“I think for this generation, there’s more prestige in being really good at what you do versus being in charge of people,” said Nora Jenkins Townson, the founder of HR consultancy Bright + Early. “I think we’ve grown up with a lot of the stories of the bad boss or really directional or authoritative leadership styles, and I think that younger generations are more critical of that.”
Gen Z favours non-management roles for balance
Figures from a Robert Half survey conducted in March 2025 found that while some gen Z workers still want promotions into management roles, about half do not. The survey, which questioned 835 Canadian professionals, shows about 39% of gen Z workers were interested in management roles, with the next highest percentage coming from millennials at 34%.
According to the survey results, about 50% of gen Z workers would prefer a promotion into a role where they are not managing others. That preference declines among older generations, with the next highest coming in at 44% among gen X workers.
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One of the main reasons many gen Z workers favour non-management roles is a focus on work-life balance, said Tara Parry, director of permanent placement services at Robert Half Canada. Of those who indicated a preference in the survey to remain in non-management roles, 51% said they can maintain their work-life balance in their current role.
“When they look at people leadership roles, they realize that tenuous balance of work and life can really be quickly put out of whack when you’re responsible for other people,” she said.
Companies face manager gap amid shifting career goals
With more workers choosing different paths, Parry said there is a “huge shortage” in candidates for management, noting the trend was already starting to be noticeable 10 years ago at executive levels.
For companies navigating the shorter supply of managers, she said it could help to recognize leadership qualities early in people’s careers and begin to support those individuals with training and development to foster their skills.
“Sometimes people don’t want to put their hand up to go into leadership because they feel like we often don’t train people to be managers or people leaders until they’re already in the seat,” Parry said. “If we start training people before they’re even in that role … I think more people would be willing to put their hands up because they feel ready for it versus taking a risk for it.”
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For those choosing not to take on manager responsibilities, it may mean specializing to a greater degree. “For gen Z specifically, or for anyone who doesn’t want to advance in leadership, it just means you’re likely going to be more skill-specific and focus on a very niche area that you want to specialize in, and those opportunities absolutely do exist,” said Char Stark, manager of people and growth at Beacon HR.
Career advancement no longer tied only to leadership
Jenkins Townson said there are also often opportunities for people in non-manager roles to help junior employees. “Organizations can design career paths for individual contributors where they’re able to coach and mentor people potentially in that specific skill or without being responsible for their career growth or management overall,” she said.
The change in perspective has led to some organizations making structural changes. In 2023, Shopify Inc. revamped its staffing and compensation model to split staff into two career tracks: managers and crafters, with equivalent compensation for both tracks. The company said at the time the model would reward people for their impact regardless of whether they manage people or not, while bucking the trend of companies only incentivizing and rewarding managers.
With more younger workers interested in differing forms of career advancement, Parry said many companies have “done well to create career paths for people that don’t include team leadership.” Those roles can sometimes take the shape of a change in the size or scope of an employee’s client list or becoming a subject matter expert within an organization, she said.
She said Robert Half allows employees to earn more senior titles, but ones that are not always associated with leading others. Parry said a lot of larger companies have been doing this for “quite some time already.”
“I think organizations have become quite savvy that in order to keep your workforce fulfilled and feeling like they’re growing, there has to be other options because you can’t just move everybody up into management,” she said.
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How cannabis is quietly reshaping Mardi Gras culture, as millennials trade hurricanes for THC seltzers and balanced Carnival experiences.
For generations, Mardi Gras in New Orleans has been synonymous with exuberant parades, bead throws, brass bands, and free-flowing alcohol. From the krewes rolling down St. Charles Avenue to the packed revelry of Bourbon Street, the Carnival season has long been fueled by hurricanes, hand grenades, and go-cups carried through the French Quarter. But as cultural attitudes shift and younger generations redefine celebration, cannabis is quietly reshaping Mardi Gras culture. Marijuana, hemp, cod and low-alcohol alternatives are quietly reshaping how people experience the greatest free show on Earth.
Mardi Gras traces its roots to medieval Europe and Catholic traditions marking the last indulgence before Lent. When the celebration arrived in Louisiana in the 18th century, it evolved into a uniquely New Orleans blend of pageantry, music, and community. Over time, drinking became embedded in the festivities. Public consumption laws in New Orleans—famously permissive compared to most U.S. cities—helped cement the image of Carnival as a marathon of cocktails and street parties stretching from Twelfth Night to Fat Tuesday.
Yet today’s younger revelers are changing the script. Gen Z and many millennials are drinking less than previous generations, driven by wellness trends, mental health awareness, and a desire for more mindful social experiences. Instead of chasing the next sugary daiquiri, many are opting for cannabis products, THC-infused beverages, and low-ABV cocktails allowing them to stay present and energized through long parade days.
The rise of cannabis culture—particularly in legal states and through hemp-derived THC beverages available in parts of the South—has introduced alternatives aligning with these preferences. Lightly dosed THC seltzers and cannabis mocktails offer a social buzz without the heavy hangover, while low-alcohol spritzes and bitters-based drinks provide flavor and ritual without excess. For many, this shift reflects a broader move toward balance rather than abstinence.
Safety is another factor shaping this new era. Mardi Gras crowds can swell into the hundreds of thousands, with shoulder-to-shoulder conditions along parade routes and in the Vieux Carré. Lower alcohol consumption can mean greater situational awareness, fewer medical incidents, and a more comfortable experience navigating dense crowds. Public health experts have long noted excessive drinking contributes to accidents and altercations at large events; a moderation-minded approach may help reduce these risks.
None of this means the end of traditional revelry. The sound of a trumpet echoing down Royal Street, the cry of “Throw me something, mister!” and the joy of catching beads under a balcony in the Quarter remain unchanged. But alongside the classic purple, green, and gold festivities, a quieter transformation is underway. Younger celebrants are embracing options letting them laissez les bons temps rouler—let the good times roll—without sacrificing well-being.
As Mardi Gras continues to evolve, cannabis and low-alcohol beverages are becoming part of the cultural mosaic, offering new ways to celebrate while honoring the spirit of Carnival. In a city which thrives on reinvention, this subtle shift may be just another chapter in New Orleans’ long tradition of adapting the party to the times.
DEA’s new effort to turn the tide on cannabis targets kids as public support for legalization and medical marijuana continues to rise nationwide.
In a case of a lesson in futility, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is launching another expensive effort against marijuana. The DEA’s new effort to turn the tide on cannabis is focused squarely on children and teens. The agency has unveiled a new youth-oriented education initiative designed to warn young people about the perceived risks of marijuana use, framing cannabis as a public health concern at a moment when national attitudes have never been more permissive.
According to the DEA, the program is meant to counter what it views as a normalization of cannabis driven by legalization, commercialization, and pop culture. Educational materials aimed at schools, parents, and community groups emphasize potential impacts on brain development, mental health, and academic performance. Officials argue today’s high-potency products present new risks young people may not fully understand, and they say prevention must start early.
The challenge for the agency is that it is swimming against a powerful cultural and political current. Cannabis is now legal for medical use in a majority of states and legal for adult recreational use in many of them. Polling consistently shows 88% of the public supports some form of legal marijuana, whether medical, recreational, or both. That support extends beyond voters to major medical organizations that acknowledge cannabis has therapeutic value when used appropriately and under medical supervision.
Medical marijuana is commonly prescribed for chronic pain, nausea associated with chemotherapy, multiple sclerosis symptoms, epilepsy, and PTSD. For many patients, cannabis is seen as a safer alternative to opioids or other pharmaceuticals with well-documented risks. Public health researchers also frequently point out that cannabis compares favorably to alcohol, which is legal nationwide despite its strong links to liver disease, addiction, impaired driving, and violence. While cannabis is not risk-free, its overall harm profile is widely viewed as lower than alcohol’s, particularly for adults.
Generational attitudes further complicate the DEA’s message. Support for legalization is overwhelming among Gen Z and millennials, who have grown up in an era of dispensaries, regulated products, and open discussion of medical use. More striking is the rapid shift among baby boomers, many of whom now support legalization after decades of opposition, often influenced by personal experience with medical cannabis for pain or age-related conditions.
Critics of the DEA’s new effort argue that education campaigns focused solely on abstinence and fear risk losing credibility with young people who see cannabis as socially accepted and medically legitimate. They say a more effective approach would emphasize honest, science-based information that distinguishes adult use from underage use, acknowledges medical benefits, and places cannabis in context alongside legal substances like alcohol.
As the national conversation continues to evolve, the DEA’s youth-focused campaign highlights a deeper tension in U.S. drug policy: how to protect children without ignoring the overwhelming public consensus that cannabis, in some form, is here to stay.
Young people face many of the same job challenges as older workers, plus some extra ones, like limited work experience. Still, they have one major advantage: time. Younger people have more years to save and invest. If you’re Gen Z and trying to improve your financial future in a shaky economy, starting now can make a big difference.
Economic outlook for Gen Z Canadians
Gen Z includes people born between 1997 and 2012, which closely matches the 15–24 age group used by Statistics Canada. Here’s a snapshot of their financial situation.
