The Meaning of “Career Success” for the Alpha Generation: A Narrative Study of Young People Entering the Workforce in the Hybrid Era
Keywords:
Generation Alpha, Narrative Study, Workforce, Hybrid Era, Career SuccessAbstract
This qualitative study explores how Generation Alpha (born 2010–2024) defines career success as they enter the hybrid workforce through part-time or gig roles. Using life-history interviews with 15 early Gen Alpha workers (aged 14–18), the research reveals that their perceptions of success prioritize flexibility, digital literacy, and purpose-driven work over traditional metrics like salary or job titles. Thematic analysis identified three key themes: (1) success as autonomy in work-life boundaries, (2) success tied to mastery of digital tools, and (3) alignment between personal values and employer ethics. These findings challenge conventional HR frameworks, suggesting that organizations must adapt career development programs to accommodate Gen Alpha’s distinct expectations. The study contributes to generational theory and hybrid work literature by highlighting the evolving intersection of technology, identity, and labor.
References
Bailey, D. E., & Kurland, N. B. (2022). Alternative work arrangements: Two images of the new world of work. Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior, 9, 473–499. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-orgpsych-012420-090843
Chudzikowski, K., Demel, B., & Mayrhofer, W. (2021). Career transitions and their causes: A meta-analysis. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 126, 103510. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2020.103510
De Stefano, V., Durri, I., Stylogiannis, C., & Wouters, M. (2024). Sustainable HRM in the platform economy. Human Resource Management Review, 34(1), 100987. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hrmr.2023.100987
Duffy, B. E., Ang, P. H., & O'Regan, J. P. (2021). Platformized cultural production. *Social Media + Society, 7*(2). https://doi.org/10.1177/20563051211021524
Hall, D. T. (2021). Protean careers in the 21st century. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 126, 103477. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2020.103477
Hurth, V., Gore, T., & Dillard, J. (2023). Generation Alpha and climate-conscious careers. Futures, 145, 103102. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.futures.2023.103102
Mayrhofer, W., Meyer, M., & Steyrer, J. (2021). Decolonizing career theory and practice: Creating space for voices at the margins. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 126, 103491. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2020.103491
Ng, T. W. H., Eby, L. T., Sorensen, K. L., & Feldman, D. C. (2020). Predictors of objective and subjective career success: A meta-analysis. Personnel Psychology, 73(1), 177–216. https://doi.org/10.1111/peps.12385
Parker, S. K., Knight, C., & Ohly, S. (2024). Digital divides in future work. Nature Human Behaviour, 8(3), 301–315. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-023-01791-7
Srnicek, N. (2023). Platform capitalism and the future of work. New Political Economy, 28(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1080/13563467.2023.2185640
Turner, A. (2023). Generation Alpha: Understanding the next wave of workers. Futures, 145, 103075. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.futures.2023.103075
