Gen Z, Millennial workers reveal biggest job fear: ‘Very grim for us white collar employees’

They’re young, they’re tech-savvy, and they’re not here to play by the old rules — but there’s one thing that scares them out of their wits.

A new survey from Deloitte has revealed what’s really driving Gen Z and millennial workers in Australia – and it’s not just job titles or paychecks. Instead, these generations are demanding purpose, flexibility and mental wellbeing from their employers. And if they don’t get it? They’ll walk.

With Gen Zs and millennials expected to make up 74 percent of the global workforce by 2030, their expectations are setting the tone for the future of the workplace.

Chasing purpose, not promotions

Forget the corner office. What young Aussies really want is a job that means something.

According to Deloitte’s 2025 Gen Z and Millennial Survey, a massive 94 per cent of Gen Zs and 92 per cent of Millennials say meaningful work is a top priority. And they’re putting their money where their mouths are – 40 per cent of Gen Zs and 39 per cent of millennials say they have rejected a potential employer based on their personal ethics or beliefs.

Gen Zs and millennials are already embracing tools like ChatGPT and other generative AI platforms in their everyday work. M. Cunningham/peopleimages.com – stock.adobe.com

Pip Dexter, Deloitte Australia’s Chief People and Purpose Officer, said the days of sticking around for a steady pay packet are over.

“The centrality of purpose to job satisfaction is a driving force behind the career aspirations of these two generations,” she said.

“For them, career satisfaction hinges not just on salary, but on a job’s ability to offer growth opportunities while aligning with their values. In this we see a greater expectation on employers to offer growth opportunities and meaningful work.”

The AI edge – and anxiety

Unsurprisingly, tech is front and centre in this generational shift. Gen Zs and millennials are already embracing tools like ChatGPT and other generative AI platforms in their everyday work. And for many, it’s paying off – they say AI is helping them save time and improve the quality of their work.

But there’s a catch: most haven’t received any formal training in how to use these tools effectively revealing a disconnect between enthusiasm and confidence.

Ms Dexter warned that employers who don’t step up risk losing top talent. “While AI offers immense potential for career advancement and efficiency, some feel insecure about its long-term impact on their job security.

“Employers who meet the demand for practical training to boost employees’ AI literacy will benefit through higher retention rates and a more productive and confident workforce,”

One Millennial data analyst who spoke to news.com.au on the condition of anonymity said he was “really f**king worried about AI”.

“Both myself and my wife have skilled jobs. However, these jobs are done almost fully behind a computer and are somewhat repetitive.

“I’m convinced that both our jobs and many more are on the chopping block. Even if our jobs survive for a bit longer, I can foresee s**t pay, crap job security and toxic conditions.”

One Millennial data analyst who spoke to news.com.au on the condition of anonymity said he was “really f**king worried about AI”. REUTERS

The worker said he had seen first-hand how good AIs are getting with skills central to his job like data entry, analysis and report writing.

“I’ve seen where things are heading with AI agents and their abilities to perform nearly any task that’s done behind a computer,” he said.

“It is progressing fast and it is very grim for us white collar employees.”

It’s previously been warned artificial intelligence could create up to 200,000 jobs in Australia by the end of the decade.

But that comes with a downside.

Leading experts have revealed many jobs are likely to become obsolete thanks to the rapid rollout of increasingly sophisticated artificial intelligence technology.

Major fast food chain in the United States have replaced drive-through staff with AI voice recognition, with machines now taking orders in place of humans.

Experts in Australia said that type of technology could be implemented here within the year – and warned major disruptions in the food service sector would be just the start of things to come across many industries.

Leading experts have revealed the jobs most likely to become obsolete thanks to the rapid rollout of increasingly sophisticated artificial intelligence technology.

Last week, news.com.au reported that a major fast food chain in the United States had replaced its drive-through staff with AI voice recognition, with machines now taking orders in place of humans.

Experts in Australia said that type of technology could be implemented here within the year – and warned major disruptions in the food service sector would be just the start of things to come across many industries.

Research by workplace technology firm Pearson and AI solutions provider ServiceNow warned any jobs that include a lot of repetitive and technical duties will be significantly impacted.

It too forecasted the total number of job losses to be in the vicinity of 1.3 million over the next several years.

Cost of living changing the game

While values and tech matter, nothing is hitting harder than the rising cost of living.

More than half of young Aussies (55 per cent Gen Zs and 51 per cent millennials) surveyed said financial stress is their number one concern. Some 64 per cent of Gen Zs and 59 per cent millennials are living pay cheque to pay cheque, and those who feel financially insecure are also more likely to report being unhappy in life and work.

Traditional higher education is also taking a hit. Gen Zs are increasingly turning away from university degrees, citing high tuition costs and time constraints. Millennials, juggling family responsibilities, are doing the same. Instead, both generations are looking for hands-on learning, mentorship and real-world experience – and they want employers to make that part of the deal.

“Financial and time pressures are dissuading some Gen Z and millennial Australians from pursuing traditional higher education pathways. Many are now turning to their workplaces for training and career growth. But too often, that support just isn’t there,” Ms Dexter said.