In a world filled with Gen Z buzzwords and trends, few have sparked as much debate as the term “lazy girl jobs,” coined by Gabrielle Judge in a TikTok post that garnered over 47 million views.
While not a TikTok user myself, the title intrigued me as I browsed through LinkedIn and articles. How could such a seemingly simple label evoke such strong emotions? Yet, delving deeper, I realised it touched on a universal struggle: finding fulfillment and purpose in our careers without burnout. The lazy girl concept, though initially triggering, highlights the challenges many face in navigating the evolving work landscape
According to Gallup’s survey of over 18,000 workers, 33 per cent of women currently feel almost always burned out, compared to just a quarter of men. Moreover, the burnout gap between men and women has widened from 3 percentage points in 2019 to 13 percentage points in 2023.
The pandemic has fundamentally altered how we work and live, prompting a re-evaluation of our priorities.
Authors Jim Harter and Jim Clifton argue in their book Culture Shock that the pandemic-induced experiment has revealed how people truly want to work. Now, with increased flexibility and freedom in our work arrangements, it’s challenging to revert to old norms. This phenomenon, known as the ‘endowment effect’, causes us to value something more once we own it. Designing work that aligns with our strengths and allows us to work smart, not lazy, can mitigate burnout.
Here are some practical tips to help navigate this shift:
Learn to say no
Behind the eagerness to please lies the heart of a people pleaser. As humans, we find joy in helping others or believe it might get us ahead to say yes to take something else on. Yet, within these selfless acts lies a delicate balance, for while you may strive to make everyone happy, you must also remember to prioritize your own well-being.
Being a people pleaser is both a gift and a challenge. Remember, saying no is not a sign of weakness but rather a demonstration of self-awareness and respect for your boundaries. I love this podcast with Lisa Leong from the ABC.
Set boundaries early
Millennials and Gen Z often face criticism for not conforming to traditional workplace norms set by previous generations. Reflecting on my own experiences, I vividly recall the pressure to demonstrate dedication by arriving early and staying late. However, I learned that this approach rarely yielded the desired results in terms of pay raises or promotions.
When starting a new job, it’s essential to establish boundaries from the outset. For instance, if you have a yoga class at 8 am, prioritise it without hesitation. Clear communication about your boundaries from day one lays the groundwork for a healthier work dynamic. Additionally, new legislation granting the right to disconnect underscores the importance of reclaiming personal time and prioritizing well-being. By setting boundaries early, you preserve your energy for the tasks and activities that truly matter to you.
Be your own boss
As we look towards the future, it’s evident that the landscape of work is evolving rapidly. The COVID-19 pandemic catalysed change, prompting many individuals to explore alternative paths, such as starting their own businesses or pursuing side hustles. In a 2023 article for The Market Herald titled ‘How the COVID pandemic spurred a surge in side hustles’, Louis Allen writes that according to research released by the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, one in three Australians either started a small business or ‘side hustle’ following the start of the pandemic.
Reflecting on my own journey, I made the leap from the corporate 9-5 grind to entrepreneurship in 2014, a decision I wish I had made sooner. This sentiment resonates with many other women who have found fulfilment and success outside of traditional employment structures.
While entrepreneurship may not be the right path for everyone, it’s essential to recognize when we feel trapped in the cycle of work without purpose. The lazy girl concept encourages us to pause, reevaluate our circumstances, and consider whether our current trajectory aligns with our values and aspirations. If not, it’s crucial to identify areas for change and take proactive steps towards creating a more fulfilling work-life balance.
A bright horizon
As Millennials and Gen Z increasingly occupy leadership roles, there’s hope for positive shifts in workplace culture. By prioritizing smart work practices and respecting boundaries, future leaders have the opportunity to create environments that prioritize well-being alongside productivity.