Last update:04 November 2024, 2:15 p.m. IST

Zillennials generally refer to people born between 1997 and 2002 who fall on the border of Millennials (1981-1996) and Generation Z (2000-2012).

Zillennials: This micro-generation struggles to find their place in the workplace as their ideologies are shaped by both the ambitious nature of Millennials and the more balanced perspective of Generation Z.

There are many controversial topics regarding the generational differences between Baby Boomers, Millennials, Generation Z, and Generation X. However, a lesser known group is the Zillennials. Although not precisely defined, zillennials generally refer to people born between 1997 and 2002 who fall on the border of Millennials (1981-1996) and Generation Z (2000-2012). This micro-generation struggles to find their place in the workplace as their ideologies are shaped by both the ambitious nature of Millennials and the more balanced perspective of Generation Z.

Content creator Samantha Hart recently shared her experience as a ‘cusper’ in the workforce and highlighted the difficulties of being stuck between these two generations. His ideas struck a chord with other zillennials, with one commenting that their experience is “perfectionism meets procrastination.”

Zillennials who spoke with Business Insider shared similar feelings: They often find themselves stuck between choosing to log off on time and feeling like they’re not doing enough or putting in extra hours, which ends up resenting them. .

Lauren Farina, a licensed psychotherapist and founding CEO of Invited Psychotherapy and Coaching, told Business Insider that Millennials often fall into what she calls a “high-achieving archetype.” This state of mind pushes individuals towards the feeling of doing things perfectly and the desire to please others. The downsides of this approach include risks like burnout or anxiety.

Farina also mentioned that zillennials may feel guilty or ashamed when trying to set boundaries like Gen Z, because those boundaries may conflict with their other values. With both approaches, zillennials struggle and it becomes difficult for them to balance their personal and professional lives.

While we’re talking about zillennials, it’s also important to know that Millennials and Gen Z both face their own challenges in the job market. Millennials entered the workforce during the Great Recession of 2008 and faced high unemployment and low wages.

On the other hand, Generation Z may have an even tougher time. A Washington Post analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows they are significantly affected by the rising cost of living, the high cost of homeownership and growing credit card debt.

This leaves zillennials caught in the middle, leading to pressures from both generations as they try to build their own careers and lives.

However, what zillennials often view as struggles might actually be their strengths. Ilana Zivkovich, CEO and founder of organizational consulting firm Werq, told Business Insider that zillennials have a unique ability to connect with older and younger colleagues, making them valuable in the workplace.

“Essentially, they are work ninjas who can bridge generational gaps that might otherwise create barriers. By identifying who these people are and encouraging them to fully express their views and beliefs, we can then create the most holistic, connected and future-ready workforce,” added Zivkovich.