For years, the narrative was clear that millennials wanted out of traditional jobs. They dreamed of creative titles and remote work from beach cafes. The “old-school” careers were seen as uninspiring. But something fascinating is happening in 2025. Gen Z, the so-called “digital generation,” is bringing those very jobs back into the spotlight and turning them into goldmines.
So, what changed? And why are young people trading side hustles that actually make money? Let’s find out.
The Millennial Dream Meets Economic Reality
Millennials came of age in the digital revolution. They chased purpose and flexibility, but the trade-off was financial instability. Rising debt turned those dream jobs into survival games. By contrast, Gen Z watched it all unfold. They saw their older siblings burn out chasing “meaningful” work while still struggling to afford a house. This observation planted a quiet notion in them that maybe stability isn’t boring.
And that realization changed everything!
The median salary for a plumber in the U.S. is approximately $61,550 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Needless to say, it is much more than two side hustles combined. Understanding this fact, Gen Z has flipped the script, and they are using technology to amplify traditional work.
Social Media Made The “Uncool” Cool Again
Millennials treated social media as an escape from work; Gen Z uses it to document their work. And that’s the subtle genius of this generation: they’re marketing the job while excelling at it.
Scroll through TikTok and you’ll see 22-year-olds proudly showing their skills in fields like carpentry and farming, all the while doubling their income without a college degree. What used to be “boring” is now binge-worthy content.
The Post-COVID Reboot: Security Over Symbolism
The pandemic was a cultural reset button. Millennials were hit hard by layoffs. Meanwhile, essential workers like healthcare and logistics became the backbone of the economy. Gen Z took note. In the years that followed, job security became attractive again.
While older generations clung to “creative freedom,” Gen Z prioritized predictable paychecks while passionately working on their influencer skills by doing things that are mainstream with swag.
This mix of trade skill and digital entrepreneurship has created an entirely new kind of worker—one who earns like a tradesperson but scales like a tech founder.
Reframing The College Conversation
Millennials were told college was non-negotiable. But Gen Z isn’t buying it. With tuition costs soaring and degree inflation making even entry-level roles competitive, many are asking: “Why spend four years and $100,000 when I can make more learning a trade in one?”
Short certification programs are booming. The National Student Clearinghouse Research Center (NSC) reports that enrollment at “high-vocational public two-year” institutions (i.e., community colleges with strong trade/vocational programs) increased by +11.7% in spring 2025 compared to the previous spring. And employers are responding by offering better pay to attract young talent.
So, What Does This Mean For The Future Of Work?
If there’s one takeaway from this generational handoff, it’s that “cool” is cyclical. What one generation rejects, another reclaims. Gen Z is proving that work doesn’t have to be glamorous to be fulfilling. Their secret is adaptation. They’re redefining what success looks like in a world where algorithms and authenticity coexist.
