Finding a job is difficult, 9X laments being 'left behind' in the race with Gen Z

Many recent social media posts discuss the difficulties of 9X when finding a job. Some say they are being left behind in the competition with Gen Z.

Illustration: Tuoi Tre Cuoi

There are frank opinions that 9X job seekers are no longer prioritized by employers. They are considered to lack the ability to adapt to the technology era, lack enthusiasm and find it difficult to work in an online environment.

Which generation does not grow old?

The controversy seemed to reach a climax when a famous entrepreneur on social media bluntly rejected a 9X generation candidate despite having a "cool" CV. Many people of the 9X generation felt dissatisfied because of this.

Anh Anh Duong (32 years old, Vung Tau City) felt sorry for himself: "The 9X generation suddenly became a generation in between, not old but not young either. So many unfinished plans, not even knowing what to eat tomorrow morning, how can we plan for the future?".

Mr. Nhat Duy (35 years old, Ho Chi Minh City) was upset: "Before, people criticized Gen Z, now they say it's hard for 9X to find a job. So, in the end, is there a problem with every generation?"

Nickname Ms. Hanh argued that she was born in 1991 but can be close to 7X, 8X brothers and sisters, and is also playing with 2k5 (2005), 2k10 (2010), so why say 9X is backward?

Ms. Ha (a teacher in Binh Duong) also agreed: "I am an early 9X generation, regularly updating technology in teaching, supporting seniors in designing lessons, and still following trends on TikTok. Where is it behind?".

Many others think that this may just be a clickbait headline to attract interactions. Or simply an argument of employers who like to hire young employees with low salaries.

Ms. Tran Vi said frankly: "Employers value young people with no experience because they can easily exploit their efforts, then pay them low salaries with the excuse of lack of experience."

Meanwhile, Mr. Vi Khang thinks that 9X people have a hard time finding jobs because low-paying, heavy jobs do not attract them. "They know their worth. Low pay, heavy work, indiscriminate overtime or empty promises make not only 9X people but also young, talented Gen Z people hesitate," said Mr. Vi Khang.

The topic of career opportunities for 9X is being hotly discussed on social networks - Illustration: KIM ANH

Be proactive in upgrading yourself when looking for a job.

Ms. Thuong (Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City) said that 9X or even 8X still possess valuable professional skills, accumulated through experience, that artificial intelligence (AI) cannot replace.

Instead of thinking about having to learn from scratch, why don't 9Xers add new skills and combine them effectively? Because there are 9X workers who have made good use of AI to increase their income.

Phuc Le pointed out the misconception that older people are no longer enthusiastic. "If they can complete their work more efficiently and leisurely, why do they have to try to show off their enthusiasm?", Phuc Le asked.

So instead of blaming the generation, companies should also review the way they allocate work and the working environment.

Ms. Thanh Tam said that if a 9X is fired, the important thing is to change their mindset and be ready to return to their 20s, even though it is not easy to give up their familiar lifestyle to go to a safe zone, including their personal ego.

That means redoing your CV, portfolio, updating your LinkedIn, and even accepting an internship at 30 if necessary.

"Therefore, the best way to avoid being passive when looking for a job is to continuously update necessary skills so that you have the right to choose your job instead of letting the job choose you," Ms. Tam shared.

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/tim-viec-kho-khan-9x-than-bi-bo-roi-trong-cuoc-dua-voi-gen-z-20250318022253829.htm