Why Gen Z is ditching the traditional 4-year degree for blue-collar work

Business meeting businesswoman woman office portrait job career happy businessman teamwork colleague businessperson startup creative student education project.Paperkites/Getty ImagesThis post originally appeared in the Business Insider Today newsletter.You can sign up for Business Insider's daily newsletter here.Good morning. Akin here, filling in for Hallam on England's summer bank holiday. Thousands of people are also soaking in the heat at Burning Man, the annual arts and music festival, in Nevada. BI reports that it's in financial straits: it operated at a loss last year and didn't sell out this year. If you're there, enjoy the desert, and get home safely.In today's big story, why your next real-estate agent may be a Gen Zer.What's on deck:Markets: How billionaire founder Ken Griffin is building his legacy beyond Wall Street.Tech: Tesla shifted its Optimus training strategy, using a familiar playbook.Business: The Gap's viral Katseye jeans ad is a masterclass in sticking with what works.But first, what did you want to be when you grew up?If this was forwarded to you, sign up here.The big storyA new generation of workersGetty Images; Alyssa Powell/BIWhile some of us are trying to keep up with the latest Gen Z slang, here's another trend worth watching.The cohort of teenagers to roughly 28-year-olds is slowly but decisively changing the definition of an aspirational career and what it takes to achieve one. While millennials and their elders prioritized the four-year degree as the key to success, Gen Z is pursuing other paths.They are putting in the work for dream roles like licensed real-estate or insurance agent, and blue-collar gigs like HVAC servicing and wind turbine installation, BI's Amanda Hoover reports. And they definitely do not want to work for you."A true entrepreneur doesn't need to go to college for entrepreneurship," Toni Marmo, a Gen Zer, told Hoover. "You've just got it. You just have it in your body."There's more to their aspirations than just "having it." Zoomers are pursuing work that frees them from office desks. They like the idea that, unlike many white collar jobs, they can earn money based on the amount of work they put in. They're pulled toward industries that they think will be shielded from the disruption of generative AI.And they're keeping tabs on each other on social media, watching TikToks of insurance brokers bragging about their earnings and 19-year-olds who are making thousands of dollars from home.Getty Images; Tyler Le/BIIt's not just Gen Z: Americans are losing faith in traditional career gateways.Just 42% of respondents in a 2025 Gallup poll said they had a "great deal" or "quite a lot" of confidence in higher education, versus 57% in 2015. Among recent college grads, 41% were underemployed — working jobs that don't require a bachelor's degree — compared to 38.9% in December, according to Fed data.Meanwhile, the cost of college keeps rising, and AI is threatening entry-level jobs in alluring industries like consulting and Big Tech.Of course, as a large and diverse cohort, Gen Z is not making these changes uniformly. But it's not hard to see why more of them are rethinking what an "it" career looks like.3 things in marketsKayla Bartkowski/Getty; Tyler Le/BI1. Ken Griffin has our attention. The billionaire founder of Citadel and Citadel Securities hasn't sought out more publicity in recent years, those close to Griffin say. His political clout has gotten bigger, though, thanks to his ever-expanding wealth. He's using his foundation, Griffin Catalyst, to shape America.2. Meet the 75-year-old meme stock icon. Tom Rairdon, 75, retired with ample savings after a three-decade career in radio. But he eventually got tired of golfing and decided to spend more time day-trading meme stocks. Here's how he doubled his portfolio in nearly three years.3. Your retirement fund may not need crypto and private equity. A recent executive order signed by President Trump opens up 401(k)s to riskier alternative assets that have seen massive returns. Two industry pros told BI what to consider when deciding whether to diversify from good-old stocks and bonds.3 things in techTesla changed its training strategy for Optimus in late June.Oriental Image via Reuters Connect and Pool Getty Images1. Tesla Optimus training strategy shift. The EV maker told employees in late June that it would focus more on video recordings for its Optimus program, insiders familiar with the team told BI, moving away from motion capture suits and teleoperation. It's a similar to approach to how Tesla trains its autonomous driving software — and reflects Elon Musk's long-standing belief in using cameras to train AI.2. Clio wants a seat at Big Law's table. For nearly two decades, Clio has sold the unglamorous software that law firms use to send invoices and track cases. But in the largest deal in legal tech history, Clio bought vLex for $1 billion in June and it's betting on two big ambitions: to sell into Big Law firms and break up the legal research duopoly.3. It's official: The US government is taking a nearly 10% stake in Intel. The deal involves the US investing $8.9 billion in Intel common stock — a remarkable development and a rare example of the government getting financially involved in a private company.3 things in businessGap1. Why the Gap's latest ad is winning the back-to-school jeans war. The company's viral ad, featuring girl group Katseye dancing to Kelis's "Milkshake," didn't reinvent the wheel. Gap has been doing ensemble dance videos for 30 years. There is a lesson here, though: playing it safe and sticking to a formula that works pays off, BI's Katie Notopoulos writes.2. The business of C-sections. Cesarean sections are now the most common inpatient surgery in America — and many of them, maternal health experts told BI, are medically unnecessary. They're more profitable, predictable, and seen as more protective against lawsuits than vaginal births, according to experts and multiple studies. Put plainly, a high C-section rate just might be better for business.3. How companies can keep their top talent from leaving. The AI talent wars were already hitting a fever pitch with life-changing sums of cash being thrown around. Then Meta started poaching workers for its new AI superintelligence lab. Talent retention experts shared with BI how companies can stay one step ahead to keep their best employees from going elsewhere.In other newsA 7-figure Amazon seller shares 2 overlooked strategies that give him an edge.Microsoft, Shopify, and other companies now require employees to use AI. How is AI changing your work?Want to live in 10 of the most popular school districts? Be ready to pay double — or quadruple — the price.I left my job at BCG to found an AI startup. Here's how consulting prepared me to be a founder.Verizon salaries revealed: How much the telecom giant pays program managers, software developers, and other tech workers.Buffett watchers cheer Berkshire's Apple and UnitedHealth bets — but wonder why he's sitting on so much cash.I'm the CEO of Supergut. My routine includes 25 wellness supplements, daily movement, and 'a little bit of chaos.'What's happening todayDonald Trump hosts South Korean president at the White House.Akin Oyedele, deputy editor, in New York. Grace Lett, editor, in New York. Lisa Ryan, executive editor, in New York. Dan DeFrancesco, deputy editor and anchor, in New York (on parental leave).Read the original article on Business Insider

