Gen Z quickly leaves their first jobs. A recent global study shows that Gen Z employees remain in their initial positions for just 1.1 years on average, much less than Millennials, Gen X, and Baby Boomers.
A Randstad survey of 11,250 workers across 15 nations, along with an analysis of over 126 million global job listings, sheds light on this trend.
This pattern is also seen among UAE’s young professionals, who attribute their early career shifts more to ambition, growth, and meaningful work than dissatisfaction. Gen Z employees emphasize that they prioritize skills, learning, and meaningful work over long-term employment.
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Short stints indicate growth ambitions
Speaking to Khaleej Times, 24-year-old Yousef Haddad noted, “Many of us don’t stick around in our first jobs for long — just over a year on average — because we seek more than a paycheck. I want to grow, learn new skills, and feel my work is significant.”
He added that work-life balance is also crucial. “If a job requires constant online presence, it’s quickly exhausting. Company culture matters too — if it feels toxic or unsupportive, staying motivated is tough. I’d stay longer in a place that challenges me, values my contributions, and fosters a caring team environment.”
Similarly, Waad Elsadig, working in production services, highlighted workplace dynamics as a factor in her career decisions.
“I have held three full-time roles before my current job. None lasted more than a year. My shortest was five months, another eight months. My current role is the longest, at two years, which even surprises me. In previous jobs, I noticed that when the work became monotonous, my interest waned. I now recognize that I don’t thrive in a rigid routine like a typical office setup. If I’m stuck doing repetitive tasks, the job feels limiting rather than opportunistic.”
Career growth, trust, and culture shape job choices
Many Gen Z employees value career growth, trust in leadership, and company culture over traditional factors like work-life balance.
Waad also left past jobs due to micromanagement. “I can’t work well under tight supervision. This is common among Gen Z employees. We want our employers to trust us and give us the freedom to work creatively. When we feel constrained, we leave. Career growth is crucial for me. If I spend five or six months in a role without learning anything new, I feel stuck. Company culture is also key. Feeling comfortable with the team and environment is vital in my current job.”
23-year-old Tejasvi Sandeep Gurjar emphasized the importance of strategic career moves. She said, “There was nothing to dislike about my first job. I worked for nine months at a fashion buying company, which I enjoyed while pursuing freelance opportunities. My reason for moving on was to gain broader experience, enhance my CV, and expand my network. Every job offered unique learning experiences that helped me grow professionally and prepare for larger goals. As a fashion enthusiast, I aspire to work at Prada. Achieving this requires diverse experience across companies, and my strategic job changes are steps toward that long-term goal.”
