lot more money," Trump said in a media Q&A. Newsweek spoke with financial experts about the matter. Why It Matters While the U.S. dollar gained ground Friday, it still set for a weekly drop amid ongoing tariff negotiations and The Fed's bank meeting scheduled for next week. This week marks the greatest drop in a month, with the dollar index standing at 97.448. That shows a 1 percent weekly decline, while the euro stayed at $1.1754, close to its four-year high of $1.183. U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the media as he departs the White House on July 15, 2025 in Washington, DC. U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the media as he departs the White House on July 15, 2025 in Washington, To Know During Trump's conversation with reporters, he defended the declining value of the U.S. dollar, arguing that there were actually some benefits to the currency losing value. "When we have a strong dollar, one thing happens," Trump said. "It sounds good, but you don't do any tourism.... You can't sell anything. It is good for inflation. That's about it." Trump went on to say the U.S. has wiped out inflation. "I will never say I like a low currency, but you remember the battles I China, with Japan... They always wanted a weak currency. They're trying to get a weak currency now." However, economists have warned that the weakening U.S. dollar is likely to spark a price hike on everyday items while also forcing U.S. travelers to pay more when abroad. "A weaker dollar does have certain benefits—particularly for multinational corporations and U.S. exporters. It makes American goods more competitive abroad and can boost earnings when foreign profits are converted back into dollars," Kevin Thompson, the CEO of 9i Capital Group and the host of the 9innings podcast, told Newsweek. "But let's be clear: the U.S. is a consumer-driven, import-heavy economy. A weaker dollar makes imports more expensive, which can drive inflation. So while there are benefits on the corporate side, it also hurts households by increasing the cost of everyday goods." Thompson also said Trump's comments on inflation were incorrect, as consumers are still facing price increases in many areas. "He's dead wrong," Thompson said. "We're still seeing elevated prices in areas like energy, particularly piped gas, and in household essentials. Food costs continue to climb, especially meat, and many families are seeing higher utility bills. Disinflation doesn't mean prices are falling—it just means they're rising more slowly, but they're still rising." In June, the consumer price index for all urban consumers climbed 0.3 percent, seasonally adjusted. Meanwhile, food was up 3 percent year-over-year, not seasonally adjusted. So far this year, the dollar has dropped more than 10 percent in value relative to foreign currencies from many of America's trading partners. Thompson said the U.S. dollar's weakness stems from a mix of concerns over U.S. fiscal policy. "Continued deficit spending and ballooning debt levels have led to questions about long-term economic stability. Since the dollar is the world's reserve currency, its strength is tied to global trust in our economy," Thompson said. Trump's ongoing tariff negotiations have also signaled alarm amongst some economists, who say that the heightened tariffs could be passed along by importers via higher prices. What People Are Saying Peter Schiff, chief economist and global strategist at wrote on X: "Trump said he wants a strong dollar but he also wants a weaker dollar. He says a strong dollar makes you feel better, but a weak dollar makes you richer. He also claimed he crushed inflation. His policies are highly inflationary. Trump's weak dollar dream will be a nightmare." Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek: "A weaker dollar can have some benefits, namely in the form of cheaper exports which can boost demand for our goods and services internationally. However, the cons can easily outweigh the pros. A weaker dollar equates to higher prices on many items for American consumers, particularly on imports." Kevin Thompson, the CEO of 9i Capital Group and the host of the 9innings podcast, told Newsweek: "Despite no rate cuts yet this year, the dollar has weakened due to shifting interest rate expectations and a broader macroeconomic backdrop. Historically, higher U.S. interest rates attract capital, strengthening the dollar—but even with relatively high rates, the dollar is off to one of its worst starts in decades." What Happens Next For everyday Americans, the declining U.S. dollar could continue to impact their wallets after years of inflationary pressures, experts say. "Inflationary pressures have already left a sizable dent in many Americans' wallets in the years since the pandemic. Further weakening of the dollar could just prolong this effect," Beene said.

With student loan forgiveness under IBR plan paused, what it means for millions of borrowers

time2 hours ago

With student loan forgiveness under IBR plan paused, what it means for millions of borrowers

