Why Gen Z Doesn’t Want Your Job

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Hey Spark Family,

There’s a leadership pipeline problem. But not the kind you think.

It’s not that young professionals aren’t capable of leading, it’s that many of them don’t want to.

They’re watching the generations before them burn out, opt out, or grind through systems that no longer work. And they’re asking the right question:

Why would I want that job?

Here’s what I’m hearing from rising leaders:

This isn’t entitlement. It’s self-preservation.

And it’s a powerful opportunity - if we’re willing to meet it.

The Research Is Clear

• 58% of Gen Z employees say they’re not interested in becoming people managers (LinkedIn Workforce Study, 2025)
➡ Translation: The traditional path isn’t cutting it.

• 79% say they value meaningful impact over title or compensation (Deloitte Gen Z/Millennial Report, 2025)
➡ Translation: Purpose is the new prestige.
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• Only 22% say they have a healthy model of leadership in their current workplace (McKinsey, 2025)
➡ Translation: We have to show them a better way.

When you zoom out, the message is clear:
The next generation isn’t lazy. They’re discerning.​
And unless we reframe what leadership looks like, they’ll keep opting out.

What I'm Seeing In The Field

Across industries, I’m watching young, capable employees turn down promotions, not because they can’t lead, but because they don’t want to lead like that.

They’re saying no to the endless availability, the emotional exhaustion, and the pressure to sacrifice their lives for their jobs.

And honestly? I don’t blame them.

What they do want is a model of leadership that protects their well-being, aligns with their values, and doesn’t require them to burn out in order to move up.

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What We Teach Leaders Inside Spark Brilliance

The future of leadership isn’t about climbing the ladder, it’s about changing what’s at the top.

Here’s how we help leaders shift:

✔ Human-first frameworks
✔ Honoring time to recharge
✔ Energy leadership (not ego leadership)
✔ Clear expectations and feedback loops
✔ Sustainable growth with team autonomy

We’re helping leaders model a new kind of success - one that attracts the next generation instead of pushing them away.

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🌟 Your Challenge This Week

If you're in a leadership role, ask yourself:

• Would I want my own job?
• What version of leadership am I modeling?
• How can I show future leaders a path worth choosing?

Let’s build leadership cultures people actually want to step into.

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With gratitude,
​Jackie

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P.S. – Know someone navigating this exact conversation? Forward this to them - or better yet, bring the conversation into your next team meeting. Growth starts with awareness. ✨

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