There’s a surprising new twist in the story of young adult careers. Instead of waiting for coveted corporate internships and traditional white‑collar opportunities, some Gen Z workers are taking jobs most of us would never have predicted … like nannying and personal assisting for ultra‑wealthy clients, often for six‑figure salaries. And while the headlines are eye‑catching, they point to a deeper generational shift in how young people think about work in the midst of a shifting economy.
The New Career Path You Didn’t Expect
In late 2025, Business Insider reported that some Gen Z job seekers (especially those with life‑management, childcare, and personal service skills) are landing high‑paying roles as private staff for wealthy families, including as nannies and personal assistants. These jobs often come with perks like competitive pay, flexible schedules, private travel, and intimate access to lifestyles most people only see in movies.
While this trend sounds niche (maybe even random and quirky), it points to a much larger phenomenon: young adults are deliberately expanding how they define success, security, and meaningful work.
A Tough Labor Market for White‑Collar Hopefuls
Gen Z entered the workforce at one of the most competitive and uncertain moments in recent history. Entry‑level job postings across industries requiring 0 to 2 years of experience have dropped sharply by nearly 29 percentage points since early 2024. This decline has reshaped access to the career paths that historically beckoned toward corporate, tech, legal, and finance roles.
In addition, official data on youth employment is sobering. In the U.S., the unemployment rate for younger workers has hovered significantly above the general rate—for example, hitting about 10.8% compared to 4.3% overall in mid‑2025.
These trends mean fewer predictable ladders leading from college to cubicle, and a hiring environment where employers prioritize experienced talent, automation, and cost‑savings over bringing on new grads.
Why Many Gen Z Workers Feel “Locked Out”
Several connected forces help explain why some young workers are turning away from traditional white‑collar aspirations:
• Fewer Entry‑Level Roles: As noted, hiring for early career roles has contracted dramatically in the past two years, especially in fields like junior tech, consulting, and finance.
• Increased Competition and AI: Many companies are using AI tools to boost productivity—sometimes at the expense of junior positions or hiring altogether. A recent study found that nearly half of employers surveyed prioritized AI over hiring, believing automation can replace most tasks once held by entry‑level workers.
• Economic Anxiety: Broader research shows that Gen Z workers are more likely than older generations to report concerns about job stability, financial security, and long‑term prospects like homeownership and retirement. In one analysis, nearly 45% said they feel less secure in their jobs compared to older cohorts, and 33% doubt they’ll ever retire.
Mismatch of Skills and Hiring Expectations: Many employers say young candidates lack the interviewing skills and experience they’re seeking, even as Gen Z applicants feel confident in their resumes. This mismatch, coupled with an emphasis on experience, makes early professional hiring even more challenging.
Changing Values, Not Laziness
Contrary to stereotypes about Gen Z being “lazy” or unambitious, research finds this generation values meaningful work and life balance just as much as financial security — in fact, often more. In a major global survey, only 6% of Gen Z respondents listed reaching a leadership position as their primary goal, suggesting they aren’t chasing traditional corporate status nearly as fervently as prior generations.
Other studies show that Gen Z prioritizes flexible schedules, mental health benefits, and trustworthy leadership, sometimes even above salary or promotions. Nearly half of working Gen Z reported leaving a job due to lack of trust in leadership, and many would take pay cuts for bosses they trust completely.
This shift in priorities helps explain why roles that offer autonomy, meaningful engagement, and nontraditional settings (like caregiving or bespoke personal support) can feel more attractive and rewarding than navigating corporate bureaucracy.Report ad
And what’s happening isn’t just billionaires hiring care staff. It’s young workers reshaping expectations. In addition to private staffing, many Gen Zers are pursuing:
• Skilled trades and blue‑collar careers: Some are choosing jobs like construction, HVAC, electrical work, and manufacturing—sectors where demand is rising and automation is less likely to displace human labor.
• Entrepreneurial gigs and multi‑role careers: With digital platforms and side hustles on the rise, careers may span multiple income streams rather than one long tenure at a single company.
• Upskilling and AI fluency: Rather than waiting for entry‑level corporate jobs, some are learning new technology skills to carve their own paths, including using AI tools to generate value across sectors.
What This Means for the Next Decade
Taken together, these shifts suggest a generation that isn’t rejecting work, but is redefining what work looks like. Whether that’s a high‑earning role as a private nanny if it aligns with their lifestyle goals, a trade career with long‑term security, or a portfolio working life shaped around autonomy and purpose, Gen Z appears to be charting paths less tethered to the traditional white‑collar blueprint.Report ad
At the same time, employers face a real wake‑up call: to attract and retain young talent, they’ll need to rethink rigid hierarchies, broaden opportunities for early career development, and align roles with the values and expectations of a generation that came of age in the most uncertain job market in decades.
Source – https://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/1234957366/gen-z-is-nannying-for-billionaires/