What Students Actually Want From Work (And Why It’s Not What You Think)

Every time someone claims “kids these days don’t want to work,” I want to show them the thousands of shifts students have picked up through Stunio—sometimes with just an hour’s notice. The truth is: students do want to work. They just don’t want your outdated version of work from 1997.

Flexible schedules aren’t a perk—they’re a baseline expectation. A staggering 77% of Gen Zers say work‑life balance is “very important”, and 72% say they’d quit or consider quitting if their job didn’t offer flexibility. They’re not lazy—they’re efficient. Between classes, clubs, side hustles, and mental health days, rigid 20-hour work weeks become a nightmare, not an opportunity.

Money matters—but so does when and how you get it. 70% of Gen Z prioritize pay, yet they’re equally driven by fast access to earnings and transparency . Why wait two weeks for cash when gig platforms pay tonight? Students want to know upfront: what’s this gig, what’s the pay, and when do they get it? Hiring processes built on vague job posts and hidden pay won’t cut it.

Experience isn’t just a buzzword—they want something real to talk about. Nearly half of Gen Z are already juggling jobs or side gigs—and many expect promotions within 18 months. They’re looking to grow, adapt, and build résumés—even if they ditch the résumé format. Work that’s flexible, transparent, and meaningful gives them something solid to show and say.

Gen Z pushes for flexibility and alignment. They’re known for polyemployment—holding multiple jobs to stay financially afloat—and crave stability through varied gigs. Yet 86% rate purpose‑driven work as vital, and nearly half would reject a job that doesn’t align with their values or offer salary transparency. So, it’s not just about shifts—it’s about aligning shifts with purpose and respect.

That’s precisely why Stunio works. We drop the resume, kill ghosting, and give students what they actually want: quick matches to gigs, built-in transparency, flexible scheduling, and real pay. No fluff. No wait. No weird letters, contracts, or corporate hoops. Just work they can be proud of—and pay they can count on.

So next time someone says students aren’t motivated, remember: they’re not lazy—they’re done waiting. And the system should catch up.