High cost of living
Rising prices affect everyone. Inflation, high rent costs, and expensive groceries are putting pressure on young Canadians, just like older ones.
Unemployment
More than 50,000 young people claimed EI in one year alone. This number doesn’t include gig workers, contractors, part-time workers, or others who don’t qualify for EI. That means the real number of unemployed young people is likely higher.
Employment
Even those who are working are struggling. Many hold two or more jobs to keep up with costs. A KOHO survey found that Gen Z’s average monthly income is just $1,083. Nearly half (49%) expect to take on more work in the next year, and 70% say they feel financially unstable or only somewhat stable.
Debt
Younger Canadians generally have less debt than older groups, but the average is still close to $8,500 per person. That’s an increase of 3.84% from the year before, according to Equifax.
Savings and investments
Gen Z doesn’t have much left over to save. The KOHO study found that end-of-month balances averaged just $9 to $16. Still, savings among this group grew by 23% year over year. That effort to save and invest, even with tight finances, is a positive sign for the future.
Gen Z’s long time horizon
When it comes to saving and investing, how long your money stays invested matters just as much as how much you put in. The longer your money sits in an account or investment, the more interest it can earn. This is called a time horizon.
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The magic of compound interest
Compound interest means earning interest on both your original money and the interest it has already earned. For example, here’s what happens if you invest $100 at a 2% interest rate:
Starting amount
Interest earned
Ending amount
Month 1
$100
$2
$102
Month 2
$102
$2.04
$104.04
Month 3
$104.04
$2.08
$106.12
Month 4
$106.12
$2.12
$108.24
Month 5
$108.24
$2.16
$110.40
Savings accounts and GICs are examples of investments that earn compound interest.
Stock market fluctuations
Stocks work differently because their value goes up and down. They’re riskier, but they can also offer higher returns. Having a long time horizon gives your investments more time to recover after market drops.
Tools for young Canadian investors and savers
Most people benefit from having different types of savings and investments for different goals. Here are some common options for young Canadians.
Unregistered accounts: HISAs and GICs
Unregistered accounts don’t have limits on deposits or withdrawals. They work like regular savings or chequing accounts.
The weed pardons sparks Gen Z dispensary boom with 40% licensing surge, fueling a youth-led green rush explosion.
In a seismic shift for the cannabis industry, the current president’s 2026 clemency initiative is handing Gen Z and Millennials the keys to a booming green economy. The administration’s pardons for nonviolent cannabis offenses have erased criminal records for millions, dismantling longstanding barriers to entry. The weed pardons spark Gen Z dispensary boom. This policy pivot is fueling a “Second Green Rush” where young hustlers are launching dispensaries, delivery apps, and pop-up weed vans at a record pace. With Gen Z and Millennials already accounting for roughly 60% percent of U.S. cannabis consumers, they’re perfectly positioned to capitalize on this moment, turning side gigs into seven-figure empires.
The numbers tell a compelling story. Federal data shows licensing applications from under-35 entrepreneurs have surged 40 percent since the pardons took effect in early 2026. In states like Washington and California, where recreational markets are mature, Gen Z founders are flipping the script on traditional dispensaries. Take 24-year-old Seattle native Mia Chen, who transformed her college dropout dreams into a thriving THC delivery service called “BlazeExpress.” Starting with a $5,000 loan and a retrofitted van, Chen now pulls in six figures monthly, delivering curated strain kits to gig workers craving quick, discreet highs after shifts. Stories like hers are going viral on TikTok, where #WeedHustle videos rack up millions of views, blending entrepreneurial flex with cannabis culture.
Photo by smodj/Getty Images
This boom ties directly into broader economic tailwinds. Wall Street analysts predict cannabis market growth hitting 30 percent by year’s end, accelerated by whispers of full federal rescheduling. For debt-saddled Millennials eyeing financial freedom, and risk-loving Gen Zers raised on hustle culture, the pardons offer a rare clean slate. No more background check rejections for jobs or loans—now it’s straight to business plans featuring NFT-backed strain drops and AI-powered budtender apps. In Lynnwood, Washington, local 27-year-old Alex Rivera just opened “Evergreen Pods,” a drive-thru dispensary with low-dose edibles tailored for wellness-focused young professionals. “Trump’s move leveled the playing field,” Rivera says. “We’re not waiting for boomers to retire; this is our lane.”
Critics argue the rush could oversaturate markets, but optimists see innovation. Expect more mobile “weed cafes” parked at music festivals, subscription boxes with celebrity collabs, and VR strain simulators for virtual shopping.
For Gen Z, who prioritize purpose-driven brands, these ventures align with values like sustainability—think hemp-based packaging and regenerative farms. Millennials, meanwhile, bring battle-tested marketing savvy, launching Instagram Live grow sessions doubling as masterclasses.
As January 2026 unfolds, this youth-led explosion isn’t just reshaping cannabis—it’s redefining ambition. With pardons unlocking talent long sidelined by outdated laws, the Second Green Rush proves timing, policy, and grit can turn a plant into prosperity. Will you join the wave? Share your startup dreams in the comments.
Is icky-sticky marijuana really the Chef’s kiss? Discover how Gen Z is redefining cannabis.
Once upon a time, cannabis had a very limited vocabulary. It was either “reefer,” “dope,” or the ever-suspicious “marijuana,” pronounced with a pause that suggested imminent moral collapse. Today, cannabis language has evolved faster than federal policy memos can be printed, and Gen Z and younger millennials are leading the glow-up.
Enter phrases like icky sticky, chef’s kiss, gas, loud, za, and no notes. These aren’t just slang for slang’s sake. They’re cultural shorthand, expressing quality, vibe, and intention in ways that older terminology never could. Saying a strain is “icky sticky” isn’t about stickiness alone. It’s a multisensory review. It implies potency, care in cultivation, and an experience worth savoring. Add a chef’s kiss, and suddenly cannabis is no longer contraband. It’s craft.
This shift mirrors how younger generations talk about almost everything. Food isn’t just good; it’s bussin. Outfits don’t look nice; they eat. Cannabis has followed the same path, moving from secrecy to aesthetic, from shame to shared language. Dispensaries now sound less like pharmacies and more like playlists curated by someone with excellent taste and strong opinions.
Meanwhile, somewhere deep inside a government building with carpet from 1987, an older federal official is still warning about “high-potency marijuana” as if THC just appeared last Tuesday. These are the same voices clinging to terms like “drug abuse” while ignoring that consumers are discussing terpene profiles with the same seriousness once reserved for wine. The disconnect is almost impressive.
Language matters because it reveals mindset. When cannabis is framed with playful, expressive language, it signals normalization. It’s no longer something whispered about in parking lots. It’s something reviewed, ranked, memed, and shared. Gen Z didn’t invent cannabis culture, but they did remix it, adding humor, irony, and an insistence that enjoyment and responsibility can coexist.
Younger millennials bridge the gap, fluent in both worlds. They remember the anxiety of bad weed and worse legal consequences, but they also embrace today’s vocabulary because it reflects reality. Cannabis is part of wellness routines, creative processes, and social rituals. It deserves language that feels alive, not stuck in a cautionary pamphlet.
So yes, the icky sticky can absolutely be the chef’s kiss. Not because it’s funny, though it is, but because it represents a generational shift. Cannabis is no longer defined by fear-based terminology or outdated thinking. It’s defined by experience, expression, and culture.
And if that makes some older policymakers uncomfortable, well… no notes.
At a time when productivity means optimizing every second and screens blur the line between work and home, some people are slowing down and disconnecting by looking to communication devices from the past.
Tactile activities ranging from writing letters and typewriter clubs to TikTok communities showcasing calligraphy skills and wax seals are giving retro writing instruments a resurgence. More than quaint throwbacks, the pursuits provide their enthusiasts with opportunities to reduce their technology use, be more intentional with time and build meaningful connections with others.
“I feel as though my pen pals are my friends. I don’t think of them much differently than if I were chatting with a friend on the phone, in a coffee shop or at another person’s house,” said Melissa Bobbitt, 42, a devoted letter-writer who corresponds with about a dozen people from her home in Claremont, California, and has had up to 40 pen pals at one time. “Focusing on one person and really reading what they are saying, and sharing what’s on your heart is almost like a therapy session.”
Ink, paper and other tools that once were the only way to send a message from afar are continuing to bring people together from around the world. Below, some of them explain the appeal of snail mail and give recommendations for getting started.
Writing can be an escape
In a society shaped by constant availability, hands-on hobbies like writing letters and scrapbooking require focus and patience. The act of picking up a pen, sealing an envelope with wax and laying out pages may yield aesthetically pleasing results, but it also creates a space for reflection.
Stephania Kontopanos, a 21-year-old student in Chicago, said it can be hard to put her phone and computer away, especially when it seems all of her friends and peers are on social media and her classes and personal life revolve around being online.
