Although all workers contribute to society, unfortunately not all positions pay a living wage. Some professions are plagued by problems like low or inconsistent pay, irregular hours, and limited opportunities for advancement. To become rich as they advance in their careers, there are certain jobs Gen Z should never consider such as cashier positions and retail roles. Here are 13 jobs that may not allow Gen Z to meet lofty financial goals and build wealth.
1. Cashier
Cashier positions are jobs Gen Z should never consider as they typically offer low wages and minimal opportunities for advancement. With the increasing implementation of self-checkout systems and automation in retail settings, the demand for human cashiers may decrease, limiting potential earnings and long-term career prospects.
2. Janitor/Cleaner
While janitorial work is essential for maintaining cleanliness in various settings, it often comes with low pay and limited opportunities for upward mobility, making it one of the jobs Gen Z should never consider. The repetitive nature of cleaning tasks can be hard on the body, potentially limiting the number of years workers can stay in the field and forcing early retirement.
The lack of advanced education required for this role can also reduce wages and hinder wealth accumulation. However, motivated workers can potentially start a commercial or residential cleaning business to boost their earnings.
3. Fast Food Cook
Fast food cooking positions typically offer low wages and little room for career advancement. The demanding nature of the job, including fast-paced environments and irregular hours, can make it challenging to pursue additional education or training to increase earning potential.
But Gen Zers who are determined to make a career in fast food work may be able to climb the ranks into management for higher pay and growth potential.
4. Farm Worker
Farm labor often involves physically demanding work and offers low wages, especially for entry-level positions, so it’s one of the jobs Gen Z should never consider. Despite the vital role agriculture plays in society, the seasonal nature of many farming jobs and the reliance on weather conditions can result in inconsistent income, making it difficult to build significant wealth in this field.
With that being said, gaining additional training and becoming a botanical specialist or arborist may offer better career prospects and higher pay.
5. Telemarketing Job
Telemarketing jobs typically offer low base pay with the potential for commission-based earnings. The repetitive nature of making cold calls and facing rejection from potential customers can lead to high turnover rates and job dissatisfaction.
Additionally, advancements in technology and increasing consumer aversion to unsolicited phone calls may further limit earning potential in this industry. Gen Zers hoping to pivot may be able to leverage their skills into a more stable and lucrative inside sales position.
6. Retail Sales Associate
While retail sales positions provide valuable customer service experience, they often come with low wages and limited opportunities for career advancement. The rise of e-commerce has led to increased competition and pressure on brick-and-mortar retailers, potentially affecting job security and earning potential for sales associates.
7. Delivery Driver
Delivery driving offers flexibility and independence, especially for workers who use apps like DoorDash and UberEats. Although delivering food on your own schedule provides good work-life balance, the trade-off is usually low pay and inconsistent demand.
Factors such as rising fuel costs and wear and tear on vehicles can also eat into earnings, making it difficult to accumulate significant wealth solely from this job. Advancements in autonomous vehicle technology could also threaten the future demand for human delivery drivers.
8. Childcare Work
Childcare workers are often underpaid relative to the importance of the work they do, especially in daycare settings. Daycare teachers and workers only earn an average of $21,000 to $39,000 per year, which may make it hard to get ahead financially. Gaining experience in the childcare field may enable you to find private clients and become an au pair, which could offer better pay.
If you’re entrepreneurial, you could also consider starting your own home-based daycare business to improve your career prospects. However, it may be better for Gen Zers to pursue alternate employment options that offer higher pay and more pathways to growth.
9. Security Guard Position
Security guard positions often come with low pay and little room for career advancement. Improvements in security technology may reduce the demand for human security guards in certain settings, potentially impacting long-term earning potential in this field. It may be better to leverage your dedication to public safety into a career in law enforcement.
10. Food Server
While food service jobs provide opportunities for tips, they often offer low base pay and are physically demanding. The fast-paced environment and irregular hours can cause wear and tear on your body, which may eventually force you to leave the industry. The seasonal nature of many restaurants and fluctuations in customer traffic can also result in inconsistent income, making it harder to budget and save.
However, it’s possible to work your way up into management to secure a more stable salary. You may also be able to use your skills to pivot into an associated industry such as food sales or event planning.
11. Receptionist
As technology advances, it’s likely that AI virtual assistants and automated phone systems will be able to replace human receptionists. Hubspot predicts that there’s a 93% chance robots will take your job eventually if you work in this field.
Due to the fact that receptionist jobs don’t require specialized degrees, they’re often low-paying. If you enjoy organizational tasks and working with people, you may want to consider a career in human resources or become an office coordinator instead.
12. Librarian
Librarians play an important role in their communities, but their pay is low considering how much specialized education they need. The median annual salary for librarians is around $60,000. Librarian roles usually require a Master’s degree, so applicants may be saddled with lots of student debt. It can be difficult to pay off loans and save for the future while having fun on a librarian’s salary.
13. Teacher
Teachers are responsible for educating and guiding the next generation, a highly important task. However, they aren’t paid nearly enough relative to the demands and education requirements of their role.
The average teacher salary is around $58,000, which may not be enough compensation to live comfortably, pay off student debt, and save for future expenses like retirement. If you’re willing to put in the work to get a master’s degree, there may be more lucrative professions you could train for, such as engineering or nursing.
The Path To Wealth
These 13 jobs Gen Z should never consider offer low pay relative to the effort, education, and experience required. To become wealthy, Gen Z should pursue more lucrative roles. Choosing a burgeoning field with opportunities for growth and advancement, such as healthcare or automation engineering, may enable Gen Z to achieve their financial goals. Although business ownership comes with risks, entrepreneurship may also allow this upcoming generation to earn the high salaries they desire.
Read More
12 Side Hustles That Can Turn Gen Z Into Millionaires
13 Investment Terms Every Beginning Investor Should Know
Vicky Monroe is a freelance personal finance and lifestyle writer. When she’s not busy writing about her favorite money saving hacks or tinkering with her budget spreadsheets, she likes to travel, garden, and cook healthy vegetarian meals.
Comments