The Department of Education has paused the Income Based Repayment plan (IBR) in another significant move that alters the student loan repayment process for millions of Americans. The IBR plan cancels loan debt in full for borrowers who've made 300 monthly payments -- or about 25 years of payments. After that 25-year period, the plan cancels any outstanding balances and considers the borrowers' repayment obligation to be satisfied. Student loan advocates tell ABC News that borrowers are still being billed when their student loan should already be cancelled under the plan. "As of today, if you have been in debt for 25 years, you have a right under federal law to get your debt canceled, and the government is not honoring that law," Student Borrower Protection Center (SBPC) Executive Director Mike Pierce said. This plan was statutorily mandated under the Higher Education Act and encouraged by the Trump administration's Education Department while the agency launches its new Repayment Assistance Plan. The recent pause was not announced but is listed on a Frequently Asked Questions page of the Federal Student Aid site. It is now causing worry and confusion for borrowers who have been left in the dark, according to student loan experts. Pierce said the government suspended the forgiveness plan for reasons that the administration hasn't explained. "We don't know how many people are affected by it, we don't know how many people will be affected by it in the future, we don't know why it's happening," Pierce told ABC News. "We're worried that this is just the Trump administration deciding that its judgment is more important than the judgment of Congress, and it's going to do whatever the hell it wants," Pierce added. ABC News has reached out to the Department of Education for comment on the communication of the IBR plan pause. Under the recent pause, IBR accounts are being audited for the number of qualifying payments it has received. Abby Shafroth, managing director of advocacy at the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC), called the pause both surprising and concerning for borrowers as many have met the qualifying number of payments, but say that they're still getting billed. "It has sort of quietly come out that [IBR is] still not giving people cancellation," Shafroth told ABC News. Shafroth described the situation as a "mess." She noted the IBR plan is the one program that the current Education Department has encouraged borrowers to enroll in, has said will provide debt forgiveness and that Congress clearly established and mandated. "The Department of Education really has to own this and fix it," Shafroth said. "If they don't fix it, it's both going to break down trust and it's going to cost a lot of people more money. I don't know how many people, but it's going to cost people more money," she said. According to Shafroth, borrowers will keep getting billed on debts that they no longer owe and, as a result, they could end up having to pay large tax bills in their 2026 tax year. IBR is one of four Income Driven Repayment plans that takes a percentage of your income for monthly payments, including the Pay As You Earn (PAYE), Income Contingent Repayment and the Savings on a Valuable Education or "SAVE" plans. Borrowers on the Biden-era SAVE plan -- about 7.7 million people -- will have interest charges return on Aug. 1 at the same time the Education Department said it's complying with a federal court injunction that blocked implementation of the plan. The interest restart comes as President Donald Trump recently signed into law his signature domestic policy agenda, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which included a provision to terminate all current student loan repayment plans -- such as SAVE and other IDRs -- for loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2026. The plans will be replaced with two separate repayment plans: a standard repayment plan and the Repayment Assistance Plan, a new income-based repayment plan. However, these repayment plans are currently affected by legal challenges, according to a release from the department. The Education Department's recent student loan adjustments signal the Trump administration's shift away from former President Joe Biden's debt forgiveness plans. The department will create a Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) Committee to address its upcoming changes. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said she wants to simplify the overly complex system. Contrary to borrower fears, McMahon told ABC News her agency's reforms aren't meant to be "punitive" nor does she want to see borrowers defaulting on loans. "When you are in default on a loan, you can't buy a house, you can't buy a car, so call [the department]," McMahon said, adding, "Just make sure that you are on the right repayment plan." "Be proactive and get back into one of the payment plans," she said. Meanwhile, Shafroth said this pause in the IBR plan potentially makes borrowers more distrustful and, in turn, further divides the borrower and the government. "It really alienates borrowers, and they stop trusting the government and stop, in some cases, repaying, or, you know, being responsive on their loans," she said. SBPC's Pierce warned this is a legal matter that borrowers are entitled to having resolved.

Trump suggests giving out ‘rebates' from billions in tariff revenue
Trump suggests giving out ‘rebates' from billions in tariff revenue

New York Post

time2 hours ago

  • New York Post

Trump suggests giving out ‘rebates' from billions in tariff revenue

WASHINGTON — President Trump suggested Friday that some Americans may receive 'rebates' from the federal government after the US Treasury took in $64 billion in tariff revenue in the first three months since his 'Liberation Day' announcement April 2. 'We're thinking about a rebate because we have so much money coming in from tariffs, a little rebate for people of a certain income level,' the president told reporters as he left the White House en route to Scotland for a five-day visit. Trump, 79, didn't detail who might be eligible for the government payment and the White House did not immediately respond to inquiries from The Post. 3 President Donald Trump speaks after disembarking Marine One, as he departs for Scotland, at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, July 25, 2025. REUTERS Any disbursement from the federal government would require congressional approval. The House is currently out of session until Sept. 2 and the Senate is set to follow suit at the end of next week. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the government issued three rounds of stimulus checks to assist Americans affected by widespread business shutdowns and furloughs. The first payments, of $1,200 to individuals making up to $75,000 and $2,400 to couples making up to $150,000, were issued in March 2020. A second round of payments, of $600 to individuals and $1,200 to couples under those thresholds, was doled out in December 2020. The third and final payment, of up to $1,400 to individuals and $2,800 to couples, was approved as part of the Biden-era American Rescue Plan in March 2021. In all, $814 billion in federal relief money was dispersed across those three handouts. In early 2008, most taxpayers making under $75,000 received $300 per individual ($600 for couples) in an unsuccessful bid to stave off a recession. EJ Antoni, the Heritage Foundation's chief economist, frowned on the possibility of taxpayers getting additional money back, telling The Post: 'While it's always politically advantageous to hand out money to constituents, the fact is the federal government has no money to give at this point. When the annual deficit is over $1 trillion, the priority has to be getting that down, not giving the Treasury another outlay. 3 Scott Bessent has estimated trade revenue could total $300 billion. 3 A container ship is seen leaving the Port Jersey Container Terminal, with the Manhattan skyline in the background, as viewed from Staten Island, New York City, on July 23, 2025. AFP via Getty Images 'The real 'rebate' for the American people will come in the form of less inflation from a reduced federal deficit,' Antoni added. 'That's how you solve the current cost of living crisis.' Trump imposed baseline tariffs of 10% in his 'Liberation Day' announcement and has set an Aug. 1 deadline for countries to agree one-for-one trade deals with the US or risk paying additional duties. While the White House has struck framework deals with the UK, Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Australia and Vietnam, and a preliminary deal with China, agreements with major trading partners the European Union, Mexico, Canada, Brazil and South Korea remain elusive. According to US Treasury data released earlier this month, the government has raised $64 billion in customs duties — with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and White House trade adviser Peter Navarro forecasting a windfall of $300 billion.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store