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At 12 years old, I thought if I worked hard enough, I could purchase a house. But now, at 18 years old and having almost completed my first semester of college, I identify with the 60% of Gen Z that no longer sees the American dream as feasible. What was once a promise of financial freedom through hard work is now a myth.

The American dream promotes the idea that anyone, regardless of their past, can achieve success in the United States through hard work and determination.

In high school, many read about the concept and were shown the reality of its existence when jobs and homes were more obtainable. Today, with rising costs of living, achieving this goal is more difficult, especially for Gen Z.

The income gaps have changed drastically, and while everyday costs increase, wages are not keeping pace. For students who have just graduated or are about to, basic-level jobs might cover rent but will leave a tight budget with only a fraction of their salaries in savings.

When discussing this with my roommate, an economics and business analytics major, he casually told me of his assumption that he will likely live paycheck to paycheck after graduation. This narrative has infiltrated even the youngest class of college students and will only continue to.

With layoffs and unemployment rising to 4.3% from last year’s 0.1%, full-time jobs are difficult to maintain. Roughly 52% of young people are now focused on gig work or freelance jobs such as delivering food or being a taxi driver.

The summer before college, I DoorDashed during time off from my main job as a lifeguard. One-third of U.S. workers sign up for these jobs because they can’t make ends meet – a reality I faced very early on.

But long-term work in these positions often sacrifices health insurance and retirement funds like 401(k) plans. I’ve even watched friends from high school skip meals when they were away from home in order to save money for gas, despite juggling two jobs.

The pressure of entry-level work is taking a toll on Gen Z: We are having record-high burnouts and levels of anxiety, sadness and depression. Psychology Today explains how “hustle culture” contributes to fatigue, an ideology that plagues my generation.

My peers and I are told to keep working hard and everything will sort itself out. But now that I’ve taken on the responsibilities of a college student, it seems I’m entering an endless cycle. I imagine my future running away from me as I let the days pass by just to stay on top of all the demands.

Older generations grew up raised on a realistic American dream and were actually able to achieve it. They didn’t face the same economic crises we do today, which has skewed their perception of success and placed inaccurate standards on Gen Z. Since the world has changed, our approach to success must change with it.

In this competitive and weak job market, we need to give ourselves the best chance by taking every opportunity for skillbuilding and experience. Chasing internships – even those you don’t feel confident about – is an integral part of college, and one that will serve well when applying to jobs after graduation.

Additionally, Gen Z must enter the job market with a flexible mindset. The first job you’re offered may not be the one you dreamed of, but it should still be seen as an opportunity for growth and learning.

The results of the American dream no longer exist, but some of its mentality can still be salvaged. The options available to us can seem unconventional, and sometimes even impossible, but working hard and leading with ambition will allow you to walk away saying you tried your best.

Andrei Livingston is a freshman majoring in finance. He can be reached at aaliving@syr.edu.

Published on December 1, 2025 at 8:49 pm