Episode
Why Does Gen Z Lack a Sense of Purpose in Life?
- Podcast
- Know Why Podcast
- Published
- Jul 15, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 1725
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://knowwhypodcast.podbean.com/e/why-does-gen-z-lack-a-sense-of-purpose-in-life/
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Summary
Gallup Polling shows that nearly half of Gen Z lacks a sense of meaning or purpose in life. A closer look reveals that much of Gen Z’s sense of meaning and purpose in life is tied to what they do for paid work. This isn’t a problem totally unique to Gen Z. In fact, it is the way many people in America have been raised. In this episode, we look at why so many people, especially young people in America, tie their sense of identity, meaning, and purpose to their job. We also look at data revealing what *actually* makes people happy at their job, and what truly helps people to have meaning and purpose in life. More Resources: Many Gen Zers Missing Sense of Meaning or Purpose in Life https://news.gallup.com/poll/711836/gen-zers-missing-sense-meaning-purpose-life.aspx Do I Need to Find My Dream Job to be Happy at Work? https://knowwhypodcast.com/2023/08/do-i-need-to-find-my-dream-job-to-be-happy-at-work/ Workism Is Making Americans Miserable https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2019/02/religion-workism-making-americans-miserable/583441/ Poll: Gen Z's gender divide reaches beyond politics and into its views on marriage, children and success https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/poll-gen-zs-gender-divide-reaches-politics-views-marriage-children-suc-rcna229255 How Ben Sasse Raised Me https://www.thefp.com/p/ben-sasse-parenting-lessons