“There are times when I’m with my friends and at dinner, I’ll realize we are all on our phones,” Kontopanos said, adding that she tries to put her phone down at those moments.
Kontopanos also unplugs consciously by sending postcards to her family and friends, scrapbooking, and junk journaling, which involves repurposing everyday materials like tickets and receipts to document memories or ideas. She says going to the post office has become an activity she does with her mother back home in Kansas and includes sharing stories with the postal workers, people she would not have routinely encountered.
Nostalgia can foster community
Writing and sending letters is nostalgic for KiKi Klassen, who lives in Ontario, Canada. The 28-year-old says it helps her feel more connected to her late mother, who was a member of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers, which represents mail carriers and other postal employees.
In October 2024, Klassen launched the Lucky Duck Mail Club, a subscription-based monthly mail service that sends participants a piece of her art, an inspiring quote and message. She says her membership includes more than 1,000 people across, at most, 36 countries.
“When I sit down, I’m forced to reflect and choose my words carefully,” Klassen said. “It also lends itself to vulnerability because it is easier to write down how you are feeling. I’ve had people write me back and I’ve cried hearing so many touching stories. I think for a lot of people paper creates a safe space. You write it down, send it off and don’t really think about it after.”
For Bobbitt, who has corresponded by mail for years, there is a “grand excitement” when she opens her mailbox and finds something that is not a bill or advertisement. “If we all filled each other’s mailboxes with letters, we would all be kinder and, at the very least, won’t dread checking our mailboxes,” she said.
Bobbitt says she first joined a pen pal club in second or third grade and later was connected to more writers through Postcrossing, an online project that partners people around the world to send and receive postcards. She says some of the postcards turned into letters as friendships grew between her and some other regular writers.
It’s a similar feeling of connection that inspired DJ Robert Owoyele, 34, to create CAYA, a monthly “analog gathering” in Dallas. Owoyele launched the event less than a year ago and has since organized evenings with letter writing, coloring, vinyl listening sessions and other activities.
“We live in a digital age that fosters a false sense of connection, but I think true connection happens in person,” he said. “When we are able to touch or see something, we are more connected to it naturally. These analog activities are a representation of that.”
How to get started
While writing letters and engaging in other vintage pursuits might seem accessible, it is not always easy to get involved. For many people, carving out time to slow down can feel like another obligation in a schedule filled with to-dos.
Kontopanos says she decided it was important for her to reprioritize her time. “The older I get, the more I realize how much time had been wasted on my phone,” she said. Creating space to explore allowed her to discover the hobbies she loved doing enough to make them a priority, she said.
There are many hobbies to consider, some of which don’t require expensive tools or hours of free time. Frequenting spaces where communities centered around these hobbies gather can be a way to learn about the different activities. For example, participating in typewriter clubs such as Type Pals, attending events like the Los Angeles Printers Fair hosted by the International Printing Museum in California, and engaging with social media communities like the Wax Seal Guild on Instagram and The Calligraphy Hub on Facebook.
Klassen says that based on posts she’s seeing on her social media feeds, reviving vintage writing instruments and small tactile pleasures might be on the verge of becoming trendy.
Today, NATO stands on national security and lately social change, as many member nations rethink long-standing policies on cannabis, medicine, and public health.
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was founded in 1949 in the aftermath of World War II, at a moment when much of Europe lay in ruins and geopolitical tensions with the Soviet Union were escalating. Its core purpose was simple but profound: collective defense. Under Article 5 of the NATO treaty, an attack on one member is considered an attack on all, binding countries together through mutual military and political support. Today, NATO stands on national security and lately social change.
For more than seven decades, NATO has served as a cornerstone of transatlantic security, expanding from its original 12 members to 31 countries across North America and Europe. While NATO’s mandate is strictly focused on defense, shared values—such as democracy, rule of law, and individual freedoms—have also played a central role in shaping cooperation among its members. Over time, those shared values have influenced not only military coordination, but also broader social and public-health policies within member states.
One area where this convergence is increasingly visible is cannabis policy.
Historically, most NATO countries followed strict drug prohibition models throughout the Cold War era, influenced by international treaties and domestic concerns about public health and social stability. Cannabis, like most controlled substances, was criminalized across the alliance.
That consensus has changed dramatically over the past 25 years.
Today, a clear majority of NATO member states allow some form of legal cannabis use, most commonly through medical marijuana programs. Countries including Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Greece, and many others permit cannabis for medical purposes under regulated systems. These programs are typically prescribed for chronic pain, cancer-related symptoms, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and other serious conditions.
Canada stands out as the most expansive example, having legalized recreational cannabis nationwide in 2018. While Canada’s policy is not shared by most NATO members, it reflects a broader shift away from criminalization and toward regulation, harm reduction, and public-health oversight.
Across Europe, several NATO countries have adopted partial decriminalization or tolerance policies. The Netherlands has long been known for its regulated cannabis “coffee shop” system, even while production remained technically illegal for decades. Spain permits private cannabis clubs, while Portugal—though not fully legalizing cannabis—decriminalized possession of all drugs in 2001, treating use as a health issue rather than a criminal offense.
More recently, Germany has moved to legalize personal possession and home cultivation for adults, marking one of the most significant cannabis policy shifts within NATO Europe.
Importantly, NATO itself does not set or coordinate drug policy. Each member state retains full sovereignty over its laws. However, the widespread adoption of medical cannabis across the alliance highlights a shared willingness to reevaluate long-standing prohibitions in light of scientific research, patient advocacy, and changing public opinion.
In that sense, NATO countries continue to support one another not only through military commitments, but through a gradual alignment on evidence-based social policy. While cannabis laws still vary widely among members, the overall trend is clear: across the NATO alliance, cannabis is increasingly viewed less as a criminal threat and more as a regulated medical and societal issue.
As public attitudes continue to evolve, cannabis policy may remain a telling indicator of how NATO nations balance tradition, science, and individual liberty—while remaining united on matters of collective security.
Why sewing is the new skill men are quietly mastering—from outdoor gear fixes to smart wardrobe upgrades.
Once dismissed as an old-fashioned or niche skill, it is quickly becoming one of the most unexpected lifestyle trend. Today, sewing is the new skill men are quietly mastering. From garage workshops to apartment kitchens, more guys are threading needles, firing up machines, and discovering that sewing is practical, satisfying, and surprisingly modern.
This isn’t about fashion runways or elaborate costumes. It’s about function, self-reliance, and control—values that resonate strongly with today’s men.
The surge is being driven primarily by Millennials and Gen X men, with Gen Z not far behind. Many of these men grew up watching DIY videos, fixing their own bikes, building furniture, and learning skills online. Sewing fits naturally into that mindset: it’s another tool, another problem-solving skill, another way to avoid throwing something away.
For men in their 30s to 50s especially, sewing hits a sweet spot. It’s hands-on, useful, and productive—without requiring a garage full of tools.
The rise of maker culture has played a huge role. Woodworking, leathercraft, metalwork, and 3D printing have all gone mainstream, and sewing is now firmly part of that ecosystem. Many men start with simple repairs—hemming pants, fixing ripped seams, reinforcing stress points—then move on to custom projects like bags, aprons, or tool rolls.
Sewing appeals to the same instincts as woodworking: precision, planning, and the satisfaction of making something that lasts.
One of the biggest accelerators has been the outdoor and tactical gear world. Backpackers, cyclists, hunters, and military-surplus enthusiasts regularly sew to modify or repair equipment. Reinforcing straps, tailoring packs, patching tents, or customizing jackets is often easier than replacing expensive gear.
In these communities, sewing isn’t seen as creative fluff—it’s a survival skill.
Fast fashion has also fueled the trend. Clothes don’t always fit well, and quality can be inconsistent. Men are increasingly hemming pants, adjusting waistlines, shortening sleeves, and repairing denim rather than discarding it. The result? Better fit, longer life, and money saved.
Perhaps the clearest sign this trend has arrived: Costco is now selling mini sewing machines. When a big-box retailer known for bulk groceries and power tools starts offering sewing machines, it’s a signal that demand has crossed into the mainstream.
Sewing’s rise among men reflects a broader cultural shift toward self-sufficiency, sustainability, and skill-building. It’s practical, calming, and empowering—and it doesn’t require permission or labels.
Sewing may not be new, but for men, it’s never been more relevant.
The return of nostalgic snacks is here as Millennials and Gen Z rediscover childhood favorites and retro food trends.
In an era dominated by plant-based everything, functional foods, and minimalist packaging, something unexpected is happening in grocery aisles and on social feeds: the return of nostalgic snacks. Old-school treats are back in a big way. Younger Millennials and Gen Z—groups often associated with innovation and disruption—are enthusiastically embracing the very treats their parents (and grandparents) grew up with. From neon-colored chips to retro candies and even vintage drink rituals, the past is suddenly delicious again.
So why now? Part of the answer lies in comfort. After years marked by global uncertainty, rising costs, and nonstop digital noise, familiar flavors offer emotional grounding. A cheese puff that tastes exactly like it did in elementary school or a candy bar unchanged since the 1970s delivers something modern snacks often can’t: predictability. For Gen Z especially, nostalgia isn’t just about personal childhood memories—it’s also about borrowing joy from earlier eras they know through pop culture, TikTok clips, and family stories.
