Gen Z's 'Snail Girl' trend: Redefining work-life balance
Generation Z is redefining success and the balance between work and private life. The "snail girl" trend, initiated by Sienna Ludbey, is now gaining popularity on TikTok.
In an era dominated by relentless rat races and the glorification of workaholism, the younger generation is saying "enough." Snail girls are going against the grain, opting for a life centered on what truly matters to them. Their priority is balance, and career success is no longer a measure of their worth.
Inspired by fashion designer Sienna Ludbey, the new trend quickly gained momentum on TikTok, becoming a symbol of rebellion against traditional work and career ideals. For Gen Z, work is not an end in itself but a means to a harmonious and tranquil life.
Snail girl versus girl boss
For years, the "girl boss" represented an icon of success: an ambitious, dynamic woman ready to work around the clock. However, for Generation Z, this model has become outdated. Sienna Ludbey, who began the snail girl trend, left her corporate job to run her own business on her own terms. This experience showed her that the constant pursuit of being the best leads only to burnout.
Instead, snail girls focus on harmony. Their lives progress slowly, without pressure or the constant chase for the next goal. "Be your own snail," they say, celebrating each day and enjoying small pleasures such as a quiet evening with a book or a leisurely walk.
Generation Z redefines success
For snail girls, work is merely a tool for earning a living, not life's sole purpose. The concept of work-life balance, once a dream for older generations, is now a reality for Gen Z. Young people don’t want to sacrifice their health and time for career advancement. What matters to them is the opportunity for personal development, but on their own terms—without pressure or burnout.
According to Ludbey, snail girls compete in only one race: who gets home first to retreat into their safe haven. Peace and comfort are more important to them than corporate accolades or prestigious positions.
While many admire snail girls for their courage in defining success on their own terms, there are critics who accuse them of laziness and a lack of ambition. However, snail girls emphasize that their choices are intentional—they prefer to be happy rather than conform to norms that bring more stress than satisfaction.
