Know Why Podcast
Know Why Podcast
Know Why Podcast
Why Does Gen Z Lack a Sense of Purpose in Life?
28 minutes Posted Jul 15, 2026 at 5:00 am.
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Show notes
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