Social media has poured gasoline on the trend. Vintage snacks photograph well, spark instant recognition, and encourage storytelling. A single post featuring a classic fruit chew or foil-wrapped chocolate can ignite comment sections filled with “I forgot about these!” and “My grandma always had these.” Brands, noticing the engagement, have leaned in with throwback packaging, limited-edition reissues, and even revived recipes.
Among the snacks currently back in vogue are classic potato chips with bold, unapologetic flavors, mall-era soft pretzels, toaster pastries, and old-school candies like wax bottles, chewy taffies, and powdered sweets. Snack cakes—once dismissed as outdated—are enjoying renewed popularity as ironic indulgences turned sincere favorites. Even lunchbox staples like pudding cups and peanut butter crackers are finding new life among twenty-somethings stocking home offices instead of lockers.
Then there’s the revival of retro drink culture, including one of the quirkiest traditions of all: Hot Dr. Pepper. Long before cold soda was the unquestioned norm, Dr Pepperpromoted the idea of gently heating the soda and pouring it over a slice of lemon. Originating in colder climates and popularized in the mid-20th century, the drink was marketed as a cozy winter warmer. Today, Hot Dr. Pepper is resurfacing online as a novelty experiment—and surprisingly, many young drinkers love it. Served warm, the soda’s 23 flavors become spicier and more aromatic, blurring the line between soft drink and comfort beverage. For a generation which embraces curiosity and remixing traditions, it’s the perfect rediscovery.
What makes this snack renaissance especially interesting is it isn’t anti-modern. Gen Z and Millennials are pairing nostalgic treats with contemporary values—sharing them sustainably, remixing them into recipes, or enjoying them as occasional indulgences rather than everyday staples. It’s not about rejecting the future; it’s about reclaiming the joy of the past.
In the end, nostalgic snacks are back because they make people feel something real. In a world constantly pushing what’s new, there’s comfort—and a lot of fun—in opening a package tasting exactly like a memory.
Over the last year or so, Silicon Valley made an all-out push for employees to return to the office. Now that the industry has people back at their desks, it’s trying to figure out how to make them happy. The influx of office dwellers, including a growing number of Gen Z representatives, has the Valley trying new things, like shoeless offices.
According to the New York Times, the “no shoes” movement has picked up steam at startups, with businesses encouraging employees to leave their kicks at the door. Ben Lang, an employee at the shoeless AI coding company Cursor, launched a website called Noshoes.fun that tracks the options for prospective employees who like to let their toes get some fresh air. The list includes digital workspace maker Notion, payroll company Gusto, mobile games developer Supercell, and a number of AI-centric startups like Replicate and Rime Labs.
Now, whether going shoeless around others really adds much comfort to your work day is probably a matter of personal preference. But the idea behind it, per the Times, is to allow employees who are being made to go back to commuting to work some of the same comfort they once had while working from home. It is also apparently, in part, because the workforce at these offices skews young, and these companies are trying to figure out what exactly it is that Gen Z wants.
Elsewhere, they’re going less for regenerative and more degenerate. According to the Wall Street Journal, some startups have started filling the snack bar with Zyn and other nicotine pouches. Palantir—the surveillance tech company run by Trump-aligned, pro-war crime CEO Alex Karp—has apparently been on the front lines of this push, presumably because the hit from the pouches is the only thing that allows its employees to calm down after pushing out a new update to improve the efficacy of murder drones.
At this point, corporate America’s general confusion as to how to accommodate a younger cohort that generally seems to expect more of its employer than generations before it. Executives have labeled Gen Z as things like “undisciplined,” “entitled,” and “lazy”—though frankly, every generation seems to go through this slander as they enter the workforce.
But the cultural divide seems to be about as big as it’s ever been. According to a report from CBS News, some companies are even going so far as to send their Gen Z employees to etiquette classes so they can learn how to behave in mixed company settings like an office.
Interpreted as friendly as possible, the trend is an attempt to help Gen Z get up to speed on some of the lessons it may have missed by having a chunk of its socialization period stolen by a global pandemic. Taken a little less generously, it’s corporate entities trying to push a generation of people who have more expectations of work-life balance, better boundaries around their time and effort, and demand more respect from their bosses to fall in line with an industry that pushes work over everything. Given that, it’s hard to imagine that letting people stand at the water cooler in socks and slippers is going to win them over.
A staggering 27% of personal loans in India during the first half of 2025 were taken out for travel, a first in the country’s financial history, marking a seismic shift in borrowing behavior among Gen Z.
Sarthak Ahuja, an investment banker and author, sounded the alarm in a LinkedIn post. “For the first time in the history of India, the No. 1 reason to take a personal loan is not a medical emergency, home renovation or to buy an asset… but travel,” he wrote.
The data paints a sharp contrast with earlier generations, who typically borrowed for essentials or long-term assets. Now, Ahuja says, Gen Z is increasingly using credit to fund what he calls “status-driven consumption.”
That includes financing flights to attend expensive concerts and buying iPhones on EMIs, with 70% of iPhone sales now happening via installment payments. In a striking data point, 39% of Gen Z reportedly borrowed money for necessities like rent, groceries, and utilities in 2024.
Ahuja attributes this shift to two primary forces. First, sky-high housing prices have crushed homeownership dreams for many young Indians.
“A young Indian thinks, how can I ever afford to pay a Rs 2 lakh EMI for 20 years to buy a simple house,” he noted. In response, they choose to spend on immediate gratification, luxury goods, travel, and social media-fueled experiences.
Second, fintech innovation has removed much of the friction from borrowing. With zero-cost EMIs and Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) schemes embedded directly into checkout pages, loans under Rs 50,000 are often approved in under a minute. This has turbocharged unsecured lending for small-ticket items.
The trend mirrors and contrasts the consumer trajectory of Gen Z in China. Between 2015 and 2019, Chinese youth indulged in similarly aggressive borrowing for status purchases. But post-COVID economic stress has triggered a reversal. “That generation has shifted from revenge spending to revenge saving,” Ahuja wrote.
In China, gold, specifically “gold beans” that weigh just one gram, has become a new status symbol among young savers, signaling a pivot toward financial prudence and intellectual capital. “While Indians are thinking I should borrow today because I will earn tomorrow, Chinese are thinking let me save today because I may not have a job tomorrow,” Ahuja said.
The shift in India has also redrawn the map for consumer businesses. Direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands are now targeting Gen Z more aggressively, banking on their willingness to borrow for Instagram-worthy lifestyles.
Ahuja’s takeaway? “If you’re getting jealous of someone’s holiday or iPhone on social media, don’t be, know that it could be on borrowed money.”
How marijuana can help feel refreshed and energetic at the end of the holidays, easing stress and helping recovery from seasonal burnout.
By the time the holidays wind down, many Americans are running on empty. The nonstop socializing, travel, shopping, and disrupted routines can leave people mentally foggy and physically worn out. While the exhaustion is nearly universal, it often shows up differently by age group. Gen Z frequently reports elevated stress, anxiety, and burnout from financial pressure and social expectations, while older adults tend to feel physically drained after weeks of hosting, traveling, and juggling family obligations. But with a week + left of activities, marijuana can help you feel refreshed.
Contrary to outdated stereotypes, cannabis is not only about sedation or couch-locking effects. When used intentionally, certain strains and products are associated with clarity, motivation, and a lighter mental state—qualities many crave after the holidays.
For Gen Z, stress is often the dominant issue. Surveys consistently show younger adults reporting high levels of anxiety tied to finances, work uncertainty, and social pressure amplified by constant online comparison. For this group, cannabis is often used as a tool to decompress and quiet racing thoughts. Lower-THC products, balanced THC-CBD options, and terpene-forward strains are frequently chosen for their ability to ease tension without overwhelming the mind. When stress levels drop, energy often returns naturally.
Older adults, on the other hand, tend to describe the post-holiday slump as physical fatigue rather than mental overload. Late nights, rich foods, long drives, and packed schedules can leave the body feeling stiff and depleted. Many older consumers gravitate toward cannabis varieties associated with gentle stimulation and body comfort. By easing aches, supporting relaxation, and improving sleep quality, marijuana can help the body recover—making mornings feel lighter and days more manageable.
Terpenes play an important role in this experience. Compounds such as limonene and pinene are often linked to uplifting, clear-headed effects, while others like caryophyllene may help take the edge off physical discomfort. When people feel less tense and better rested, energy follows.
Importantly, moderation matters. The goal is not escape, but restoration. Microdosing—using small, controlled amounts—has become especially popular among professionals and older consumers who want subtle benefits without impairment. This approach aligns well with New Year intentions focused on balance, wellness, and productivity.
