- 31% of Canadian Gen Z workers already have or are considering a side hustle to increase their financial security (49%)
- 49% have changed roles 2 or 3 times in the past three years, and 44% cite higher salary as their main motivator for switching roles
- 61% believe AI will reshape their careers, accelerating the shift toward portfolio paths
New research from International Workplace Group (IWG), the world’s largest platform for work and provider of flexible workspace, reveals that Gen Z professionals are rethinking their careers, embracing flexible, AI-enabled and multi-income pathways to build long-term earning potential.
AI is not just another wave of innovation – it is part of one of the most profound shifts in how we live and work in decades. The pace of change is extraordinary, with entire job functions being reshaped in real time and new ones emerging just as quickly. As a result, younger workers are increasingly moving away from traditional linear careers in favour of more agile and diversified “portfolio careers” that combine multiple roles, side hustles and entrepreneurial ventures.
The IWG research suggests a new career model is emerging, where success increasingly depends not only on technical skills, but also on adaptability, entrepreneurial thinking and the ability to work alongside rapidly evolving technologies.
Based on research among Gen Z professionals across Canada, the study shows that 31 per cent already have – or are considering – a side hustle, with nearly half (49%) motivated by the need to earn extra income and achieve greater financial security amid rising living costs, inflation and student debt.
The Rise of Portfolio Careers
Rather than relying on a single employer or role, Gen Z is increasingly building “portfolio careers,” combining multiple income streams to future-proof their work in an uncertain economic and technological landscape. This shift is closely tied to the growing influence of AI, with 61 per cent believing it will reshape their careers. In response, young professionals are proactively developing new skills and diversifying their income sources to stay adaptable as roles continue to evolve.
This trend further reflects a broader shift in the future of work: as AI increasingly handles technical and repeatable tasks, human capabilities – such as creativity, collaboration, adaptability and leadership – become even more valuable.
Career mobility driven by earning power
Earning potential remains a key driver. Among those who have changed roles in the past three years, 44 per cent say their main motivation was securing a higher salary and 49 per cent changed roles two to three times during this period. However, Gen Z is not simply climbing traditional career ladders. Instead, many are adopting “career lily pads,” which involves strategically moving between roles, industries and projects to increase earning potential and stay ahead of financial commitments such as rent, bills and student loan repayments.
Gen Zs reject the commute
For younger workers, the traditional long commute is increasingly seen as outdated. Many want to work closer to home from professional workspaces using technology that allows them to collaborate, network and build their careers without spending hours travelling each day.
Hybrid and flexible working are enabling this shift by giving young professionals greater control over their time. Forty per cent of Gen Z hybrid workers say hybrid work reduces commuting time, freeing up hours they can reinvest in personal projects or additional income streams. Thirty per cent say it enables collaboration with professionals outside their primary industry, while 27 per cent say it allows them to test new career paths without leaving their main role.
The move away from long daily commutes is also being reinforced by the next generation entering the workforce. Global research from IWG shows that three quarters (75%) of Gen Alpha (aged 11–17) say eliminating wasted travel time will be fundamental to how they structure their working day.**
This shift towards working closer to home is leading to the rapid growth of professional local workspaces. International Workplace Group’s added well over 1,100 locations in 2025 and achieved its highest ever revenue, as demand grows for flexible workspaces in suburbs and smaller towns.
Christian Schmitz, CEO of International Workplace Group, said: “Gen Z is entering the workforce in a time of pivotal change. With AI rapidly reshaping industries and job roles, Gen Z is adapting by developing new skills, building multiple income streams and creating portfolio careers that strengthen their value proposition.
They are an ambitious and hardworking generation, and more flexible ways of working is helping them to unlock greater potential. By reducing long daily commutes and allowing people to work closer to home; it gives young professionals the ability to upskill, collaborate and unlock new opportunities.”
Source : International Workplace Group (IWG)
