Generation Z in the periphery: career prospects for young people from the periphery in the job market

Purpose Our goal was to understand the career perspectives of Generation Z youth from peripheral areas in the labor market of Rio de Janeiro/Brazil. Design/methodology/approach We used a qualitative, exploratory approach, conducting semi-structured interviews with 16 Generation Z youths participating in a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in Rio de Janeiro, and applied content analysis to interpret the data. Findings The results revealed that the career perspectives of peripheral youth involve three phases: acceptance out of necessity, the search for growth and stability, and migration. Initially, these young people take informal and precarious jobs out of necessity. Over time, they seek qualifications, financial stability, and better working conditions. After achieving this stability, many wish to migrate to areas more aligned with their affinities, maintaining an optimistic outlook and aspiring to positions they identify with. Originality/value This study makes an original contribution by addressing the trajectories of young people from Generation Z in the peripheral areas of Rio de Janeiro, revealing how they face structural barriers in accessing the job market. Based on their accounts, we propose a three-phase career trajectory model that reflects adaptive strategies in the face of informality and exclusion.