As the holiday season fades, marijuana is increasingly viewed not as a party indulgence, but as part of a thoughtful reset. For stressed Gen Zers seeking calm and clarity, and for worn-down older adults looking to recharge their bodies, cannabis may offer a way to step into the new year feeling refreshed, focused, and energized—rather than exhausted.
We’ve all heard the traditional advice that the best investments are those made in the stock market, saving in a 401(k), and buying a house. But younger generations have started touting nontraditional investments like buying a Birkin bag or other collectibles as a surefire way to bring in extra bucks.
Influencer and WWE wrestler Logan Paul recently said going beyond normal investments can be worth it.
“If you’re young, there are ways to spend and invest your money in ways that might mean more to you than in a traditional conservative environment like the stock market,” he said on Fox Business’s “The Big Money Show” on Tuesday.
And Paul has certainly gone down the nontraditional path for investing: He recently put up a rare Pokémon card for auction that he bought in 2022 for $5.3 million. The former WWE United States Champion actually used to wear the card—which he says is “the rarest card in the world” and the “Holy Grail”—around his neck during competitions. The card is a PSA-graded 10 Pikachu Illustrator, and only a few dozen copies exist worldwide. But Paul’s card is the only one to receive a 10/10 grade from Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA).
Paul said he plans to auction the card in early 2026 and estimates it will sell for between $7 million and $12 million, which would bank him about $2 million to $7 million. He also argued collectibles like Pokémon cards have “outperformed” the stock market during the last two decades.
“If you have the money, don’t be afraid to take a risk, especially if you’re young,” Paul said.
Are collectibles really a good investment?
According to global wealth management firm AES, collectibles like wine, manuscripts, vintage cars, rare pieces of art, and more can produce a “reasonable” return for investors, but they often don’t come with the same long-term gains of investing in stocks.
Between 1900 and 2012, collectibles produced a nominal annual return of 6.4% and a real return of 2.4%, according to the AES report.
“Although the return is reasonable, it’s far lower than the long-term rewards of investing in the equity market,” AES CEO Sam Instone wrote. But, “that’s not to say these collectible items are not for certain investors.”
Still, Gen Z men have become obsessed with investing in these collectibles, which some argue will beat Nvidia stock and the S&P 500. And they could have a point: Pokémon cards have seen the largest long-term increase in value among all card categories. They’re up 3,261% in the past 20 years, according to data provided to Fortune’s Preston Fore from Card Ladder. Even a one-year investment is up 46%, which is higher than Nvidia’s 35% jump and the S&P 500’s 17% year-to-date increase.
“The trading card hobby has entered a new era, driven by technology, innovation, community, and a great balance of modern creativity–with new sets, storylines and characters–alongside good old nostalgia,” Adam Ireland, VP and GM of global collectibles at eBay, previously told Fortune. He also said eBay users searched for “Pokemon” nearly 14,000 times per hour in 2024.
Other collectibles like the Hermes Birkin bag have caught the attention of young investors, who have argued buying one can be more valuable than investing in gold. But recent reports have shown these rare handbags don’t have the same return-on-investment they once did. The average resale premium for Birkin and Kelly bags—a metric that compares the auction price to its retail cost—has fallen from 2.2 times its original value in 2022 to 1.4 times as of November, according to Bernstein Research’s Secondhand Pricing Tracker. To put that in perspective, a Birkin bag originally bought for $10,000 and resold in 2022 would have cost more than $22,000, but a bag originally retailing for the same price and resold today would be worth just $14,000.
Overall, although investing in collectibles can end in a big payday, they can also be a very risky investment because of liquidity risks, concentration risks, costs and upkeep, the potential for a bubble, and tax treatment, according to an analysis by The Economic Times.
“It’s also true that some people generate income regularly buying and selling collectibles,” according to Consumers Credit Union. “However, fortunes are determined by the whims of buyers along with the rising and falling popularity of particular items. While the stock market may have a down year, over time it trends to higher value.”
“Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change,” according to renowned physicist Stephen Hawking. By that measure, the average manager is duller than a dusty rock orbiting a distant moon, according to new research that shows how bad organizations are managing change. Data from Virginia-based management consulting firm Eagle Hill Consulting found that a huge majority of employees across the country, across generations, feel this way about their employer. The news may prompt you to change how you communicate with your workers when big changes are afoot.
In fact, in Eagle Hill’s survey of over 1,400 full-time and part-time U.S, workers, some three in every four workers feel this way—a statistic so large it can’t be an anomaly, nor easily dismissed as sour grapes complaints from disgruntled staff whose companies have undergone changes.
There’s some stark variations in the data though, with different generations having very different feelings about organization-wide changes, marking what Eagle Hill’s press release calls “generational divides, including differences in enthusiasm, stress, motivations, and perceived benefits of change that dramatically shape how employees experience transformation.”
Gen-Z, the data show, is the “most optimistic workforce cohort” when it comes to change, with 70 percent saying “process changes made their organization better.” Only 45 percent of Baby Boomers feel the same, compared to just 36 percent of Gen-X workers (the weary “forgotten” generation that’s busy trying to juggle work-life balance and being the first generation caring both for their kids and aging parents at the same time.) Eagle’s data shows just how disheartened Gen-X is, with just three percent saying that “return-to-office changes improved their organizations” representing the “largest generational gap in the survey.”
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When it comes to feeling supported during change, the older generations also seem to feel worse: with just 18 percent of Baby Boomers saying their organization makes change easy to “embrace,” and only 20 percent of Gen-X agreeing.
Change, like launching work habit-upending tech like AI, mergers or dramatic business pivots, can be emotionally challenging, of course, and workers turn to their colleagues and workplace friends for support under transformational situations. More than one in four Gen-Z workers say workplace friends are their “most influential change supporters,” but just 23 percent of Millennials agree, and only 11 to 12 percent of older workers feel this way (again supporting the notion older workers are tired out, as well as underlining a trend that says the “workplace bestie” is a fading phenomenon.)
The press release quotes Melissa Jezior, Eagle Hill’s president and chief executive officer explaining that the “findings point to a fundamental shift: a one-size-fits-all approach to change management is no longer sufficient.” If company management wants to make changes and see them “stick,” with renewed business habits and even cultural changes, leaders must tackle it as a “multi-generational experience, anchored in a shared purpose and tied to the different motivations, needs, and expectations that each generation brings to work.”
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Festivus grew from a quirky holiday to a meaningful celebration for people who want humor honesty and less holiday pressure.
Every December, amid the glitter of Christmas trees and the glow of menorahs, a quieter—but far more opinionated—holiday makes its annual return. Festivus, often dubbed “a holiday for the rest of us,” has evolved from a sitcom joke into a genuine cultural tradition celebrated by millions who crave humor, honesty, and a break from seasonal perfection. Who would guess how Festivus grew from a quirky holiday to a meaningful celebration.
Festivus first entered the public consciousness in 1997 through the iconic TV series Seinfeld. In the episode “The Strike,”viewers learned Festivus was created decades earlier by the father of George Costanza as an alternative to the commercial pressures and emotional expectations of traditional holidays. Its symbols were refreshingly minimal: a plain aluminum pole instead of a tree, a Festivus dinner, the “Airing of Grievances,” and the climactic “Feats of Strength.”
What began as satire struck a nerve. Audiences instantly recognized the underlying truth: the holidays can be stressful, expensive, and emotionally loaded. Festivus offered something radical—permission to opt out.
In the years since the episode aired, Festivus has grown steadily in popularity. Office parties, family dinners, bars, and even corporate Slack channels now mark December 23 as a day for candor and comedy. Social media has amplified its reach, with aluminum poles proudly displayed and grievances humorously aired in posts and memes.
Part of Festivus’ appeal lies in its flexibility. There are no religious requirements, no gifts required (or even encouraged), and no pressure to perform cheer. It’s anti-commercial, anti-pretentious, and proudly self-aware—qualities resonating deeply in a hyper-curated world.
Festivus has strong multigenerational appeal. Gen Xers and older Millennials who grew up watching Seinfeld enjoy the nostalgia and irony. Younger Millennials and Gen Z, meanwhile, embrace Festivus as a countercultural statement—a holiday which values authenticity over aesthetics and humor over obligation.
It also resonates with people who feel excluded or overwhelmed by traditional celebrations. Singles, blended families, introverts, skeptics, and anyone burned out on forced merriment often find Festivus refreshingly inclusive. You don’t have to believe in anything—except maybe telling the truth with a smile.
Beneath the jokes and grievances, Festivus carries a few surprisingly timeless lessons. First, it reminds us the celebration doesn’t have to be expensive or elaborate to be meaningful. A simple meal and honest conversation can be enough.
Second, Festivus encourages emotional transparency. The “Airing of Grievances,” while exaggerated for comedy, reflects a real human need to be heard. When practiced with kindness and humor, it can foster connection rather than conflict.
Finally, Festivus teaches us traditions are allowed to evolve. You can honor the season in ways which suit your values, your energy level, and your sense of humor. Celebrating doesn’t have to mean conforming—it can mean choosing joy on your own terms.
