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Why Gen Z’s 'career minimalism' is the future of work

Every generation could learn from the workforce's youngest.

Gen Z employees.

Forget the corner office. Gen Z is rewriting the rules of professional success—and their approach might save us all from burnout.

While previous generations dutifully climbed the corporate ladder rung by rung, Gen Z is choosing to do things differently. These youngsters, born between 1997 and 2012, embrace a clear philosophy: work should fund your life, not consume it. It's a simple dogma. This emerging trend, dubbed "career minimalism," goes beyond the corporate buzzword, representing a fundamental shift that challenges what we thought we knew about ambition, success, and the definition of "making it" in today's economy.

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The great corporate ladder exodus

The statistics are striking: 68% of Gen Z workers claim that they would not pursue management roles unless they came with higher pay or a better title. This isn't laziness—it's a well-thought-out strategy. Generation Z watched Millennials sacrifice their twenties to corporate culture, only to face economic uncertainty, housing crises, and unprecedented stress levels.

Gen Z is boldly saying "No thanks" to that traditional blueprint.

Janel Abrahami, Glassdoor’s Career Pivot Strategist, puts it perfectly. "Gen Z is more willing to embrace a flex mindset than older generations," Abrahami tells Upworthy. "While past generations often prioritized climbing the corporate ladder, Gen Z is looking for the career equivalent of a lily pad: a sustainable route where they can jump to whatever opportunity best fits their needs at the moment. That could mean taking a pay cut for more free time, accepting a lower title for a more creative role, or switching to an industry they see as more stable—since 70% of Gen Z questions their job security as AI advances in the workplace, many are proactively moving toward sectors like skilled trades, healthcare, and education."

young, gen z, working, professionals, career Person with pink hair typing on laptop. Photo credit: Canva

This lily pad mentality represents a profound shift in how an entire generation views professional growth. Instead of linear progression within a single company, Gen Z sees their careers as a series of strategic moves that prioritize personal fulfillment, financial stability, and—crucially—time for the things that actually matter to them.

Generation side hustle

Despite the moniker "career minimalism," 57% of Gen Z employees have at least one side hustle—more than any generation before them. Is it about the money? Not exactly. For Gen Z, side hustles are where their ambition thrives.

Nearly half (49%) of Gen Z side hustlers say their primary motivation is to be their own boss, while 42% are driven by the desire to pursue their passions. These numbers tell a story about a generation that refuses to wait for opportunities. When their 9-to-5 doesn't provide creative fulfillment or meaningful impact, they create it themselves.

A teacher in Iowa sums it up, saying, "I always joke that I don't dream of labor… If people were truly passionate about their job, it wouldn't pay anything. Passion is for your 5-9 after the 9-5."

- YouTube www.youtube.com

Similarly, a research analyst echoes this sentiment, saying, "While having a job that you're passionate about is really cool, it's important to have other interests that are not tied to your work life."

The broader statistics are even more telling: 66% of Gen Z and Millennials have started or plan to start side hustles, with 65% intending to continue their entrepreneurial ventures through 2025. Meaning, this isn't a phase—it's a fundamental reimagining of how work fits into a fulfilling life. The pattern is clear: younger generations are diversifying their income streams and refusing to put all their professional eggs in one corporate basket.

Work-life balance as a non-negotiable priority

While older generations might view work-life balance as a nice idea, Gen Z regards it as essential infrastructure for a sustainable life. Thirty-two percent of Gen Z rank work-life balance as the most critical aspect of a job, compared to 28% of Millennials and 25% of Gen X. More significantly, they're willing to prioritize this balance over higher compensation—a move that would have been unthinkable to previous generations entering the workforce.

"Employers may be surprised by the changing attitudes of Gen Z in the workplace," says Abrahami. "However, this doesn't mean that Gen Z is abandoning work; instead, they are redefining ambition through career minimalism. If Gen Z feels unsupported in achieving the work-life balance they seek, they may become less motivated or start looking for opportunities that align better with their values and lifestyles."

young, gen z, working, professionals, career Young working professionals. Photo credit: Canva

Gen Z is working smarter, not harder: Seventy-three percent of Gen Z employees want permanent flexible work alternatives, and they're not just asking—they're demanding. Companies that fail to adapt are losing talent rapidly. Research shows that 72% of Gen Z workers have considered leaving a job because of inflexible policies. Meanwhile, organizations offering flexible work arrangements see 78% higher retention rates among Gen Z employees. When companies listen to their employees' preferences, everyone wins.

