Capitalistic Failure: The Real Reasons Younger Folks Don’t Care About Work

America’s love affair with capitalism is coming to a close. Younger generations scoff at the predatory system, no longer believing it’s the key to happy people and a booming economy. 

Here are the top reasons younger workers don’t care about work like their elders do. 

Stagnant Wages

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During America’s golden age, a middle-class job paid one person enough to own a home and support a family. Wages haven’t kept pace with inflation, and the minimum wage isn’t even enough to rent an apartment in most parts of the country. 

No Loyalty

Sad woman leaving a job with her things boxed up to make it look like she was just fired.
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Companies demand loyalty, but workers don’t get the same respect. Nearly every state in the union is an “at-will” employment state, meaning companies don’t need any reason to fire workers. They’ll drop you in an instant if it saves a few dollars. 

Toxic Bosses

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Far too many managers fail to grasp basic leadership concepts. They treat employees like endless disposable cogs, denying leave requests, forcing overtime, and even stealing wages. 

Worse Customers

three mean people, a woman in front and two men behind her.
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If bosses are bad, customers are worse. Retail and service employees get treated like the gum you scrape off the bottom of your shoe. Far too many customers use service workers as punching bags, and they’re sick of being treated like trash. 

Pointless

Man daydreaming staring off into space with an open laptop showing he's working.
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The cult of work worship is coming to an end. Many younger folks see the pointlessness inherent in many jobs and refuse to engage. They don’t want to waste their lives helping an endless machine boost profits. They want to spend their time on meaningful work that adds value to the world. 

Opportunities Elsewhere

Woman sitting in a large office chair working at her home office.
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Traditional jobs are no longer the only path to wealth. Millennials and Gen Z are using technology to create their own dream lives. They’re starting blogs, podcasts, and Youtube channels to share their messages with the world, making ends meet with gig work on their own schedules, and using the digital economy to boost their earnings. 

No Retirement

tired senior woman working on the computer.
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Long gone are the days of company pensions ensuring a secure retirement. Young folks aren’t even sure social security will be around to help them as they age. 

The old bargain where we trade the best years of our lives for ensured security in our senior years is long gone. 

Climate Wars

Dead dried out trees on a beach to represent climate change.
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The future has never been more uncertain. Some younger folks think climate change will destroy any chance they have at a stable retirement. 

Why dedicate our limited time to a work culture that doesn’t work for us?

Exploitative

A faceless businessman holding up two workers on puppet strings, showcasing that they're simply puppets in his quest for profits.
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Work is no longer a mutually beneficial arrangement. Far too many companies exploit their workers, paying far less than their worth; while expecting them to be available at their beck and call. 

Companies hoard vacation time, refuse to let employees relax, and rarely even allow folks to take off when sick. 

Corporate Culture

Group of businesspeople playing ping pong in the office.
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Older millennials were enticed by “fun” corporate offerings like ping pong tables, cafes, and nap rooms. Younger folks realize those are just fancy ways of trapping folks in the office. 

Those perks no longer cut. Now, workers want real change, demanding remote work options, flexible schedules, shorter work weeks, and a better work/life balance. 

Not Worth It

Silhouette of a woman relaxing in a field with a green filter.
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Younger generations look at the totality of the situation and come to an apt conclusion: it’s not worth it. 

They can’t make enough money to survive even if working full-time, so why bother? They opt to enjoy their time and make ends meet however they can.

10 Telltale Signs it’s Time To Find a New Job

thumb pushing a button that says new career start
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Are you bored at a work? Stuck with a toxic manager? Feeling stagnant? Here are some telltale signs you should start looking for new opportunities

Work Stifles Our Free Spirits

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Are you a free spirit, forced to live in a little box by society’s constraints? Here are some tips for letting your spirit soar

How To Be True To Yourself

happy woman holding shopping bags
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To live a happy, healthy, life, you must be true to yourself. It can be hard to be ourselves when society wants to force us to be something we’re not. Here are 16 ways to be unapologetically you

America’s Toxic Work Culture

Stressed looking business man surrounded by mountains of paperwork.
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Our work culture is destroying us. Find out how. 

Read it Here: America’s Toxic Work Culture

Don’t Miss Anything Life Has To Offer

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The world abounds with opportunity. There’s tons of stuff to do and see in the world. 

Check out our epic list of over 200 bucket list ideas to find adventures to enhance your life.