New research by Adobe reveals almost two-thirds (64%) of Gen Z plan to start a business in the next three years, cementing its reputation as the determined generation. The growth of the creator economy has seen 8 million new entrepreneurs join the UK workforce since 2020[1], with Gen Z creators drawn to start-ups that enable them to dictate their own working patterns – more than a quarter (27%) believe their creativity would be ‘limited’ by working a traditional 9-5 role.

As the youngest generation in today’s workforce, the research offers stark proof of Gen Zers entrepreneurial appetite. To uncover what’s spurring these young adults into a non-traditional career path, Adobe surveyed 2,000 adults about their attitudes toward starting a business. Forty-five percent of 18 to 24-year-olds say they already have their own ‘innovative’ ideas for making it alone, highlighting the creative and growth potential among these young professionals.

So, what gives this generation the edge? Research by Adobe finds:

Workplace ‘non-negotiables’ are fueling Gen Zers desire to fly solo

Clock-in clock-out culture has become a thing of the past with young professionals more willing to shun the nine to five and pursue a career on their terms.

• More than two-thirds (67%) of young adults describe working for someone else as their “worst nightmare”.
• Around a quarter (23%) say they hate the idea of the traditional workday, and the same amount (23%) admit they are yet to find an employer that can accommodate all their needs.
• 40% of Gen Z say flexible working hours are ‘non-negotiable’, and 30% demand a salary that suits their lifestyle.

Gen Zers self-belief sets it apart from previous generations

Armed with digital know-how and brimming with creative confidence, Gen Z have the edge to succeed.

• 45% of Gen Z say they have innovative ideas that are business worthy, compared to just 24% of Millennials and only 13% of Gen X.
• On average Gen Z also have a higher amount of available income to invest in a new business (£3,657), compared to Millennials (£2,632).
• 47% of Gen Z would take a DIY approach to their business, rather than hiring experts, compared to 23% of their millennial counterparts and 15% of Generation X.
• 55% say they would use digital apps like Adobe Express to design their own branded materials, which was almost 20% more than other age group
• Almost three quarters (74%) of Gen Z are confident in their digital skills, compared to 65% of millennials and 56% of Gen X.

Entrepreneur Harpreet Kaur embarked on her entrepreneurial journey in her early twenties and is a source of inspiration to those who dare to dream big. Harpreet said: “Starting a business in your twenties is like jumping into a pool without knowing how to swim. It is scary, exhilarating, and you're bound to make mistakes along the way. Often your passion overtakes your inexperience. I threw myself into the deep end when it came to knowing how to do it, but having that self-belief is what kept me going.”

Young adults in the UK are already harnessing their entrepreneurial spirit

Thriving on their independence, Gen Zers are proactive in seeking out commercial opportunities on their own terms.

• 52% of Gen Z have a side hustle - nearly double their Generation X (20%) and Boomer (14%) counterparts.
• Handcrafted Goods (23%), opening a restaurant (22%), and sustainable beauty products (21%) are the most popular small business avenues for this generation.
• Online tutorials (41%), digital apps (40%), and social media (35%) are the top resources Gen Z turns to when starting a business.

Harpreet adds, “The future for startups is so bright and I’m so pleased to see so many of this next generation already on that journey to making it on their own, whether it’s the creative ideas they’ve got brewing or side hustles they have in the works. By embracing new ideas and technologies available to them, the next generation will undoubtedly push the boundaries of what those before them have achieved, and I can't wait to see it.”

Despite being primed for success, 45% of Gen Z say they wished they had more motivation to keep going.

If you’re looking for how to create stand-out social or marketing content for your business, then get started with the thousands of beautiful templates available on Adobe Express.

Next week, Adobe will be giving 10 small businesses the chance to sell their products on London’s busiest shopping street, as part of the latest Small Business Goes Big initiative, powered by Adobe Express. Head to the store at 58 Oxford Street between the 17th and 26th May, to support these small businesses.