Lindsey Carter, CEO of activewear brand Set Active, recently stirred controversy by criticizing Gen Z’s approach to work-life balance. In a now-deleted TikTok video, she expressed disappointment in seeing young workers leaving the office promptly at 5 PM, equating this behavior with a lack of ambition. Carter emphasized that while work-life balance is essential, it shouldn’t come at the cost of drive and dedication. “Balance without ambition is just coasting,” she argued, suggesting that fulfilling careers require more than just minimal effort.
The immediate backlash was severe, with critics accusing her of advocating for unpaid overtime and dismissing the very real issue of burnout. Many respondents highlighted the futility of working late hours for companies where they hold no equity, pointing out that prioritizing personal well-being is more valuable. One TikTok user commented, “How can I be active if I have to be strapped to my desk after 5 PM?” This rapid response led Carter to delete her original post and lash out at her critics on Instagram, claiming her experience was more akin to being ‘canceled’ than having a constructive discussion.
Despite the backlash, Carter defended her views in a May 30 Substack essay, arguing that her generation was molded by the belief that “hard work pays off,” which she insists is still relevant. She posited that it is possible to respect personal time while still fostering ambition, stating that two truths can coexist. However, many commenters remained unconvinced, pointing to negative reviews of Set Active on Glassdoor and recent workforce restructuring, which were interpreted by some as layoffs, as signs of her disconnect with modern work culture.
The incident sparked wider conversations about ambition and productivity among younger generations. Gabrielle Judge, an influencer who describes herself as an “anti-work girlboss,” argued that Gen Z is not unambitious but instead stresses mental health over traditional definitions of success in a corporate setting. “Logging off at 5 isn’t laziness. It’s a boundary,” she stated, emphasizing that young workers seek fulfillment beyond mere job performance and long hours.
Career strategist J.T. O’Donnell offered a dual perspective, recognizing the validity of both Carter’s and Gen Z’s concerns. She mentioned a shift in how younger workers prioritize their skills and knowledge over the traditional exchange of hours for pay, suggesting that efficiency and productivity can often be achieved in less time. This aligns with views expressed by author Celeste Headlee, who criticized the outdated belief that prolonged work hours equate to higher productivity. Headlee noted that many professionals still cling to the notion that work provides life’s purpose, which can misalign with modern values.
Psychologist Jean Twenge observed that Gen Z’s approach marks a significant cultural shift, as studies indicate this generation is notably less focused on work compared to previous cohorts. Twenge highlighted a broader rejection of the idea that work should dominate one’s life, reflecting a fundamental change in attitudes toward career fulfillment and personal value. By reframing success, Gen Z is asserting that a life well-lived involves more than just career ambition, aiming instead for a balance that incorporates overall well-being. This evolving narrative prompts ongoing discussions about the future of work and what it means to be successful in today’s landscape.