Comments

Business News

Cadillac’s electric crossover concept car gives users a glimpse of what future vehicles may look like

Newyork Post

Burning Man showed Sam Altman what the future could look like. Here are the famous CEOs and billionaires who have attended in the past.

about 2 hours ago

insider

A US Navy destroyer ran through the kind of critical at-sea weapons reload it would need in a Pacific missile fight

about 2 hours ago

insider

What members of the Kansas City Chiefs wore to celebrate their new ESPN series, from $995 sneakers to a $38,000 watch

about 2 hours ago

insider

A century ago, the government hired unemployed young men to build America's forests, trails, and parks. Photos show FDR's 'tree army.'

about 2 hours ago

My favorite day-trip destination is a small island in New England — and the ferry ride to get there is just $20

insider

Ex-Meta exec Nick Clegg says he’s haunted by Facebook’s decision to ban Trump: ‘That weighed on me very heavily and still does’

about 4 hours ago

Keurig Dr Pepper to buy JDE Peet’s in $18B deal that will make two new public companies

Newyork Post

Painterland Sisters Yogurt Closes Seed Round To Fund Rapid Retail Growth, Connecting More Americans To Organic Dairy Farms

about 6 hours ago

Sabrina Carpenter’s Only Single From Her New Album Is Climbing

Forbes

Comments

Business News

Cadillac’s electric crossover concept car gives users a glimpse of what future vehicles may look like

Disney World opening ‘immersive’ Pirates of the Caribbean tavern — and reservations are already booked months in advance

Gap Jeans Ad Starring Pop Group Katseye Goes Viral As Social Media Users Pit It Against American Eagle

No. 2 QB Carson Wentz Gives Vikings Security, Thielen Must Follow

Mastdon Members Pay Tribute To Brent Hinds

Billionaire Peter Lim’s Thomson Medical To Build $4.3 Billion Mixed-Use Project In Malaysia

What Time Is The ‘Love Island USA’ Season 7 Reunion? Here’s How To Watch

Morgan Wallen Scores A New Top 10 Smash — Not On A Country Chart

Jelly Roll’s New Top 10 Hit Sees Him Working With An Unexpected Partner

Major UK high street fashion chain with over 300 stores could soon be put up for sale as owner calls in advisers

Burning Man hit with massive dust storms

Burning Man showed Sam Altman what the future could look like. Here are the famous CEOs and billionaires who have attended in the past.

