Generation Z has been given the reputation that they are lazy, unmotivated and entitled. However, the reality for today’s high school students tells a very different story, one that is driven by ambition, financial independence and a desire to start career paths.
At Fuquay-Varina High School, the numbers prove just that: 64% of students who responded to a recent poll have reported having jobs after school hours. This statistic highlights the growing trend among high schoolers that shows not only are they working hard, but they’re seeking financial stability and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Unlike previous generations, many Gen Z students aren’t just working traditional after school jobs to have extra spending money. Instead they are saving for college, helping support their families and some are even investing in personal business ventures. With the rising cost of education and living, financial security has become a necessity, and students are beginning to pick up on that.
Some teenagers at FVHS work in retail or food service, while others work more specialized jobs like tutoring, freelancing, CNA work or managing social media for small businesses.
A growing number of students are also embracing the entrepreneurial mindset, selling crafts, reselling clothes, and even launching small startups. This shift reflects how our generations are redefining work, prioritizing flexibility and self-sufficiency. Students like senior
Tyson Greenbaum and junior Holden Bierman are perfect examples of just that.
Greenbaum started his detailing business, Ride n Shine, at 15 years old.
“I hated my grocery store job and needed something new and exciting. I knew early on that working for someone else wasn’t going to be the best use of my time and energy, and so in the hopes to make millions of dollars in the future, I started Ride n Shine detailing,” said Greenbaum.
Gen Z’s drive for financial success isn’t just about personal gain either. Many students recognize the importance of financial literacy and long term security. Some are investing in stocks, crypto, even real estate, with the goal of securing a stable financial future.
Social media and e-commerce platforms have made entrepreneurship more accessible than ever. Many high school students are utilizing platforms like Depop, Etsy and Instagram, to promote, sell and offer products and services.
Holden Bierman started his company, Coastal Cool, on social media at age 12 in the hopes to repurpose the waste in our oceans to make something meaningful. Starting with a young boy’s idea, he evolved Coastal Cool to the now thriving company it is. With 27,100 followers on Instagram, Bierman can officially say he has something to feel proud of.
“Coastal Cool was created to capture the coastal lifestyle while promoting sustainability. I wanted it to be more than a swimwear company—something that inspired adventure and eco-conscious living,” said Bierman. “I plan to expand our product lines, strengthen our sustainability efforts, and grow Coastal Cool into a globally recognized brand.”
Beyond money, this work ethic speaks to a larger generational trait: adaptability. Growing up in a world of rapid technological change and economic uncertainty, high school students today are learning how to be resourceful and more independent than ever before.
The idea that they are unmotivated is simply outdated. Fuquay students, and high schoolers nationwide, are proving that not only are they willing to work but they are also taking charge of their own financial futures. Whether it be through working traditional jobs or entrepreneurial pursuits, today’s teens are reshaping our workforce and proving that ambition has no age limit.
