For many, the holidays mean celebration, time off, and reflection. But for Gen Z, the most adaptable (and most anxious) workforce in modern history, the season can also bring something else: uncertainty.
Between layoffs, hiring slowdowns, and changing workplace norms, it’s easy to feel like the “most wonderful time of the year” comes with a side of stress. But with a little planning and perspective, you can navigate the season, and the job market, with purpose and confidence.
1. Expect (and Embrace) the Slowdown
It’s no secret that hiring tends to cool off in late Q4. Recruiters go on vacation, budgets close, and interview pipelines stall. That doesn’t mean opportunity disappears, it just shifts.
Use this time strategically:
- Refresh your resume and LinkedIn. Highlight new skills, internships, or side projects from this year.
- Network intentionally. Reach out to mentors or former coworkers for low-pressure holiday check-ins.
- Research early 2026 openings. Many companies reopen hiring budgets in January, get ahead of the curve now.
The Gen Z edge? You’re used to pivoting. This downtime can be your prep time.
2. Balance Side Hustles and Self-Care
Many Gen Z workers juggle multiple income streams, from retail shifts to freelance gigs. The holiday rush can mean extra hours (and extra exhaustion).
If you’re working seasonal or hourly jobs, set clear boundaries. It’s okay to pick up shifts, but it’s also okay to say no. The best gift you can give yourself is sustainable energy heading into the new year.
If you freelance or work remotely, plan deliverables early so you can actually log off later. Remember: burnout doesn’t look good under any tree.
3. Control What You Can
Uncertainty is uncomfortable, but control comes from preparation.
- Budget smartly. With inflation still affecting prices, plan your holiday spending with intention. Small experiences > expensive gifts.
- Upskill quietly. Take an online course or certification over the break. Even a few hours of learning can make January feel like a fresh start.
- Audit your goals. What’s still meaningful to you about work? What do you want to change in 2026?
Gen Z isn’t afraid of change, you’re redefining what work even means. That mindset is your superpower.
4. Stay Connected, Not Comparison-Driven
Social media can make everyone else’s life look picture-perfect this time of year. Remember: the “perfect job” and “perfect holiday” are both myths.
Instead of doom-scrolling, focus on real connections, friends, family, colleagues who get you. A short text or video chat can be grounding in a season that often feels like a highlight reel.
5. Use Reflection as a Reset
The holidays offer a rare pause in the noise. Take it.
Ask yourself:
- What part of my work life made me proud this year?
- What drained me, and what do I want to change?
- What would a sustainable, happy work year look like next?
This kind of reflection builds resilience, and resilience builds momentum.
Final Thought
The holidays might feel uncertain, but that doesn’t mean they have to feel unstable. For Gen Z, the key is remembering that you’ve already adapted to more change than most generations face in decades.
So this season, plan smart, rest well, and carry that adaptability into the new year. Because the future of work isn’t just waiting for you, it’s being shaped by you.