Welcome to career catfishing—the latest workplace trend where Gen Zers (and some young millennials) accept job offers only to ghost their new employers. This phenomenon, gaining traction primarily through TikTok's viral culture, reflects how members of this digital-savvy generation navigate the employment market.
Take Jason, for example, who spent weeks job hunting—scrolling through LinkedIn, tweaking his résumé, and enduring awkward Zoom interviews. When he finally landed a remote marketing job, instead of celebrating, he immediately blocked his new manager's number. “I just wasn’t feeling it,” he admitted later, shrugging off what many might view as irresponsible.
Recent surveys reveal Jason’s experience isn't unique; 29% of young job seekers aged 18-24 admit to practicing career catfishing. Reasons vary, but the trend highlights Gen Z's rejection of traditional work environments, prioritizing personal fulfillment over job security.
Experts are weighing in on this perplexing shift. Jonathan Haidt, a professor at NYU's Stern School of Business and author of "The Anxious Generation," has noted significant concerns over Gen Z's workplace integration, attributing their challenges to excessive screen time and the cult of instant gratification promoted by platforms like TikTok. He stated, "TikTok is severely damaging children in the Western world... the average attention span among Americans is currently only 47 seconds."
It's clear: Gen Z's relationship with their devices is shaping their professional lives. The once-treasured ability to focus has eroded under the weight of endless online distractions. Haidt expressed concern: “They’re much less likely to ever amount to anything.” The challenge for Gen Z is finding the balance between their digital lives and productivity, leading to contrasting professional behaviors.
This generational divide doesn't end with technology. While millennials often ghost potential employers strategically—leveraging competitive offers—Gen Z has adopted a more casual approach. Jason's story speaks to the newer generation's emotional response to job offers. Analysts show their decisions stem from personal feelings over pragmatic thinking.
Despite the seemingly carefree attitude exhibited by those like Jason, consequences of career catfishing can be severe. “Industries talk. Hiring managers have long memories,” warns Haidt. The reputation built through such ghosting behaviors can deter future opportunities, retroactively tainting career prospects.
The timing of this trend is particularly relevant, coming as many young workers entered the job market amid pandemics and economic uncertainty. Gen Z's experiences have shaped their beliefs: companies prioritize pay over employee wellness, leading to quickly abandoned roles if not aligned with personal values.
Preventing this trend from taking root requires wise advice. Experts recommend growing from adversity and effort, stating, “We grow from adversity and effort.” Janet Truncale, EY's global chair and CEO, emphasizes the need to adapt to the needs of younger generations: "We’ve got to meet our employees where they are.” Encouragement and mentorship may inspire younger employees to invest more deeply rather than flee once they meet dissatisfaction.
Communicating openly with employers can elicit positive change. Maintenance of professional relationships can allow Gen Z workers to sidestep the influence of social media urging them to ghost potential jobs. Declining job offers professionally helps preserve their reputations.
Gen Z's approach to career and work is changing the status quo and challenging traditional workplace norms. It invites older generations to rethink their expectations and adapt to the involvement of technology and the new workplace culture, as employees of all ages negotiate work-life balance. When viewed through this lens, the potential for future collaboration might just be greater than anyone anticipated.
At the end of the day, ghosting jobs might feel fun or easy, but as the job market evolves, it’s beneficial for Gen Z to approach their professional lives thoughtfully and sincerely. After all, the job market has a long memory—something worth considering next time one decides to swipe left on their employment.