- Millions of Gen Z around the world are currently jobless. A significant chunk of young NEETS—“not in employment, education, or training”—are well-qualified and want to work, but just can’t land a job. And then there’s “rat people” who are taking to social media to celebrate ditching work for a slower life. Experts say it's a "quiet protest" against burnout and the current job market.
The millennial era of “work hard, play harder” and “girl bossing” has given way to a new trend. In China, at least, Gen Zers are proudly calling themselves “rat people”—they’re spending entire days procrastinating in bed, scrolling on their phones, snoozing and ordering take out.
