There was a time when working hard and climbing the corporate ladder was seen as the obvious path to success. But according to a JobKorea survey of 1,114 Millennial and Gen Z workers, 54.8% said they had no intention of climbing all the way to an executive position. A higher position, more responsibility, and a bigger salary were once seen as career growth itself. But for today's workers in their 20s and 30s, that formula is no longer a given.
The most common reason cited for avoiding promotion was the burden of responsibility, at 43.6%. Another 20% saw executive promotion as unrealistic, and 13.3% worried that becoming an executive would make work-life balance impossible. Meanwhile, 50.8% were content to be promoted at the same pace as their peers. As promotions bring more responsibility and less work-life balance, many are beginning to question whether a higher title really means a better life.
That does not mean they lack ambition. Instead of climbing to the top of one company, they are placing greater value on transferable skills, experience, and control over their own time and lives. Perhaps what is disappearing is not ambition, but an old formula for success we have long believed in. So, does a promotion still mean success to you?
The most common reason cited for avoiding promotion was the burden of responsibility, at 43.6%. Another 20% saw executive promotion as unrealistic, and 13.3% worried that becoming an executive would make work-life balance impossible. Meanwhile, 50.8% were content to be promoted at the same pace as their peers. As promotions bring more responsibility and less work-life balance, many are beginning to question whether a higher title really means a better life.
That does not mean they lack ambition. Instead of climbing to the top of one company, they are placing greater value on transferable skills, experience, and control over their own time and lives. Perhaps what is disappearing is not ambition, but an old formula for success we have long believed in. So, does a promotion still mean success to you?
FAQ
What percentage of Gen MZ workers don't want promotions?
According to a Jobkorea survey, 54.8% of 1,114 Gen MZ employees said they have no intention of being promoted to executive level. They cited burden of responsibility, loss of work-life balance, and unrealistic goals as reasons.
What's the main reason Gen MZ doesn't want promotions?
43.6% said 'the responsibility of a leadership position feels burdensome.' This was followed by 20% saying promotion is unrealistic, and 13.3% believing work-life balance would become impossible.
What do Gen MZ workers value instead of promotions?
They prioritize transferable skills and experience over climbing the ladder at one company, valuing the freedom to choose their time and life. They favor autonomy and portable careers over traditional advancement.
