Members of Generation Z have sometimes been labeled as "lazy" employees whom a company would quickly fire. But one determined Gen Zer is shattering this stereotype by planning to retire in her 30s.
In the U.S., the average retirement age is 64, with state averages ranging from 61 to 67. But Jane, 25, is set to retire three decades "early" by living below her means, working two full-time jobs and experimenting with various side hustles.
She was laid off from her job as an email marketing specialist in August, but she continues working as a call center representative. On October 21, her Instagram video, titled "3 things I will NEVER regret doing in my 20s to upgrade my finances," went viral, receiving 1.8 million views and over 30,000 likes.
"For years, I've lived below my means by having roommates, living with my parents, barely eating out and rarely buying new clothes. Most of my wardrobe consists of hand-me-downs from my cousin, mom and friends," the Toronto-based micro-influencer told Newsweek. "I kept a very strict budget in my early 20s and automated my savings and investments."
In the video, Jane explains how her investments will enable her to retire 20 years earlier than average. Her approach aligns with broader generational trends: According to YouGov's 2024 U.S. generational wealth trends report, 34 percent of Gen Zers believe starting a business is the best way to build wealth, compared with 39 percent of the general population, who favor property investment.
Jane told her followers she doesn't regret "trying and failing" at numerous small-business ideas. Despite some losses, she has ultimately earned more by experimenting. She concludes her video by emphasizing the importance of trying new things to discover passions.
"My idea of retirement aligns more with the "barista FIRE" concept, which means I plan on having nontraditional streams of income that just aren't tied to a 9-5. My goal is mainly to be work-flexible and work-optional so that I can take breaks when I want to, work part time, freelance, monetize my hobbies such as content creation and art.
"In addition to passion projects, I want to focus more on my physical and mental health, which have been largely neglected during my early 20s in my pursuit of FIRE."
What Is 'Barista FIRE'?
Riani Kenyon, an anthropologist and behavioral analyst at market researcher Canvas8, explained that FIRE stands for financial independence, retire early.
She told Newsweek: "Barista FIRE is a variation for those who want to leave full-time work while covering expenses through investments and part-time income. It's about balancing financial stability with greater personal freedom and avoiding burnout from traditional employment."
Why Does Barista FIRE Appeal to Gen Z?
Kenyon went on: "Gen Xers are known for their enlightened approach to work-life balance, prioritizing personal fulfillment and well-being over traditional career paths. However, research reveals that many Gen Zers still struggle to openly discuss work-related well-being issues.
"They are statistically more likely than other generations to turn to binge drinking as a way of coping with work-related stress, and studies show that even participation in employer-led mental health initiatives often yields no better outcomes than for those who do not take part," she said.
Barista FIRE offers an alternative, allowing those born between 1997 and 2012 to step back from full-time employment and embrace a lifestyle that prioritizes balance and purpose, escaping the grind altogether.
Instagram Reacts
Despite her ambitious plans, Jane has faced criticism. One Instagram user commented, "This seems depressing. Where's the time to create, make art or do things you love? This just feels like working nonstop. How aren't you tired?"
Jane told Newsweek: "Negative backlash is inevitable when the goal seems ambitious and not worth it. I'm confident I'll hit my goal.
"I know that I value my time and independence in the long run more than the immediate gratification, and living frugally naturally aligns with my values: I don't like buying new things anyways because I hate clutter/environmental waste, I enjoy cooking, etcetera."
Many users, however, found her video inspiring. One commenter wrote, "I was considering moving out for more freedom, but this was my sign to stick to my plan."
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