The traditional career ladder may be losing some of its appeal for Gen Z.
More young people are choosing entrepreneurship instead — and AI is dramatically lowering the barrier to getting started.
About 23% of Americans aged 18–34 ran a business or side project in 2025, while entrepreneurial activity among 18–24-year-olds has more than doubled over the past decade.
And AI is becoming part of the startup toolkit.
According to Gusto data cited by Yahoo Finance, 71% of Gen Z entrepreneurs who launched businesses in 2025 used AI during the startup process. Many used it for ideation, administration and operations.
What’s particularly interesting: these founders aren’t necessarily creating AI companies.
Many are building businesses in hospitality, retail, agriculture, recreation and skilled trades — using AI behind the scenes while focusing on work that still requires a strong human or physical component.
AI may not just change jobs.
It could also create a generation that questions whether they need a traditional job in the first place.
#GenZ #Entrepreneurship #AI #FutureOfWork #Startups #SmallBusiness
More young people are choosing entrepreneurship instead — and AI is dramatically lowering the barrier to getting started.
About 23% of Americans aged 18–34 ran a business or side project in 2025, while entrepreneurial activity among 18–24-year-olds has more than doubled over the past decade.
And AI is becoming part of the startup toolkit.
According to Gusto data cited by Yahoo Finance, 71% of Gen Z entrepreneurs who launched businesses in 2025 used AI during the startup process. Many used it for ideation, administration and operations.
What’s particularly interesting: these founders aren’t necessarily creating AI companies.
Many are building businesses in hospitality, retail, agriculture, recreation and skilled trades — using AI behind the scenes while focusing on work that still requires a strong human or physical component.
AI may not just change jobs.
It could also create a generation that questions whether they need a traditional job in the first place.
#GenZ #Entrepreneurship #AI #FutureOfWork #Startups #SmallBusiness

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