Gen Z might be the flakiest generation when it comes to career and life decisions. They might also be the most intentional

The workforce’s youngest cohort has been labeled lazy, entitled, and unrelentingly pessimistic by their elders. But critics might be missing something as they watch Gen Z piddle their way through life’s early stages. The kids these days are taking every precaution to make sure they are ready ahead of each next big step—whenever they eventually get around to taking it. Shaped by uncertainty from the COVID-19 pandemic, inflation, and a volatile housing market, Gen Z appears to be taking the slow-and-steady route in life. But Gen Z’s predisposition toward moderation might not be the mark of a slacker generation: It might be the calling card of a more discerning one. When asked what their ideal career path might look like, 44% of Gen Z respondents say they’d prefer steady progress, compared with just 25% who seek out fast-paced promotions and title upgrades, according to a survey of 22,500 young people in 44 countries published by Deloitte on Monday. Only 6% of Gen Z and millennial respondents said achieving a leadership position was a top priority in their career, with many citing fear of stress, burnout, and how it would harm work-life balance. But a look at what Gen Zers are doing with their time suggests cautious movement is more than a signal of low ambition. Many are developing skills such as public speaking or AI fluency, while around 10% are even willing to move laterally or take a step down in title to gain more experience before the next step, according to Deloitte. And for all their caution toward management opportunities and promotions at work, the Deloitte survey implies Gen Z still does intend to take the step at a later date: 76% say they would want to pursue an executive leadership role at some point in their careers. The fact that Gen Z is spending more time investing in their skills and professional growth isn’t surprising given that the jobs market has grown increasingly hostile to entry-level workers, who face the threat of a sudden, AI-driven recali