Understanding the 'Disillusionomics' Phenomenon: How Gen Z Survives Amid Economic Pressures

Jakarta – Changes in the global economic landscape in recent years have not only affected the business world but also how young people view their financial futures. Generation Z now faces an economic reality full of pressures, from rising living costs to prolonged job market uncertainty.

Amid these conditions, a new phenomenon has emerged called “disillusionomics”, a term that describes how Gen Z responds to an economic system deemed no longer aligned with old expectations.

Rather than following conventional paths like seeking stable employment and long-term planning, many of them choose a more flexible and adaptive approach. This concept was introduced by young economist Alice Lassman, who observed new behavioural patterns among her generation.

She believes that Gen Z grew up with repeated crisis experiences, shaping a different outlook on economic stability. “The economic system discussed by their parents will not actually work the same way for them,” said Lassman, as quoted from Fortune on Saturday, 2 May 2026.

According to her, there is a gap between what is taught about the economy and the reality faced by young people today. “I think there is a general feeling among schoolchildren and from the content they consume that things are not working as they should,” she continued.

This situation has prompted many Gen Z individuals to change their financial strategies. Homeownership, retirement, and starting a family are no longer primary realistic goals for some of them.

Instead, they begin to rely on multiple income sources. This phenomenon is evident from the rising trend of having more than one job or income source, from main employment, side jobs, to activities in the digital economy such as becoming content creators or starting small businesses, all utilised to boost income.

This approach makes Gen Z’s financial lives resemble a portfolio, where every activity has the potential to generate money. This method is also influenced by technological developments that enable the monetisation of various aspects of daily life.