MIT Economist: Gen Z Didn't Quit on Careers — The Labor Market Quit on Them

NewsData.io · United States · Sep 1, 2026

MIT Sloan professor emeritus Paul Osterman's new book, 'Disposable Workers,' finds that 35% of the U.S. workforce — more than 55 million people — now falls into 'disposable' work categories including freelancers, contractors, and what he calls 'marginal workers': W-2 employees hired with no expectation of advancement or longevity. Contrary to popular narrative, Osterman's survey of over 6,000 adults found Gen Z's desire for stable careers is unchanged; it's employer behavior and job quality that have shifted. Glassdoor chief economist Daniel Zhao corroborates the findings, noting hiring remains sluggish, burnout mentions in reviews rose 43% year-over-year in May, and workers feel stuck — not disengaged. Osterman warns AI will exacerbate the trend toward disposable labor arrangements by injecting uncertainty that pushes employers toward maximum workforce flexibility.