“When others complain that ‘Gen Z doesn’t want to work,’ I immediately cringe.

So, Internet, welcome toGen Z Journals.

I’m an optician for an independent eyecare professional and am getting paid $18.50/hr.

Group of joyful friends taking a selfie outdoors

We spend around $300 to $400 per week.

When others complain that “Gen Z doesn’t want to work,” I immediately cringe.

I wrestle with this concept continually.

Collage with various texts including "Gen Z", "journal", and snippets of different notes and messages

But recently, I’ve been struggling with insomnia and only sleep three to four hours a night.

I am married to my husband.

Currently, I am facing my own anxiety and depression.

Split image of a woman; left with styled hair and makeup, right looking upset without makeup. Text: "Expectation vs Reality."

I hope I will hold onto faith and see a breakthrough in my mental health in 2024.

I also hope we can move back to North Carolina by the end of the year.

I think I would feel more supported by my community if I let them.

Image of a crumpled paper with topics like occupation, money, and relationships listed as discussion points

Community is a tricky subject.

I absolutely feel like that.

I married young, didn’t finish college, and started a full-time job soon after dropping out.

The word "occupation" in cut-out multicolored letters on crumpled paper

I know that’s a little low, but it gives me hope that others feel like I do.

But I’m trying.

Life is really not that glamorous right now, but I’m not quitting.

Cut-out letters spelling "Money" on wrinkled paper background

And that’s what matters.

Note: This submission has been edited for length and/or clarity.

Summary of a receipt with weekly expenses including doctor's visit and groceries, totaling $340.00

Guest check with handwritten life goals like owning a home and saving for the future

Dollar bill with handwritten quote expressing doubt about future events

Cut-out letters on wrinkled paper spell "Daily to do list"

Handwritten to-do list with tasks like driving, working, eating, and a reminder to go to bed

A hand holding a pink container filled with banana slices, whole blueberries, and chocolate chunks, with visible liquid

Long-haired cat on a dresser with plush toys on shelves and scattered items around the room

Cut-out letters on crumpled paper spell 'Relationship'

Two heart-shaped candies with phrases "I LIKE DOING NOTHING WITH YOU" and "NOTHING DOING WITH YOU, TOO"

Cut-out letters on wrinkled paper spell "changes & challenges."

A disc golf basket in a park and a person's leg with a pink shoe resting on a bench, indicating the hobby of disc golf

The word "Community" in mixed font cutouts on crumpled paper

Boarding pass for a flight from Texas to North Carolina on BuzzFeed Air with a discount

The image shows crumpled paper with cutout letters stating, "Do you feel like you're not where you're supposed to be?"

CD case with handwritten labels saying "SONGS THAT HELP COURTNEY GET THROUGH LIFE…"

Handwritten song titles and artist names on a blank CD, including "Car Radio" and "Daylight."