WORK provides individuals the ability to develop skills, achieve certain goals, and most of all, earn money. It is probably hard to reach their dreams without having a stable job, may it be for a reason to satisfy personal needs or to set a better standard of living for your family. 

However, having a job does not automatically guarantee a better life. Anyone can have a secured job, but not everyone is content enough to keep and stay in it. There are multiple factors and personal reasons for a worker to consider before deciding what kind of job system works for them.

Freelancing is a kind of work in which workers are not considered as full-time employees of a company and they have full control over their time at work. Oftentimes, freelancers earn income per project accomplished. 

On the other hand, a 9-to-5 job refers to a full-time job in which workers report to work eight hours a day, five times a week. It’s called 9-to-5 because workers clock in at 9am and leave at 5pm. 

Apparently, Gen Z’s have an entirely unique outlook on careers and the kind of work system that will make them successful without sacrificing so much time, interests, and mental wellbeing. 

Embracing a modern working setup

LG Cabilitasan, 22, a 3rd-year BS Hospitality Management student, expressed her sentiment about the things she considered in looking for a job. 

“Fair compensation, good working conditions, safe place or work environment, government benefits, and a friendly work culture.” Cabilitasan said. 

Being a working student is not an easy path considering the time and effort needed to commit to both school at work. Working on academic requirements while accomplishing responsibilities of a job is a whole new level of multitasking. But as the saying goes, things become possible when you enjoy what you are doing. 

“As a freelancer, I have my own small online business, a cake shop wherein I bake and sell customised cakes for different occasions. I enjoy doing my freelance job as it feeds my passion to bake. 

“Additionally, working for like 8 hours straight as a freelancer pays the equivalent of working 5 days of a 9-to-5 job. I also have experience in having a 9-5 job, as a waitress in a cafe dining restaurant. It was rather a dreadful experience from that management, we were overworked but underpaid. Nonetheless, experience is an experience. Right now, I work as a part time Barista, which I enjoy doing and pays me well for what I worked hard for.” Cabilitasan said. 

After experiencing being a freelancer and working a 9-to-5 job, she can totally see the difference between the two working conditions . 

“I think being a freelancer is much more flexible since you can manage your own time, you can work at your own pace, and it is much more well compensated if you are also tedious in doing your job or project,” she stated.

She continued, “I prefer being a freelancer.I can manage my own time and schedules for my business as well as my studies. As of now, I can’t make it a full time job since I’m still in college but the profit is definitely great, I am able to provide some of my needs and wants.”

“If we’re talking ‘experience-wise’ in this generation, having a 9-5 job is also advantageous, as what I am doing right now. It might just be a part time job as a barista for now, but the experience and skill acquired through this job could be a great help building a good resume, experience, and a glimpse in my future career path, additionally, the pay is also good.” she added. 

While Marge Baldo, 22, a 4th-year journalism student, emphasized that she prioritizes a good working environment when choosing her employment. 

“Nature of work that should be aligned with my preference and work environment. Mahirap yung stressful na ang trabaho tapos stressed ka pa sa higher-ups and workmates.” Baldo said.

Baldo also experienced working both as a freelancer and a 9-to-5 employee. And for her, both types of jobs have their own pros and cons. 

“Advantage ng freelancer for me ay ‘yung flexible working hours and mode of working. Disadvantages lang din niya for me, for instance, ang freelance work mo ay food business or anything related sa pagbebenta, hindi naman sigurado na palagi kang may income from your business kaya mahirap din talaga if hindi ka pa established sa ganoong paraan,” Baldo said.

“Advantage naman ng isang employee who works from 9-to-5 ay ‘yung kasiguraduhan na may kikitain ka kada pasok mo. P’wede rin na may incentives sa company na pinapasukan mo kaya extra income rin ‘yun. Disadvantage nga lang lalo na if you are a commuter is ang pagsuyod at pakikipagsiksikan mo sa mga tao para lang makasakay sa public vehicles.” she added. 

Both kinds of working set ups have their own weaknesses and strengths, and individuals have the capacity to choose depending on their own experience, expertise, and preference. 

“As a Gen Z, I’d rather choose to be a freelancer than having a 9-5 job. But actually, depende pa rin naman sa magiging work. But as of now, I am after the accessibility and convenience, so working as a freelancer will give me the opportunity to work accordingly sa preference ko. Right now kasi ang naiisip ko is how stressful commuting is kaya ayoko naman na kalahati ng araw ko ay naubos sa work at commute, gusto ko pa rin na magkaroon ng social life while earning and without getting stressed sa work and commute.” Baldo said. 

Another Generation Z, Queen Francisco, 24, a senior high school student, noted the significance of work balance. 

“The things I consider when evaluating work are salary rate, opportunities for career growth, the quality of work relationships, and flexibility in managing my time.”

She is also one of many Gen Zs who have the same perspective about pursuing freelancing in the future.

“Freelancing gives me the independence to set my own schedule and choose the type of work I do. However, the downside is the uncertainty of income and the lack of company benefits. On the other hand, a 9-5 job offers a stable income and benefits, but it limits flexibility as you have to follow a set schedule.” Francisco said. 

For Generation Z, freelancing is more appealing as it allows them to have control over their time and career. 

Factors to consider when choosing career paths

• Interest and passion. Understanding your abilities, interests, and personal values will lead to self discovery and personal purpose. 

• Work-life balance. It is important to have a balanced work and personal life. Everyone should still have time to do things outside of work like being with family, going on vacations, or simply relaxing. Remember, you should not be a slave of your work. 

• Transportation. Since commuting can be a challenge and the fare is becoming expensive,  it is important to consider the distance and the transportation conditions in our country. 

• Potential Salary. Identify if the kind of work you choose can satisfy your needs and wants in life. After all, having a job is not just about doing the things you like but also about its capability to provide income for daily expenses. 

• Work environment. Recognise the kind of environment setting you need for you to perform efficiently without sacrificing your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. 

Work with purpose

It is indeed a burden to live under pressure—the fast pace of growing and outgrowing things you once embraced.

However, if you think moving to a different path from your friends will help you pursue your dreams, then do it even if it feels scary. 

If you think changing a job is the only way to lose the grip of expectation and the ride off of the trend, then breathe and try to let go.

And if you think you’re being pressured to stay in the kind of work setup you don’t like or want, then this time, choose yourself. 

This may sound cliche, but there’s nothing more satisfying than knowing you are working with a purpose and passion burning within you. 

After all, living is not supposed to be choosing what others want for you; it is about choosing what you want.

Reports from Merry Nizza Llanto