Idealisme vs. Pragmatisme: Eksplorasi determinan pilihan karier pada lulusan Gen Z di tengah ketidakpastian ekonomi dan ancaman resesi

Wiwin Trisnasari, Wiwi Isnaeni, Djuniadi Djuniadi, Ani Rusilowati

Abstract

Generasi Z memasuki pasar tenaga kerja dengan idealisme tinggi mengenai kebermaknaan kerja, namun aspirasi ini berbenturan dengan realitas ketidakpastian ekonomi global. Studi ini mengeksplorasi mekanisme trade-off psikologis antara idealisme dan pragmatisme karier. Melalui pendekatan Studi Kasus Deskriptif kualitatif terhadap 25 lulusan universitas, data dikumpulkan melalui angket terstruktur dan wawancara mendalam (in-depth interview) guna menangkap pola preferensi sekaligus narasi pengalaman karier secara holistik. Hasil analisis mengungkap adanya disonansi kognitif yang signifikan, di mana tekanan ekonomi menempatkan keamanan finansial sebagai Pre-Potent Goal. Konsekuensinya, Gen Z mengadopsi Strategi Karier Kompensatori dengan menunda aspirasi idealis demi stabilitas pragmatis jangka pendek sebagai bentuk penghindaran risiko (risk aversion). Penelitian ini merekomendasikan industri untuk merekonstruksi employer branding dengan menekankan jaminan stabilitas kerja dan menempatkan Work-Life Balance sebagai Hygiene Factor non-negosiasi; studi ini merekomendasikan integrasi literasi finansial dan strategi karier dua fase dalam kurikulum pendidikan tinggi, sekaligus memperkaya Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) melalui penekanan peran hambatan makroekonomi dalam keputusan karier Gen Z.

 

 

Abstract: Generation Z enters the labor market with strong ideals about meaningful work, yet these aspirations conflict with the realities of global economic uncertainty. This study explores the psychological trade-off between career idealism and pragmatism. Using a qualitative descriptive case study involving 25 university graduates, data were collected through structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews to capture patterns of career preferences and narratives of career experiences holistically. The findings reveal pronounced cognitive dissonance, as economic pressures position financial security as a prepotent goal. Consequently, Generation Z adopts a compensatory career strategy by postponing idealistic aspirations in favor of short-term pragmatic stability as a form of risk aversion. This study recommends that employers redesign their employer branding strategies by emphasizing job security and positioning work-life balance as a non-negotiable hygiene factor. It also recommends integrating financial literacy and two-stage career planning strategies into higher education curricula while extending Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) by emphasizing the role of macroeconomic constraints in Generation Z’s career decisions.

Keywords

Generasi Z; Dilema Karier; Idealisme vs Pragmatisme; Ketidakpastian Ekonomi; Strategi Kompensatori

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.20961/jdc.v10i2.112631

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