The Great Escape: Why Gen Z is Using TEFL to Break Free from the 9 to 5
The traditional 9 to 5 job is starting to feel like an outdated model for many members of Gen Z. With values shifting towards flexibility, purpose-driven work, and the ability to explore the world, today’s young professionals are reimagining what their careers can look like. Enter TEFL: Teaching English as a Foreign Language.
At myTEFL, we’ve seen a major uptick in young adults choosing TEFL not just as a job, but as a lifestyle choice that offers freedom, adventure, and personal growth. Here’s why Gen Z is saying goodbye to the cubicle and hello to the classroom abroad.
Freedom Over Routine
Gen Z grew up in a world of constant connection. They’ve watched their parents work long hours, often under stressful conditions, only to feel unfulfilled. As a result, many Gen Zers are prioritizing flexibility over stability. The idea of being tied to a desk job with limited vacation days and rigid schedules doesn’t appeal to them.
TEFL offers the opposite. With teaching placements available around the globe and many with schedules that allow for travel, exploration, and side projects, TEFL has become a powerful alternative to the 9 to 5 grind. In countries like Thailand, Costa Rica, and South Korea, teachers often work around 20 to 30 hours a week, leaving plenty of time to pursue hobbies, online projects, or further studies.
The Rise of Location Independence
Digital nomad culture is booming, and Gen Z is right at the center of it. While not all TEFL positions are remote, the rise of online English teaching has opened up doors for those who want to work from anywhere. Teaching English online through myTEFL-connected platforms or freelance contracts means you can live in Bali, Lisbon, or Mexico City and still earn a consistent income.
Even for those teaching in person, the experience of living abroad creates a lifestyle that feels far more adventurous and dynamic than life back home. You’re not just working- you’re experiencing new cultures, cuisines, and communities.
Purpose-Driven Work
Gen Z wants their work to matter. Whether it’s environmental impact, social justice, or education, this generation tends to seek roles that align with their values. Teaching English abroad gives them a way to make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
Language opens doors, and TEFL teachers are often at the heart of that transformation. Watching students gain the ability to communicate, pursue international careers, or study overseas thanks to your teaching is incredibly rewarding. For many Gen Zers, that sense of purpose outweighs the perks of a traditional corporate job.
A Launchpad, Not a Lifelong Career
Unlike older generations, Gen Z doesn’t expect to stick to one job—or even one field—for their entire lives. TEFL fits perfectly into this mindset. It can be a short-term adventure, a few years of meaningful work, or the start of something bigger.
Some of our myTEFL grads go on to careers in education, international development, or digital entrepreneurship. Others use the time abroad to build portfolios, study new languages, or develop side businesses. TEFL provides a soft landing into adulthood, one that’s structured enough to offer security, but open-ended enough to allow exploration.
Affordable Entry Point to Global Living
One major barrier to international travel or working abroad is cost. But TEFL flips that script. With a relatively low upfront investment in certification, new teachers can quickly find paid positions overseas—often with housing included.
Through myTEFL, we not only offer accredited and affordable certification courses, but also job placement assistance and support in countries around the world. For Gen Zers looking to live abroad without breaking the bank, this is an unbeatable option. You get paid to live overseas, rather than spending thousands just to backpack for a few months.
Real-Life Skills in a Globalized World
Beyond adventure, TEFL equips Gen Z with skills that are valuable across industries. Teaching requires communication, adaptability, public speaking, time management, and cultural sensitivity. These are soft skills that employers around the world increasingly value.
As globalization continues to shape the workforce, having international experience on your resume is a huge plus. A year teaching in Vietnam or Spain doesn’t just show you’re well-traveled—it shows you’re resourceful, open-minded, and capable of handling real-world challenges.
The Community Element
Another underrated reason Gen Z is drawn to TEFL is the community. Teaching abroad means connecting with other travelers, expats, and locals who are often just as curious and adventurous. Whether it’s through myTEFL’s alumni network, local expat meetups, or shared housing, many teachers build lifelong friendships along the way.
For a generation that values connection—both online and in person—this sense of community is a huge draw. It makes the world feel a little smaller and a lot more welcoming.
Ready for Your Own Great Escape?
Whether you’re looking to escape the 9 to 5 for a year, a few years, or forever, TEFL offers a gateway to something different. If you’re craving travel, growth, and meaningful work, teaching English abroad might be the answer you’ve been searching for.
At myTEFL, we’re here to make that journey easier. From flexible certification options to guaranteed job placements in exciting destinations, we help Gen Zers build lives that don’t follow the usual script—and that’s exactly the point.
Let us help you break free from the ordinary and step into a world of opportunity.