In today’s world, many employers are facing the same challenge: young workers leaving jobs after only a few months. In the past, people used to stay in one company for many years, sometimes until retirement. But today, things have changed. Young people, especially those in their 20s and early 30s, are more likely to quit if a job does not meet their needs. This trend is seen all around the world, including here in Rwanda.
But why is this happening? Why do young people move from one job to another so quickly? Let us look at the main reasons.
- Expectations Do Not Match Reality
When young people apply for a job, the description often sounds exciting. The interview may make the company look modern and full of opportunities. But once they start working, they sometimes find the opposite. The work can feel boring, repetitive, or not what they expected.
For example, someone might be hired as a “marketing assistant” expecting to work on creative campaigns. Instead, they spend most of the day doing paperwork or making calls. When reality does not match the expectation, many young people prefer to leave rather than stay unhappy.
- Low Pay and Limited Benefits
Another reason is money. Many entry-level jobs do not pay enough for young people to cover their needs, especially in cities where the cost of living is high. Rent, transport, food, and personal expenses are often greater than the salary.
Young people today also compare themselves with friends who may be earning better in other companies. When they see that they are being underpaid, they quickly look for another job. In short, if the pay does not meet their needs, they do not feel guilty about leaving.
- Lack of Career Growth
For many young workers, a job is not just about earning money. It is also about building skills and growing professionally. They want to see a clear path: starting small, but with chances to move up, get promotions, or learn new skills.
When they feel stuck in one position with no training, no guidance, and no opportunities to grow, they lose motivation. Instead of staying in a dead-end job, they move on to search for something that helps them develop.
- Work-Life Balance
Young people today value their health, free time, and personal lives more than ever before. If a job takes away all their time, they start to feel burned out. Long working hours, weekend shifts, and pressure from managers can make them quit quickly.
They want to work hard, but they also want time to rest, to spend with friends and family, or to work on personal projects. A job that ignores work-life balance is not attractive to the youth.
- Workplace Culture and Environment
The environment at work also matters. If the office has a toxic culture with poor leadership, bullying, disrespect, or unfair treatment, young workers will not stay. Unlike older generations who often stayed in difficult situations because they felt they had no choice, young people today are more willing to leave.
They want a workplace where they feel respected, supported, and motivated. A positive environment with teamwork and good leadership keeps them longer. A toxic one makes them leave after a few months.
- Desire for Meaningful Work
This generation of workers wants more than just a paycheck. They want jobs that connect with their passions and values. Many young people ask themselves: “Am I making a difference here? Does this work matter to me?”
If the answer is no, they may lose interest very fast. For example, a young person passionate about technology may not enjoy a job that has nothing to do with innovation. They would rather leave and search for something that feels meaningful.
- Easy Access to Opportunities
In the past, finding a new job was difficult. People depended only on newspaper ads or word of mouth. Today, things are different. With social media, online job platforms, and strong networks, young people can easily find new opportunities.
Because of this, they do not feel “trapped” in one place. If they see a better offer on LinkedIn, WhatsApp groups, or job websites, they can apply quickly and move on
- A Stage of Exploration
Finally, it is important to remember that many young people are still exploring. They are in the early stage of their careers, and they may not know exactly what they want to do. Quitting one job for another is sometimes a way of testing different industries and roles. Through this process, they learn what they enjoy and what they do not.
Conclusion
The trend of young people quitting jobs after a few months is not just about being impatient. It is a sign that the workplace is changing. Young workers want more than just money; they want growth, balance, respect, and meaning.
For employers, this is a challenge but also an opportunity. Companies that create fair salaries, clear career growth, healthy work environments, and meaningful roles will find it easier to keep young talent. Those that ignore these needs may continue to lose workers quickly.
In the end, the message is clear: young people value their time and energy. If a job does not help them grow or make them feel valued, they will not hesitate to quit and search for something better.
Brenna AKARABO
RADIOTV10