In a season often defined by excess and expectation, the magic behind Festivus lies in its simplicity. It’s a reminder sometimes the best holiday gift is permission to be real—and maybe to wrestle a loved one before dessert.
Has cannabis claimed its first alcohol victim? Jim Beam’s production pause may reveal shifting drinking trends.
Cannabis has surged in popularity across the United States in recent years, cutting across age groups from older medicinal users to younger adults who increasingly embrace it for recreational and wellness purposes. As cultural attitudes shift and legal access expands — now with major moves at the federal level to reschedule cannabis — traditional alcohol consumption patterns are visibly changing too. Emerging data show younger generations, especially Generation Z, are drinking far less than their predecessors, opting instead for alternatives like cannabis or choosing moderation for health and lifestyle reasons. Drinking rates among adults under 35 have steadily declined over the past two decades, underscoring a generational shift away from habitual alcohol use. And the question is has cannabis claimed its first alcohol victim?
At the federal level, the United States is on the brink of historic change in how it views and regulates cannabis. The current administration has taken formal steps toward rescheduling marijuana, acknowledging its accepted medical uses and easing long-standing federal restrictions. While rescheduling does not equate to full legalization, it would reduce regulatory barriers, expand medical research opportunities, and significantly alter the financial and operational landscape for the legal cannabis industry. These moves reflect a broader cultural shift in which cannabis is increasingly normalized, while alcohol faces mounting competition for consumer attention and dollars.
Photo by 2H Media via Unsplash
Those changing preferences are now rippling through the alcohol industry. A striking example emerged with the announcement Jim Beam will pause production at its flagship distillery in Clermont, Kentucky, beginning in 2026. The move was made by parent company Suntory Global Spirits as part of a strategic adjustment to address slowing demand and an oversupply of aging bourbon barrels. While bottling, warehousing, and visitor operations will continue, a full production pause at one of the most iconic bourbon sites in the world is an unusually strong signal the industry is recalibrating.
Multiple pressures are converging at once. Kentucky warehouses are holding record levels of bourbon, domestic spirits consumption has softened, and international sales have been hit hard by tariffs which have significantly damaged export markets. Canada, historically one of the most important destinations for American whiskey, has been particularly affected, with higher costs and retaliatory trade measures sharply reducing demand. Together, these forces have made it harder for even legacy brands to justify uninterrupted production.
To fully grasp the significance, it helps to revisit the history of Jim Beam itself. Founded in 1795 when Jacob Beam sold his first barrels of whiskey in Kentucky, the brand is one of the oldest continuously produced bourbons in the world. Jim Beam survived Prohibition, rebuilt under James Beauregard “Jim” Beam in the 1930s, and went on to become a global symbol of American whiskey.
At the height of its popularity in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Jim Beam was ubiquitous — a staple on back bars, a fixture at family gatherings, and a cultural shorthand for bourbon itself. While the brand remains strong, the current pause suggests a changing landscape where tradition alone is no longer enough. Whether cannabis has claimed its first true alcohol casualty remains up for debate, but the shift in American consumption habits is no longer theoretical — it is playing out in real time, barrel by barrel.
TikTok’s music influence hit an all-time high in 2025. All year long, a steady stream of new tracks exploded into viral trends, defining the sound of a generation. Fresh releases found second lives as dance challenges, meme soundtracks, and emotional anthems for millions of people.
It was a year where a single catchy hook or heartfelt lyric could spark a global movement overnight. From tear-jerking ballads to high-energy bops, TikTok’s community turned songs into cultural moments. The platform’s trends shaped what we listened to, proving once again that the For You page doubles as 2025’s hottest music chart!
1. ‘Ordinary’ — Alex Warren
The not-so-ordinary love anthem of 2025.
It’s ironic how a song called ‘Ordinary’ became the year’s most extraordinary viral hit. Alex Warren’s ‘Ordinary’ started as a tender love ballad he wrote for his wife, but TikTok sent it stratospheric. The track’s earnest lyrics about everyday romance struck a chord in countless relationship montages across the app. By summer, you couldn’t scroll your feed without hitting a heartfelt video of couples, friends, or even pets set to Warren’s soaring chorus. The song’s universality, “the angels up in the clouds are jealous,” he croons made it the perfect soundtrack for love in 2025.
Its popularity was unparalleled: ‘Ordinary’ topped the Billboard Hot 100 for ten straight weeks, fueled by millions of TikToks using its chorus as an audio backdrop. Warren, a former content creator himself, clearly understood TikTok’s pulse. We embraced him as 2025’s patron saint of sappy romance, while skeptics jokingly wondered how a YouTuber-turned-singer quietly dominated the charts. Love it or not, ‘Ordinary’ became the defining sound of young love this year: a wedding-worthy earworm that turned our feeds into one giant lovefest!
The soulful slow-burn that TikTok turned into a global cry-fest.
Leave it to TikTok to catapult an R&B sleeper hit into the spotlight. Ravyn Lenae’s ‘Love Me Not’ dropped with a dreamy blend of retro-pop and indie vibes, but it truly caught fire when a creative TikToker mashed it up with Solange’s ‘Losing You.’ That unexpected mash-up became pure viral gold. Suddenly, ‘Love Me Not’ was the soundtrack to thousands of bittersweet montages: late-night drives, rain-soaked selfies, and “will they/won’t they” romance memes galore. The song’s chorus, an emotional tug-of-war of love and longing, had a way of making even silly videos feel touching.
TikTok’s Gen Z users turned Lenae’s heartfelt lyrics into a communal outpouring of feels, spawning a trend where creators shared stories of almost-relationships and unrequited crushes with the song swelling in the background. The emotional resonance was real: by mid-year, ‘Love Me Not’ had earned Lenae her first-ever spot on the Billboard Hot 100, cracking the top 25. Culturally, it hit that sweet spot between nostalgia and now. Here was a young R&B artist channeling vintage soul, and a new generation was crying and vibing in unison. In 2025, ‘Love Me Not’ proved that a TikTok trend can transform a slow-burn song into a worldwide cathartic sing-along.
TikTok has seen its share of dance trends, but this year, a handshake trend stole the show, all thanks to PinkPantheress’s ‘Illegal.’ The UK alt-pop sensation dropped ‘Illegal’ as a quirky, electronic-infused single, and it quickly fueled the global “Is this illegal?” handshake challenge. Besties everywhere learned the syncopated secret handshake (set perfectly to PinkPantheress’s hypnotic beat) and flooded TikTok with videos showing off their newfound duo skills. The trend’s wholesome twist, celebrating friendship and borderline mischief, resonated across cultures. From high school hallways in the US to friend groups in Tokyo, everyone was bonding over this track!
With over 3.7 million TikTok creations and counting, ‘Illegal’ became the friendship anthem of 2025. It even earned PinkPantheress her second appearance on the Hot 100, proving the song’s impact beyond the app. Emotionally, ‘Illegal’ struck a chord by tapping into that giddy, rebellious energy of doing something silly with your BFF. In a year when online trends often felt divisive, this one brought people together… one elaborate handshake at a time. PinkPantheress’s airy vocals and the track’s tongue-in-cheek title made it irresistibly memeable. ‘Illegal’ wasn’t just a viral song; it became a secret handshake that united everyone around the world (even celebrities).
The DIY glow-up jam that had everyone transforming.
Emerging Atlanta rapper BunnaB unleashed pure TikTok lightning with ‘Mad Again,’ a high-energy track that went from underground to unavoidable. How did it blow up? Two words: transformation videos. Creators on TikTok seized ‘Mad Again’ as the go-to soundtrack for their before-and-after glow-ups; think makeup transitions, room makeovers, and dramatic hair-dye reveals synced to the beat drop. The result? An explosion of ultra-satisfying content, each clip more addictive than the last. The song’s bold, confident hook also inspired a surprise secondary trend: a sign language challenge. Creators who are deaf and allies translated ‘Mad Again’ into expressive ASL performances, showcasing inclusivity in a way TikTok hadn’t seen before!
This one-two punch of visual trends launched ‘Mad Again’ into the viral stratosphere. By summertime, millions of TikToks featured the track, and BunnaB found herself with a breakout hit on her hands. The cultural resonance was big: here was a fierce female rapper (yep, BunnaB’s a woman killing it in a male-dominated scene) whose song empowered people to show off their transformations and personal growth. The track’s pounding bass and sassy lyrics became synonymous with confidence and change in 2025. If you flipped your look or your outlook this year, chances are ‘Mad Again’ was playing in the background, hyping you up for that reveal.
The K-Pop fantasy banger that blurred fiction and reality.
When a fictional K-Pop band from an animated film scores a real-life hit, you know TikTok is involved. ‘Golden’ by HUNTR/X, a glossy K-Pop/R&B hybrid track from the movie K-Pop Demon Hunters, transcended the screen and took on a life of its own. TikTok users globally couldn’t resist its charm. Multiple dance trends popped up, inspired by the movie’s choreography and the song’s impossible-not-to-dance hook. From teens showing off K-Pop moves to dads and kids dancing together after family movie night, ‘Golden’ turned into a cross-generational phenomenon. The track’s signature high note became a viral challenge in itself, with singers (and plenty of non-singers) attempting to nail it on camera.
