Gen Z-ers pick and choose jobs while middle-aged workers struggle to find one

Gen Z-ers, those born after 1997, are not particularly enthusiastic about industrial jobs as these roles often stand in contrast to their desires and beliefs. Their labor aversion has put factories into a labor crisis, prompting them to seek out workers from older generations.

I find it ironic that factories are mainly focused on recruiting and training Gen Z-ers while these young people themselves neither enjoy nor aspire to pursue careers in the industrial sector due to its strenuous nature, strict adherence to work schedules, emphasis on principles, and discipline. Additionally, young people are less tolerant of high work pressure than those from previous generations.

Meanwhile, individuals born in the 80s and 90s like myself typically have practical experience, good skills, a proactive spirit, and a desire for stability in a job. However, we often face rejections from businesses for being old, slow to adapt, and not worth hiring.

Personally, I, with 12 years of experience as a merchandise manager, and my peers find ourselves struggling to find employment in this difficult time. In reality, there is no shortage of labor in Vietnam. What’s lacking is "a different perspective" from human resources managers, recruiters, and business leaders.

While it is true that Gen Z-ers have many advantages over previous ones, there is one thing I rarely see in young people: perseverance.

Most young adults under the age of 30 have not thought about or understood that youth does not last forever. They often only realize that fact when they enter their 30s and work, family, and existential concerns begin to overwhelm them. By then, it is too late to regret squandering your youth chasing trendy dreams.

My advice to young people is to focus on leveraging the many advantages they have to build the best career paths for themselves. If you keep job-hopping recklessly, what will your resume say about you when you are 30 years old? That "I am a youth who has worked in over 10 positions, each lasting only a few months"? Will any employer appreciate that? Even if some businesses accept you, it is not likely to be a good environment.

In conclusion, for the industrial sector and Gen Z-ers to find common ground, both sides need to change.

How has your experience been with younger workers?

Reader Bui Huu Dang Khoa

*This opinion was translated into English by AI. Readers’ views are personal and do not necessarily match VnExpress’ viewpoints.