By: Aaliyah Collins, Follow South Jersey Community Journalist
SOUTH JERSEY – Generation Z, born between the years 1997 and 2012, was born into a world of technology. In this world, most of them have never used a map, owned a calendar, or needed an alarm clock, simply because it is all on their phone.
They have been given the nickname, The iGeneraton, because of all the technology that they have grown to be familiar with. The lowercase “i,” relates to the way it’s used in “iPhone,” “iPad,” or “iPod.”
Oftentimes, their rising need for technology is frowned upon by generations who remember what life was like without any of it. Nonetheless, this group has used it to build a career and expand their knowledge.
Young Entrepreneurs
The Covid-19 lockdown came at an inconvenient time for some people.
While the younger portion of Gen Z were still in grade school, making the switch to virtual learning, the older portion were just starting their adult lives. Most of them were graduating high school, entering college, or starting a family.
Nyasia Rivera, 27, spent her lockdown days with her kids. She frequently scrolled through TikTok to find ideas on what she could do to occupy her time. Through these videos, she taught herself how to do nails and different hairstyles.
But she didn’t stop there.
Once the restrictions of the lockdown slowly began to be released, Rivera learned how to do eyelash extensions and teeth whitening, and later received licenses for both.
“I feel like Covid brought the entrepreneur out of me,” said Rivera.
As working from home continues to normalize, there are many ways that one can become an entrepreneur themselves.
Gen Z is becoming licensed nail techs, make-up artists, hair stylists, etc. They are creating personalized items in their bedroom, and shipping them to different states and countries. They are creating content on TikTok and YouTube and gaining millions of viewers. The opportunities are almost endless.
These young entrepreneurs are laying down the groundwork and making a path for future generations to come.
Living in their childhood homes
Once a teenager turns 18 years old, they start counting down the days before they move out. Those who go to college get to experience this after moving into a dorm. Others might have to wait several years before they see that day come.
T.J. Mills, 25, said that he was in no rush to move out of his parents’ home.
“One day I would like to live somewhere, but when the time is right,” said T.J. Mills, 25.
Five years ago, Mills pictured himself living in his own home, down the highway, with a big garage by now. If he could give his younger self one piece of advice, it would be to save money. For a while, he was stuck with the habit of ordering takeout and buying things he finds on Instagram or TikTok to improve his 2020 Toyota Camry.
One thing that almost everyone in this generation will admit, is that they have spending habits. If it fits their “aesthetic” or follows the newest trends, they don’t mind spending $10 on coffee, $30 on Doordash, or $40 on a cup.
From diplomas to degrees
For Jamie Georges, 19, college was always in her plans. She didn’t give herself any other choice; both of her parents came from Haiti to the United States so that she and her sisters could have a higher chance at a better life. They would support anything their daughters chose to do, college or not.
Georges is now a junior at Rowan University studying journalism. She feels that she has greatly improved on her writing and her understanding of journalism as a whole. Throughout her journey, she has learned many skills that she will take with her for the rest of her life.
“The first thing college taught me was time management. No one is on your back telling you to do this, or that. You make your own schedule and you have to abide by that schedule,” said Georges.
Georges is grateful for the path that she chose, as she believes that it has prepared her for her future. In 5 years, she sees herself flourishing in the journalism field and already settled down in a house that she owns.
The influence of technology
Technology has opened the door to an entirely new lifestyle. But like all new advances, it comes with its positives and negatives.
“It has caused an addiction to cell-phones and tablets. It takes you out of reality,” said Georges. “You’re so used to living your life through a screen and that takes you away from living in the moment.”
At the same time, it has opened doors to countless opportunities. One has more options on how they want to pursue their careers, more fields to study in college, and more ways to make connections and grow.
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