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Imagine coming of age in a world that makes the volatility of the Bitcoin market look stable. That’s the reality for Gen Z, those .

In an era defined by unpredictability (climate change, a global pandemic, financial crises and international conflicts), it’s not surprising that Generation Z takes a different approach to risk than previous generations. What is surprising is how cautious that approach can be. Also known as “,“ they are shaping up to be more pragmatic than millennials.

The drawback? They may struggle to develop essential coping skills and may miss out on certain . Calculated risks, after all, can lead to new career opportunities, foster business innovation, teach us lessons from failure and help us step out of our comfort zones to experience personal growth.

So, what happens when an entire generation, shaped by the uncertainties of its times, leans toward avoiding risk — but only in certain situations? Jamie Johnson, MS, NCC, CCC, career advisor at ��ɫ��Ƶ, weighs in.

So, how does Generation Z’s approach to education and career stack up against their risk aversion? Johnson has observed a shift in overall educational preferences, noting the generation’s inclination toward more practical and secure options.

“They’re making all the traditional choices that students make, but there’s a more practical bent to what they choose because they’ve come through a pandemic,” she says.

While traditional education pathways — including higher education and various majors — still attract Gen Z, their career expectations may have changed. Johnson notes that future earning potential is a genuine concern, but so is interesting work combined with a .��

As Generation Z is expected to make up , their unique attitude toward risk could potentially make for a dramatic shakeup at work. Johnson specifically predicts a new wave of flexibility driven by the younger cohort’s work–life balance expectations.

“We’ll see more opportunities for people to be flexible with their work,” she says. “Even in the corporate setting, I think we’ll see more freedom with that. And I think that will be the new wave of creativity in the workplace because that’s normal for them. They expect it.”

Employers, meanwhile, need to take note. “I know a recent grad who is not interested in working hybrid or in an office due to his high anxiety — and he’s not the only one,” Johnson says.��

Gen Zers’ aversion to certain risks and insistence on work–life balance may be partially explained by their personal experience with mental health: ages 18 to 24 reveals that 42% have a diagnosed mental health condition.

Even more startling, 31% rated their overall mental health as poor in 2022.

On the positive side, 87% of the survey participants feel comfortable talking about mental health — and are more likely to have taken mental health days off work or school and discuss mental health issues with supervisors. This willingness to prioritize and discuss mental health in their careers and personal lives may drive employers to offer digital and in-person mental health-based benefits.

“Flexibility to take care of themselves and their family is important when considering joining a company,” Johnson adds.