Gen Z embraces snail girl trend, redefining success norms
Generation Z is reshaping the perception of success, emphasising the equilibrium between work and personal life. The "snail girl" trend, initiated by Sienna Ludbey, is currently thriving on TikTok.
In a time dominated by relentless competition and the glorification of workaholism, the younger generation is declaring "enough." Snail girls are moving against the current, opting for a serene life centred on what truly matters to them. Their priority is balance, with career success no longer defining their self-worth.
This new trend, inspired by fashion designer Sienna Ludbey, rapidly gained traction on TikTok, becoming a symbol of rebellion against traditional work and career ideals. For Gen Z, work isn’t an end in itself but a pathway to a life of harmony and tranquility.
Snail girl versus girl boss
For years, the "girl boss" epitomised success: an ambitious, dynamic woman ready to work all hours. However, for Generation Z, this model now feels outdated. Sienna Ludbey, who pioneered the snail girl trend, left her corporate role to run her own business on her terms. This experience demonstrated to her that constantly striving to be the best often leads only to burnout.
Instead, snail girls prioritise harmony. Their lives progress slowly, devoid of the pressure to chase new goals. "Be your own snail," they advocate, savouring each day and enjoying small pleasures like a quiet evening with a book or a leisurely stroll.
Generation Z redefines success
For snail girls, work is merely a means of earning a living, not its primary purpose. The notion of work-life balance, once a distant dream for older generations, is a reality for Gen Z. Young people refuse to sacrifice their health and time for their careers. They value personal development on their own terms – free from pressure and burnout.
According to Ludbey, snail girls engage in only one race: who gets home first to retreat into their haven of safety. 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, they are not without critics. Some older generations accuse them of laziness and a lack of ambition. Nevertheless, snail girls insist that their choices are intentional – they prefer happiness over conforming to norms that bring more stress than satisfaction.
