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Generation Z Worker Leaves Stable Job and Decides to Start a Business in Search of More Freedom and Personal Fulfillment.
The decision to leave a stable and well-paid job is not easy for most people. However, more and more workers from the Generation Z are willing to give up high salaries to seek personal fulfillment and balance.
This is the case of Cindy Moon, a 28-year-old who left a leadership position in marketing in Australia to invest in her own dream.
Three Corporate Jobs Before 30
Cindy Moon, originally from Korea and living in Australia for ten years, had already accumulated three experiences in large companies.
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She worked as a management consultant, analyst, and most recently, as a content marketing lead. Even after reaching a prominent position, Moon decided to leave her corporate career.
The young woman told Yahoo Finance that she believed she had found the “dream job” when she accepted the marketing position.
To take the job, she gave up a higher salary in Sydney and moved to Melbourne, where she had no friends or family. “I took a huge risk by lowering my salary. It was around US$ 70,000 and within a year, I was promoted and earned over US$ 100,000,” she reported.
Change of City and Tough Routine
The move brought personal challenges. Besides being away from her fiancé, who stayed in Sydney, Moon started working intensely.
She often worked overtime and on weekends. “Proving my worth and prioritizing my career above all were my only goals,” she stated.
Despite her professional advancement, the weight of loneliness and distance from family began to take its toll. After nearly two years at this pace, Moon realized she no longer knew why she was working so hard.
“A decent job and money do not determine success,” she concluded. In February, she made the decision to resign and return to Sydney.
Prioritizing Mental Health
Moon’s story reflects an increasingly common trend among young workers. Many from Generation Z are prioritizing mental well-being and quality of life over high salaries.
According to experts, half of young people would be willing to leave their job even without another opportunity in sight.
However, the scenario is not easy for those who choose this path. Recruiters warn that the Australian job market is facing challenges. Those who leave their job without an immediate alternative may have to deal with prolonged periods of unemployment, especially amid the current cost-of-living crisis.
Rejections and Changing Course
Back in Sydney, Moon initially intended to find another job in marketing. However, after several rejections during the selection processes, she began to rethink her plans. It was during this period that her fiancé suggested a new idea: starting her own skincare business.
“I am Korean and we are obsessed with skincare. Every time I go back to Korea and see my friends, they only talk about it,” she said. Moon realized that many popular products in Korea still had little presence in the Australian market. “I noticed a significant gap in the market,” she explained.
After a selection process that lasted three months and resulted in yet another rejection, Moon decided it was time to bet on herself and start her own business.
Investment of US$ 30,000 in New Business
To put her plan into action, Moon invested US$ 30,000 from her personal savings to launch Muun Skincare, her new cosmetics brand. The company is set to debut in July. In addition to this amount, she also has some investments in stocks but does not have other significant savings.
The brand will be inspired by Moon’s personal experience with Korean dermatological treatments. One of the highlights of the line will be the use of matcha as the main ingredient in the products.
Costs Higher Than Expected
During the business development, Moon discovered that the costs of starting a business were higher than she had initially calculated. Expenses with shipping, production, packaging, and accessories exceeded the original budget. “Basically, I am twice over my initial budget,” she reported.
The investment represents the largest financial risk Moon has ever taken. As a consequence, some personal projects had to be postponed, including her wedding to her fiancé. “We were planning to get married next year, but I told my fiancé that if the business doesn’t work out, we will have to postpone because I won’t have any money,” she stated. Fortunately, she has his support during this transition period.
Calculated Risks and Family Support
Despite the challenges, Moon recognizes that she is in a privileged position to take risks. She does not have children, does not have to deal with a mortgage, and her parents are healthy and financially independent. These factors give her greater freedom to pursue entrepreneurship without as much external pressure.
“I am not afraid of losing the US$ 30,000 I invested,” she said. For her, the most important thing is to be building something of her own. “Even if I fail, I will know that I did it on my own terms,” she declared.
Freedom Over Money
Moon’s decision illustrates a shift in values among young professionals. More than just high salaries, many desire autonomy and purpose in their careers. “This kind of freedom is worth more than money,” she concluded.
Cindy Moon’s case fits into a movement that has been gaining momentum globally, where young talents prefer to take risks on personal projects, even in the face of financial risks, in search of a lifestyle aligned with their priorities and values.
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