As Gen Zers enter the workforce and burnt-out Gen Yers recalibrate their priorities, a new culture is emerging around work – one that values rest, appreciates idleness, and would rather be happy than industrious. Could this shift in approach mark a new era of anti-ambition?

Gen Zers have been labeled lazy by the corporate world because their ambition looks different from their predecessors in the workplace. Further inspection of their work ethic shows that it extends beyond their nine-to-five, with side hustles challenging the anti-ambition accusation.

As the cost-of-living crisis rages on, US Gen Yers are ready to redefine the American Dream of climbing the career ladder. Canvas8 spoke to eight Gen Yers from across the US to understand their goals and priorities in the workplace, as they seek to navigate a fulfilling work-life.

Why are Gen Yers embracing going out amid a cost of living crisis? How are parents letting go of ‘sharenting’? What is this cohort’s fresh take on wellness? And what is luring them away from big cities? Our 2023 Generational Snapshot of Gen Y explores the key behaviours shaping this cohort.