Tough Job Market? Gen Z Turns to Gig Work and Entrepreneurship

Gen Z Navigates a Challenging Job Market with Gig Work and Entrepreneurship

The class of 2025 entered a tough job market this summer, but many members of Generation Z are finding creative ways to adapt. A growing number of young Americans are rejecting traditional 9-to-5 work schedules, which they view as outdated, and instead turning to unconventional employment opportunities. This shift is reshaping the workforce and highlighting new paths for career development.

For some, the answer lies in gig work. Platforms like Taskrabbit, Fiverr, and Thumbtack have become essential tools for those seeking flexible income streams. These platforms allow individuals to offer services ranging from furniture assembly to digital freelancing, often on their own terms. Some even use social media to document their daily routines, turning their experiences into content that can be monetized further.

Nola Rodgers, a 22-year-old who started using Taskrabbit in 2021, exemplifies this trend. She has earned over $180,000 through the platform by offering services such as furniture assembly, TV mounting, and home organization. In 2022, she launched her own website to expand her reach. Today, she earns between $3,000 and $3,500 per month through Taskrabbit and an additional $2,000 from her small business.

Rodgers said she applied to over 85 traditional 9-to-5 jobs across different industries, but none of them resulted in offers. Taskrabbit was the only platform that responded. “I literally applied to like 85 actual 9-to-5s in all different types of industries,” she said. “None of them came through. Taskrabbit had the only people who actually responded to me.”

This experience is not unique to Rodgers. According to data from Taskrabbit’s chief commercial officer, Christopher Ager, the platform saw a 25% increase in sign-ups in July. While some users treat gig work as a side hustle, others see it as a stepping stone toward entrepreneurship.

The State of the Job Market

The challenges facing the job market are significant. LinkedIn research found that one in five working professionals still searching for a job in 2024 were unable to find employment. Additionally, 28% of people said the market was so poor they weren’t planning to look for work in 2025.

The Labor Department’s April jobs report revealed that 1.7 million Americans have been unemployed for six months or longer—the highest number in over two years. Although hiring picked up in June, with 147,000 jobs added, only 74,000 of those were in the private sector. Much of the growth came from state and local government hiring.

Despite these challenges, many young workers are choosing to take control of their careers. A 2020 WP Engine survey found that 62% of Gen Zers planned to start or possibly start their own business. This entrepreneurial mindset is driving innovation and redefining what success looks like in the modern workforce.

Embracing Flexibility and Independence

Kevin Johnson, a 24-year-old who started on Taskrabbit in 2019, is another example of this trend. He began by helping people move and now earns between $2,500 and $4,000 per month before taxes. This income allowed him to purchase a pickup truck in cash.

Johnson plans to save for a down payment on a home and eventually open his own auto shop after completing his associate degree. “I don’t think you need a 9-to-5 to be stable,” he said. “I don’t want anyone to tell me how to do my job.”

His perspective aligns with broader trends among the Class of 2025. A Monster report found that 67% of graduates believe a 9-to-5 schedule is outdated, and 64% think the five-day workweek is antiquated. Over half also consider full-time office work and relocating for a job to be outdated concepts.

The Future of Work

As more young workers embrace gig work and entrepreneurship, the traditional model of employment is being challenged. For many, the ability to set their own hours, choose their clients, and build their own businesses represents a powerful alternative to the constraints of a 9-to-5 job.

With the job market continuing to evolve, the next generation is proving that there are multiple paths to success—and that flexibility, creativity, and independence are key to navigating today’s economic landscape.