I'm a 22-year-old business owner working 2 jobs while going to school and I'm really tired of my generation being called lazy

Sat, 04/15/2023 - 10:24

I Am Candle Co. owner Arielle Artist — The 22-year-old business owner has navigated the balancing act of her busy work life, and she's not OK with being labeled as a lazy Gen Zer.
Courtesy of Arielle

I've been working since I was 15 years old to put myself through school and fund my business ventures.
I own and operate my own candle company while virtually attending graduate school.
I also have two jobs, so I'm not sure how Gen Z can be stereotyped as a lazy generation.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Dallas-based Arielle Artist, a 22-year-old graduate student and founder of I Am Candle Co. It has been edited for length and clarity.

Work has been a big part of my life since I was a teenager. It's helped fund goals that I once dreamed of accomplishing, and right now I'm working more than ever to build the future I want for myself.