BERITAKULIAH.COM — Today, many Gen Z students are no longer focused only on studying. More and more young people are choosing to freelance, take internships, and work part-time while still in college. Social media is full of students who work as content creators, designers, tutors, writers, or online sellers while attending classes. This phenomenon is often seen as something positive because it shows that Gen Z is active, independent, and ready for the real world. However, behind this trend, there are also serious challenges that should not be ignored.
There are many reasons why Gen Z students are eager to work early. The cost of living is increasing and many students want to help their families or pay for their own needs. At the same time, the job market is becoming more competitive. Companies now look not only at degrees but also at experience and skills.
As a result, students feel pressured to build their portfolios as soon as possible. Freelancing and internships become a way to survive and to prepare for life after graduation.
On the positive side, working while studying can give many benefits. Students can learn practical skills that are not always taught in class, such as communication, time management, and problem-solving. They also become more confident and independent. Early work experience can help students understand the real working world and make better career choices. For many Gen Z students, freelancing is also a way to express creativity and use technology in productive ways.
However, this culture of working early also brings risks. Many students feel tired, stressed, and mentally exhausted. Balancing assignments, exams, and work deadlines is not easy. Some internships and freelance jobs also pay very little or even nothing, but still demand high commitment. This situation can slowly normalize cheap labor and unfair working conditions for young people. When students are too busy working, their main role as learners can be pushed aside.
Another problem is the growing social pressure among Gen Z. Students often compare themselves to others on social media. Seeing peers who already earn money, build businesses, or work with big brands can create fear of being left behind. As a result, many students work not because they are ready, but because they feel they must. This mindset can harm mental health and make students measure their worth only by productivity.
For this reason, this phenomenon should become a serious concern for universities, industries, and the government. Universities need to guide students, not only to be “job-ready” but also to protect their learning space and well-being. Companies should provide fair internships and ethical freelance opportunities. The government also needs clearer regulations to protect young workers from exploitation. At the same time, Gen Z students must learn that rest, growth, and mental health are as important as experience.
In conclusion, Gen Z’s interest in freelancing, internships, and working while studying reflects a generation that is adaptive and hardworking. Yet, this trend also shows how education and work are becoming increasingly blurred. Working early can be empowering, but without support and protection, it can also become harmful. Productivity should never replace humanity. If this culture continues, it must grow in a way that respects young people not only as workers, but also as learners and individuals.
Written by Nur Aliyah