A US Navy destroyer ran through the kind of critical at-sea weapons reload it would need in a Pacific missile fight

What members of the Kansas City Chiefs wore to celebrate their new ESPN series, from $995 sneakers to a $38,000 watch

A century ago, the government hired unemployed young men to build America's forests, trails, and parks. Photos show FDR's 'tree army.'

My favorite day-trip destination is a small island in New England &mdash; and the ferry ride to get there is just $20

Evergrande's delisting in Hong Kong: key facts to know

Dr Pepper will unwind its merger with Keurig after buying Peet's for $18 billion

Elon Musk sues Apple, Sam Altman’s OpenAI for allegedly colluding to crush xAI

Perplexity to give media giants share of AI search revenue — as it faces massive legal pressures

Six Flags investors threaten lawsuit after struggling theme park giant reports $100 million loss

Ex-Meta exec Nick Clegg says he’s haunted by Facebook’s decision to ban Trump: ‘That weighed on me very heavily and still does’

Keurig Dr Pepper to buy JDE Peet’s in $18B deal that will make two new public companies

Apple plotting iPhone lineup overhaul, including ‘foldable’ version by 2026: report

World shares are mixed after Fed Chair Powell hints at rate cuts in September

US Open 2025: USTA Foundation Seeks To Shape The Next Frances Tiafoe

The Columbus Sliders Finish off their Cinderella Run To The 2025 Major League Pickleball Title

Netflix’s Best Comedy Since ‘BoJack Horseman’ Is ‘Long Story Short’

‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Owns Nearly One-Third Of An Entire Billboard Chart

Cooper Lutkenhaus, Rising 16-Year-Old Track Star, Turns Professional With Nike

Trump Attacks Critics Of Intel Deal And Promises More Private Industry ‘Deals’

Top 5 AI Leaders Bringing Artificial Intelligence To Everyone

U.S. Open 2025: First-Round Losers To Take Home $110,000

Kristen Bell On Her ‘Nobody Wants This’ Series And Filming In LA

Fantasy Football 2025: Who To Pick And Who To Avoid

Gracie Abrams Sees Her Early-Career Release Jump Almost 4,000% In Sales

College Football 2025: The Wild West And The Texas Longhorns

Eminem’s First Documentary Turns The Camera Back On His Fans

U.S. Open Bling Watch: Here's Who Wore This $90K Watch, Custom Diamond Necklaces And More

Stablecoins Hit Their IPhone Moment From Wyoming To Japan To MetaMask

‘Peacemaker’ Season 2 Now Has The Highest Rotten Tomatoes Score Of Any DC Project

Musk’s XAI Sues Apple And OpenAI, Alleging App Store Collusion

Ofwat probes payments to water bosses after Yorkshire row

DWP payments of up to to 440 a month for people with common health problem

New £50 high-street home gel polish kit that saves you a fortune on salon manicures

Airline fuel drivers balloted on strike action after ‘miserly’ pay offer

Ex-CNN anchor Chris Wallace advising private equity firm that owns CBS: report

Tech CEO blasted as ‘dog abuser’ after he’s captured helping friend bring husky into loud music festival

Jeff Buckley’s Documentary Pushes His Album To A New Chart High

Lobby Intensifies To Extend Obamacare Subsidies And Stop Sticker Shock

Keurig Dr Pepper Slides In Premarket After Announcing $18 Billion JDE Peet’s Acquisition

Linkin Park’s Sophomore Album Brings The Band To A Special Milestone

K-Film ‘Love Untangled’ Considers Unruly Curls And Worthy Crushes

Painterland Sisters Yogurt Closes Seed Round To Fund Rapid Retail Growth, Connecting More Americans To Organic Dairy Farms

Sabrina Carpenter’s Only Single From Her New Album Is Climbing

Why You Can’t See Netflix’s ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ In Theaters Anymore

I Got Scammed Out Of Nearly $100K. Con Artists Are Everywhere— Here's How To Spot Them: TV Producer

When Washington Buys Intel, It Owns You Too

Olympic Stadium In Spotlight Amid American Cricket Chaos As 2028 Los Angeles Looms

Thurman Thomas On Buffalo Bills’ Super Bowl Aspirations: ‘We Have A Window Of About Three Years’

My favorite day-trip destination is a small island in New England — and the ferry ride to get there is just $20