Gen Zs beyond work: Finding pace and purpose amid constant change

MANILA, Philippines — Many workplaces today are filled with Generation Z employees who bring fresh ideas to the table. Beyond deadlines and daily demands, how do they navigate life and set their own pace in an ever-changing world?

Long hours of commuting and fieldwork can be physically tiring, but for these Gen Z employees, taking care of their mental health is important to stay focused and continue living with purpose.

In interviews with the Inquirer, Rinalyn Dela Rosa, Aira Revilla, and JC Galvez said that while they work in different industries and immerse themselves in varied environments, they make sure to find something beyond their job responsibilities.

READ: Pinoy Gen Zs emerging as self-rewarding, intelligent consumers–study

Wearing many hats

Working as a customer support representative for almost four years, 26-year-old Dela Rosa has been exposed to various digital platforms that help her connect with clients. Her daily role involves taking calls, resolving issues, and responding to customer inquiries.

Her current job may not align with her college degree in marketing, but she said she works in a non-toxic environment that allows her to balance her job and her role as a mother.

But things are not always easy, especially as she wears many hats.

While Dela Rosa said she enjoys a hybrid work setup, she noted that commuting is physically tiring. She allots four hours of travel time daily, as she lives in Bulacan and works in Mandaluyong.

She also shared the “guilt” she feels as a mother balancing work and caring for her 11-month-old son.

“I sometimes overthink and feel guilty because work and commuting take almost half my day, so I worry I’m not giving my child enough time for guidance. I’m grateful [that] my mom helps take care of my child while I’m at the office,” Dela Rosa said. 

She also said that being both a mother and a full-time employee takes a toll on her mental health. However, she added that she has never raised this concern with her employer, as she believes that “being a working mom is my personal responsibility, and not the company’s.”

Despite these challenges, she said she always goes back to the reason behind her sacrifices: her child.

“I cope by focusing on my purpose. I work to provide for my child’s needs. On my rest days, I make sure to give him my full attention, and we spend quality time together,” she said. 

She also acknowledged that, as a working mom, she seldom has time for herself, but when she does, she makes the most of it. She shared that on her free days, she gets enough sleep and spends time bonding with her husband.

“Taking care of myself and my health is still important to me. I don’t push myself too hard at work or wear myself out with all my responsibilities. I believe physical and mental health should be a priority,” she said.

READ: Gen Zs at work: What makes them stay, and stay fulfilled

Enjoying the fruit of labor

For 26-year-old Revilla, working in the advertising and marketing industry is an advantage as a “digital native.”

As a broadcast journalism graduate, she said she applies the writing and development skills she learned in college by writing press releases, social media copy, and campaign materials for their partner brands.

She said she enjoys the hybrid work setup, “which provides a good balance between meeting with coworkers and having time to rest and work comfortably from home.”

But just like Dela Rosa, she also shared the challenge of commuting to work in San Juan City.

She also said she is not spared from burnout, particularly in generating fresh ideas at work every day. Whenever this happens, she works at her own pace, such as finding time to explore hobbies and learn new things.

Revilla emphasized the importance of self-care, especially when work becomes overwhelming and amid the ongoing Middle East crisis. She added that there is no timeline for discovering things that keep her grounded, especially when she has the means to do so.

“I think my biggest learning is to allow myself to explore hobbies at my own pace, without pressure, so I don’t end up feeling even more overwhelmed. It’s important because having something outside of work helps me reset, stay grounded, and take better care of my mental health,” she said. 

Beyond being a Gen Z content writer, Revilla is a fangirl who loves attending concerts and fan events. Immersed in her program in college, she is also a film enthusiast who shares her thoughts through journaling.

She also maintains an active lifestyle, joining races and enjoying walks.

“I believe in exploring as many hobbies as you can because, at this stage in life, it’s never too late to discover more about yourself. Now that I’m more financially capable because of my work, I allow myself to invest in my hobbies while still being responsible with my finances,” she said. 

“After all, what’s the point of working if we don’t get to enjoy the fruits of our labor?” she added. 

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Adjusting to a new work environment

For the past three years, 26-year-old Galvez grew accustomed to the fast-paced environment of the media industry as a reporter. But he eventually took a leap of faith in search of a “more stable and balanced work environment.”

Galvez is now working as a social media specialist for the Light Rail Transit Authority.

He said his current role aligns with his college degree in communications, major in public relations, as he is responsible for writing press releases, social media captions, and social media engagement reports.

Comparing his past and current work, Galvez said he now has a “much better” work-life balance, enjoying a lighter workload than when he was still in the media industry.

“After years of working in a fast-paced and demanding setup, I wanted a job where I could still use my skills in communication, but with better structure and work-life balance. It also gave me the opportunity to grow professionally while contributing to public service,” he said.

He added that there may be a few Gen Z employees in his current workplace, but he emphasized their collective voice, especially in sharing ideas and communicating effectively.

He also shared that the adjustment period in adapting to a new work environment was emotionally and mentally challenging.

“When I was just starting, I experienced culture shock. I came from the media industry, where the workload was much heavier and fast-paced, so the transition wasn’t easy to compare. It took me a few weeks to adjust, especially since I moved to a more office-based setup,” he said.

Despite this, he said he gave himself enough time to adjust, learn new things, and build a work routine that works best for him. He added that supportive colleagues helped him adapt to his new work environment.

He also said that since moving to his new job, he tends “to overthink more compared to before.” To avoid dwelling too much on stress, he reads books and unwinds in his free time.

“When I start feeling a bit stressed, I usually go to the gym to help me release tension and clear my mind, which helps me reset and not carry work stress home,” he added. /mcm