Within days of the film’s release, ‘Golden’ was dominating not just TikTok but also Spotify and YouTube charts! A collaboration featuring real artists Audrey Nuna and EJAE, the song blurred the line between fiction and reality… and we ate it up. Creators used it for everything from outfit glow-up videos to celebratory montages, because its uplifting vibe instantly boosted any content. Emotionally, ‘Golden’ hit that feel-good spot; it’s joyous, inclusive, and just meta enough (a fictional band trending in real life!) to feel like a moment in pop culture history. By year’s end, HUNTR/X’s debut bop proved that in 2025, even cartoon pop stars can top the charts with a little help from TikTok.
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6. ‘DtMF’ — Bad Bunny
The Puerto Rican heartbreak anthem that had TikTok in tears.
In a year full of bops, Bad Bunny reminded everyone that a soft, nostalgic ballad can still rule TikTok. ‘DtMF,’ shorthand for Debí Tirar Más Fotos (“I should’ve taken more photos”), emerged as the most unexpectedly emotional viral trend of 2025. The song’s lyrics, where Bad Bunny laments not capturing enough memories with a lost loved one, struck a universal nerve. TikTokers began using ‘DtMF’ to soundtrack tribute videos, sharing personal montages of grandparents, parents, pets, and friends they’d lost. Suddenly, our feeds were filled with cherished snapshots and clips, each one more heart-tugging than the last. The trend became a communal space to grieve and celebrate life: a rare, tender moment on the internet.
Even Bad Bunny himself couldn’t stay dry-eyed: he posted a TikTok reacting to fans’ tributes, tears streaming as he watched their stories. That raw connection fueled ‘DtMF’ to juggernaut status. It quickly became the most-streamed song off his new album and climbed into TikTok’s top sounds. Culturally, the impact was huge! At a time when social media often feels shallow, this trend had millions openly discussing love and loss. Users commented about calling their abuela or saving more pictures; proof of music turning reflection into action. By blending Bad Bunny’s star power with genuine fan storytelling, ‘DtMF’ turned TikTok into a platform for healing in 2025. Grab the tissues…this one will be remembered as the song that made the internet collectively cry (in a good way).
The cheeky pop blockbuster that had everyone knocking on wood.
Leave it to Taylor Swift to drop a song so provocatively fun that TikTok couldn’t help but blush… and dance. ‘Wood,’ a standout track from her 2025 album The Life of a Showgirl, is arguably Taylor’s most ahem adult song to date. Fueled by innuendo about her beau’s “new heights of manhood” and a tongue-in-cheek “I ain’t got to knock on wood” hook, the song set the internet abuzz from day one. TikTokers wasted no time spinning it into a viral knock-on-wood dance challenge, complete with a playful tap-tap gesture on the lyric cue. Suddenly, everyone from college kids to actual carpenters (seriously) were posting videos, playfully knocking on tables, doors, and yes, wooden boards in sync with Taylor’s sultry chorus.
The trend’s humor and boldness felt so 2025: a celebration of owning one’s sexuality and having a laugh about it. Culturally, ‘Wood’ resonated as part of the Taylor-Travis Kelce love story that pop culture obsessively followed. Fans gushed that Swift seemed happier and more empowered than ever, and they channeled that energy into TikTok skits quoting her spicy lyrics. Swifties turned cheeky lines into captions (cue the magic wand jokes) and shared their shock-and-delight reactions to Taylor’s bold new era. By dominating conversation and spawning countless memes, ‘Wood’ proved that a well-crafted pop song can be both a chart-topper and a TikTok trendsetter! Taylor gave 2025 a song equal parts sexy and playful, and we said amen.
Gen Z’s existential pop mood, wrapped in a TikTok trend.
Jessie Murph delivered a late-year viral gem with ‘Certain Kind of Love,’ a song that turned one candid lyric into a TikTok catchphrase. The track’s pop-rock energy is amazing on its own, but it was the line “I don’t see a world where I turn 25” that set off a firestorm. Young TikTokers seized on those words, half-joking and half-emoting about the classic quarter-life crisis feels. In a trend equal parts dark humor and heartfelt yearning, creators would lip-sync that lyric and showcase their wildest dreams or chaotic life plans before the dreaded 25th birthday. Others made vision board-style videos, proclaiming they will see 25, complete with images of future goals, as Jessie’s anthem blared in the background.
The dual interpretations made the trend fascinating: some played it for laughs (“YOLO, who needs 26?”) while others found motivation in it. Either way, Murph’s raw, youthful vocals became the sound of Gen Z’s hopes and fears in 2025. The song itself, with its sparkling production and emo-pop vibe, resonated emotionally because it encapsulates that in-between feeling of being young and uncertain about the future. Culturally, ‘Certain Kind of Love’ gave voice to a generation’s anxiety, and did it in a way that was oddly uplifting. As the song climbed streaming charts (buoyed by TikTok exposure), it proved that sometimes one powerful lyric is all it takes to spark a movement. Jessie Murph went from a rising singer to the patron saint of “live in the moment” youth, and we couldn’t stop humming along!
The animated movie’s OST that had everyone doing the Shakira shimmy.
If you thought soundtracks were safe from TikTok’s grasp, think again. Shakira’s ‘Zoo,’ from Disney’s Zootopia 2, pounced onto the scene and immediately took over TikTok. With its signature Shakira bounce and irresistible rhythm, ‘Zoo’ has that universal appeal that makes people nod along…or better yet, jump up to mimic her moves. As the film hit cinemas, TikTok was flooded with clips of fans attempting the ‘Zoo’ dance. From expertly choreographed renditions to adorably clumsy first tries, creators worldwide got in on the fun. One day you’d see a Colombian dance crew nailing Shakira’s hip drops; the next, a suburban dad giving it his best shot in the living room. The hashtag #ZooDance trended in multiple countries as Shakira’s track united all ages in a celebratory shimmy.
Culturally, this song’s virality was a real full-circle moment: Shakira had given us a TikTok smash back in 2016 with ‘Try Everything,’ and here she was again, reminding us she’s still the queen of soundtrack pop. The emotional uplift of ‘Zoo’ was impossible to resist; it’s pure joy in musical form, arriving just when 2025 needed it. TikTok users used the song not only for dance challenges but to soundtrack zoo outings (of course), fitness routines, and any content needing a jolt of fun energy. Shakira even interacted with fans doing the challenge, further fueling the hype. By year’s end, ‘Zoo’ wasn’t just a song from a movie; it was a global TikTok party. When Shakira yells “Come on, get on up” in the chorus, you best believe millions are dancing like animated animals set free!
The hype rap bop that brought mosh-pit energy to our feeds.
Every year needs a no-holds-barred banger, and in 2025, it was ‘Whim Whamiee.’ This collab between rappers Pluto & YK Niece came out of left field and promptly took over TikTok with its chaotic, high-octane vibe. The track itself is two minutes of pure adrenaline, and TikTokers treated it like a rallying cry. Dance crews, gym rats, and party-goers all jumped on a trend of showcasing insane energy whenever ‘Whim Whamiee’ played. We’re talking college students turning dorm halls into impromptu mosh pits and choreographers bringing full-out hip-hop routines to the app. The song’s rapid-fire lyrics turned into a lip-sync challenge only the bold (or breathless) would attempt, while its bass drops fueled countless “hype me up” memes.
By mid-summer, ‘Whim Whamiee’ had the whole platform on its feet (literally). The frenzy propelled the song to #5 on TikTok’s own summer chart in the US, and its popularity spilled over to streaming services. Perhaps the biggest sign of its impact? Two of music’s heavy hitters, Lizzo and Sexyy Red, jumped on official remixes, dropping their own verses to ride the wave. We went wild at the co-sign: seeing A-listers vibing to a TikTok-made hit felt like vindication for internet culture. ‘Whim Whamiee’ resonated because it was pure fun: a little unhinged, a lot catchy, and totally participatory! In a year where many viral songs tugged at our heartstrings, this one was all about letting loose. It turned TikTok into a virtual nightclub where anyone could be the life of the party. And if you ask us, Pluto and YK Niece won 2025’s award for the most insane glow-up; from obscurity to everybody’s hype soundtrack, no VIP pass needed!
Will.i.am is busy. When he’s not writing hit songs like “OMG” for Usher, he’s looking for the next big pop star on The VoiceUK, or running his new AI company, FYI. So how exactly does he balance it all?
The Grammy Award–winning artist turned tech entrepreneur revealed to Fortune that he maxes out the 5-to-9 after the daily grind of his 9-to-5, and he advises Gen Zers to forget about work-life balance if they want to emulate his success.
“If you’re trying to build something that doesn’t exist, it’s about dream-reality balance,” he says. “Work-life balance means that you’re working for somebody else’s dream. You just have a job supporting somebody else’s dream, and you want to balance your work and your life.
