International Journal of Economics, Business and Innovation Research
Vol. 5 No. 01 (2026): December - January, International Journal of Economics, Business and Innovatio

Generation Z and the Job-Hopping Phenomenon: An Exploration of Career Preferences and Expectations

Dwiyono, Luhur Haris (Unknown)
Hartono, Arif (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
10 Jan 2026

Abstract

This study examines how Generation Z workers in Yogyakarta interpret work and engage in job hopping within their early career experiences. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with six Generation Z individuals who had experienced multiple job transitions. The findings indicate that Generation Z holds a hybrid orientation toward work, integrating economic survival, career development, and value actualisation simultaneously. Job hopping is perceived not as impulsive or disloyal behaviour, but as a rational and adaptive career strategy when employment fails to meet financial, developmental, or psychosocial expectations. Career decisions are shaped by accumulated work experiences, educational background, family responsibilities, and local labour-market conditions, particularly relatively low wage levels. Participants demonstrate high emotional awareness and agency in responding to expectation reality misalignment through adaptive coping strategies, including skill development, parallel job searching, and planned exits.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

IJEBIR

Publisher

Subject

Decision Sciences, Operations Research & Management Economics, Econometrics & Finance

Description

International Journal of Economics, Business and Innovation Research (IJEBIR) is a high quality open access peer reviewed research journal. providing a platform for the researchers, academicians, professional, practitioners and students to impart and share knowledge in the form of high quality ...