“But if it’s dream-reality balance, then it’s not work. It’s a dream that you’re trying to put into reality, and you’re ignoring your current reality.”
For example, after working on his tech venture from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Will.i.am says that he goes back to work on his creative business until 9 p.m. But before his AI company was a reality, his day was flipped. He’d work on music first before dipping into his tech side hustle well into the evening.
It’s why he advises young people to reframe how they think of their time off work and their current 9-to-5 reality.
“I’m not really paying attention to this reality,” he explains. “I’m trying to bring that one [a new business venture or idea] here and focusing on how do I get people who believe in this dream to help me materialize it? So for that, you have to make some type of sacrifice to bring this thing that doesn’t exist here.
“From that perspective, work-life balance is not for the architects that are pulling visions into reality. Those words don’t compute to the mindset of the materializers.”
Will.i.am doesn’t even take time out for his birthday—and goes to work in China on Boxing Day
Of course, many young people already put in hours to their side hustles and personal development after work. Millions of Gen Zers and millennials are tuning into people’s 5-to-9 evening routines on TikTok.
But Will.i.am says chipping away at your dream when most people are off work extends to weekends, birthdays, and holidays.
“I didn’t party. I was always a square, meaning, ‘You work too much, man, let’s go out.’ Like what? Go out. I don’t want to go out. I just always worked,” the rapper says. “It’s your birthday what are you gonna do? Work. You ain’t gonna celebrate?”
The multimillionaire says he’s always saved the celebrating for the stage, where he can finally enjoy the fruits of his labor.
“There’s nothing that’s ever gonna feel that glorious than when you’re actually at a festival. But how do you get to headline a festival? You’ve got to work. My friends would go out and party, hanging out with chicks, doing drugs, drinking. I was just in the studio working, writing songs.”
To this day, he says that he hasn’t gone out and celebrated a birthday—including his most recent one, which was just last week on March 15.
“Like on Christmas for the past 12 years: I could celebrate Christmas with my family, and then on the 26th, I fly to China because that’s dream maker heaven. Anything you want to make is there.”
Will.i.am was speaking to Fortune in Rome for the rollout of Raidio.FYI radios in Mercedes-Benz cars.
Will.i.am’s daily work routine
7 a.m.: Will.i.am is not a part of the CEO-approved 5 a.m. club. Instead, he told Fortune he wakes up at around 7 a.m., and he sticks to this routine whether he’s living in L.A. or London.
8 a.m.: “I walk, do my calls, and get to work,” he says, with the aim to start work at 9 a.m.
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: “I get a lot done from nine to 12, do my little lunch, then back to work at one, finish at five, and that’s all my tech, like entrepreneurial activities.”
5 p.m. to 9 p.m.: “The night hours are creativity,” he says, adding that specifically between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. is when he gets the best ideas. “That’s the juicy bits, [when] I’m freaking soaking in emotion, to where I just rinse it out in the phone.”
9 p.m. onward: When Will.i.am was in his late twenties, he says going to sleep at 4 a.m. (and waking up at noon) was the norm. But now, at 50 and balancing both his tech and music ventures, he starts unwinding for bed after 9 p.m. and is asleep by 11 p.m.
A version of this story originally published on Fortune.com on March 23, 2025.
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Claire Isnard can trace her 40‑year career—including 17 years at fashion house Chanel—back to one bad exam. Had she passed, she’d likely still be in a classroom, grading essays on Italian literature.
Looking back, in her first-ever sit-down interview ahead of her retirement, Isnard says she feels like she’s come full circle. Despite having zero HR qualifications, she wound up as Chanel’s chief people and chief organization officer. “When you draw my story back, the first compelling and meaningful thing that would end up spread across everything I’ve done is helping people become who they didn’t think they can become,” she told Fortune.
“For me, teaching was not about the speciality of French or Italian, it was about helping those young people—especially the ones who were having difficulty unleashing their skill set and couldn’t find themselves internally, I could help them become larger, bigger than what they thought,” she said. “And I loved it very much.”
At the time, Isnard took that career plan “very, very seriously” and was giving language lessons to teenagers in both Italy and France while studying, which made the final exam failure that would have cemented a lifelong academic career all the more confusing.
“Not only I failed,” Isnard said, “but I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I had no clear path ahead of me. I had no clear goal.”
With no plan B, she went back to school and threw herself into student forums and networking events. It led to a chance encounter that would drag her from the classroom into consulting—and eventually, right into Chanel’s corner office.
Gen Z: Failure might be your lucky break—but not if you don’t get out
40 years later, Isnard still remembers how crushing that first experience of failure was—but she refuses to let younger generations see similar setbacks as the end of the story.
Now, the lesson she reminds her millennial children (who are 30 and 33) is that failure is simply “a roadblock on the road, not the end of the road.”
“It hurts, it’s very uncomfortable,” Isnard said. “It can be very frustrating because you worked hard. Although it may not feel like it in the moment, this pause could be a blessing in disguise.”
Isnard recommends using failure as an opportunity to reassess the direction you’re going down—as well as whether you’re even enjoying it.
“There is a signal here that either you’ve not worked enough—if you really want to do it again, work harder, and you will get it—or maybe there was something that was not for you,” she said. “Look at what you enjoyed in doing that, but also look at the thing you don’t enjoy, and go where your passion is… I’m really convinced that we cannot be good at something we don’t like doing.”
Of course, passion alone is not enough to land a big break after a failure. It doesn’t matter how much you love talking about luxury brands or coding—if you don’t get out of your comfort zone and show them, no one will know. That’s why Isnard recommends Gen Zers simply get out into the world.
“If you stay in your room, or behind your computer, you just don’t get those moments of connection that spark a different conversation, or open your mind to possibility, or let you meet someone who finds something interesting in you,” she said.
She would know. Just one “lucky” conversation with the founder of a boutique consultancy at a student forum turned into a two-decade career in the industry, including climbing up Aon Hewitt’s ranks (formerly known as Hewitt Associates) to managing director.
“I was present in all forums, in all networks, where I could meet people that I would not meet otherwise, and it was a series of encounters that brought me to the woman who hired me,” she said. “So I really believe in connection. I really believe in going outside of your comfort zone—open that door, be curious, meet with people, enter the conversation.”
Isnard says you don’t need a slick five-year plan, or even a full-to-the-brim contacts book—just the courage to start up conversation in a room full of strangers.
“Everyone knows someone,” she said. “So I didn’t hesitate to say, I’m hungry for work and I would like to do something that has to do with writing, thinking and being helpful to others.”
The brutally honest answer that got her poached by Chanel
Being courageous worked out in Isnard’s favour when Chanel was a client of hers. Soon after the company had hired its first-ever global CEO, Maureen Shekels, she directly asked Isnard one tough-to-answer question: Do I have what I need to act as a global CEO?
The answer, Isnard gave her, was brutally honest: No.
For eight years, she had partnered with the fashion brand on “different, strategic problems.” And that proximity became vital when its new boss asked her to carry out a no‑nonsense diagnosis of her leadership and how to bring the luxury brand out of an outdated, fragmented structure.
“So we designed together a global model for the future,” Isnard said. “It’s easier for a consultant to tell [the harsh truth] because you have objectivity, you don’t have the emotion of being inside. I was not losing anything; I was helping my client to see through what she needed for the future.”
But what Isnard perhaps didn’t expect was to get poached by the CEO herself, just two years later in 2008: “I was very surprised, because I’ve never been an HR in my life before,” Isnard recalled, before adding she didn’t think twice before accepting despite feeling a mixture of honoured, intimidated, and frankly, a bit scared.
“I had to move with my family to New York from France,” she said. “I had to learn how to be an insider—I knew everybody, all the leaders, but from the outside. I had to build a team. There was no global team in HR. I had to do everything from scratch.”
Despite her lack of formal HR credentials, Chanel’s global footprint has expanded dramatically over the past two decades. Today, the brand operates in roughly 70 countries worldwide with over 600 boutiques. Under Isnard’s watch, its workforce has more than tripled, growing to 38,400 employees worldwide.
“It’s another story of someone placing trust in you,” she added. “Take risk, pivot, but do it with people you trust—who trust you too. And check that you have the passion for what is to come.”
What comes after Chanel’s corner office?
Now, as she prepares to step down after over 17 years as Chanel’s chief people and organization officer, Isnard faces a familiar uncertainty—the same feeling she had after that first failed exam. Only this time, she’s looking forward to it.
“The next chapter for me is to be invented, which is also back to the first conversation, how will I take risk—or not? Am I going to meet with other people? It’s all about the new possibilities that will unfold.”
The outgoing exec, who says she’s been reflecting on what her purpose is and will take some more time to ponder, already knows she wants to “continue being contributive,” even in retirement.
“The worst is if you feel lost and you feel abandoned. But I think the other worst is that you get another kind of frenetic, but it has no meaning. It’s just a bunch of activities for the sake of not being by yourself. These are the things that I want to absolutely avoid,” she said.
In the end, she hints she may just go back to where it all began: In teaching, some way or another.