Empathy is the key to Gen Z's management style

As Gen Z enters management roles—they make up over 10% of managers in 2025—this generation is bringing a different leadership philosophy to the table. Gone are the days of barking orders, wielding fear, and pitting direct reports against each other: Gen Z leaders prioritize emotional intelligence, collaboration, and authentic connection with their teams.

Gen Z managers focus on:

Transparent, honest communication over corporate speak
Continuous feedback loops instead of annual performance reviews
Collaborative decision-making that includes team input
Mental health support as a fundamental management responsibility

Seventy-seven percent of Gen Z consider organizational values when choosing an employer, and as they move into leadership roles, they ensure those values are lived, not just posted on company websites.

The companies (already) getting it right

Innovative organizations understand the importance of the Gen Z workforce, with many getting a head start on adapting to their preferences. The results speak for themselves. Goldman Sachs moved to a flexible dress code in 2019, General Motors eliminated its 10-page dress code in favor of a simple "dress appropriately" policy, and companies like Google offer flexible time off and comprehensive mental health support. Other companies, such as Microsoft, have introduced therapy stipends and on-demand counseling sessions to cater to Gen Z's work values.

Canva provides a standout example: through initiatives like "Force for Good," the company encourages employees to contribute over 10,000 hours annually to community projects. This commitment to purpose-driven work has helped Canva achieve a 92% employee satisfaction rate.

- YouTube www.youtube.com

These changes aren't just nice-to-haves—they're competitive advantages. Companies that embrace Gen Z-friendly policies are seeing measurable improvements in engagement, retention, and overall performance.

What every generation can learn from career minimalism

Gen Z's approach to work is not radical; it's rational. After watching previous generations sacrifice their health, relationships, and personal fulfillment for corporate success that often proved fleeting, Gen Z chose a different path.

These lessons are valuable for everyone, regardless of age:

Boundaries create sustainability. Gen Z's insistence on work-life balance is a nugget of wisdom. By setting clear boundaries, they dodge the burnout that has plagued older generations and create space for long-term productivity and creativity.

Diversification reduces risk. While previous generations sought security in a single employer, Gen Z believes that proper security comes from multiple income streams and transferable skills. Their side hustles are money-generating insurance policies against rapidly changing industries and A.I.

Values-driven work increases engagement. When work aligns with personal values, engagement and performance naturally increase. Gen Z's demand for meaningful work benefits everyone by forcing companies to clarify their purpose and impact.

Flexibility enhances productivity. The data is precise: flexible work arrangements lead to higher retention, better performance, and increased job satisfaction across all generations.

For Abrahami, the way Gen Z operates in the workplace feels like a breath of fresh air, and she encourages managers to get to know their Gen Z direct reports. "Gen Z’s habits will continue to shape our workforce, so it's important employers take the time to truly understand them," Abrahami notes. "Their approach isn’t about laziness; rather, it’s a new representation of how they define success. They want sustainable careers that align with their goals, whether that means prioritizing a job that prevents burnout or one that provides security from layoffs. Older generations have much to learn from Gen Z, and we’re likely to start to see these values become more widely accepted."

young, gen z, working, professionals, career Gen Z coworkers.Photo credit: Canva

The future of work belongs to Gen Z

Gen Z's philosophy in the workplace offers a compelling answer to the age-old question: "What if there's a better way?" Their formula is refreshingly simple: stable jobs for security, side hustles for passion, and strict boundaries for sustainability.

As workplace dynamics continue to evolve, the rise of career minimalism—fueled by Gen Z's values—will reshape not only how we define professional success but also how we experience fulfillment. The future of work may belong not to the climbers, but to those content to hop from lily pad to lily pad with purpose and self-awareness.

The corner office can keep its view. Gen Z has found something better: a career that actually fits their life, instead of consuming it. And honestly? The rest of us should take notes.

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Celebrity

Cillian Murphy gave a refreshing response when asked if he had FOMO about 'The Odyssey'

Introverts are taking his "ROMO" answer and running with it.

JoshPopov/Wikimedia Commons

Cillian Murphy at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2025.

Actor Cillian Murphy has been in dozens of films and television shows, but is perhaps best known for playing the lead roles in the movie Oppenheimer and the British TV drama Peaky Blinders. The Irish native is also known to be a favorite casting choice for director Christopher Nolan, playing roles in six of his 12 films, including Batman Begins, Inception, and Dunkirk.

The upcoming Nolan film epic The Odyssey is a notable exception, however. When a Variety interviewer asked Murphy if he was feeling any FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) over not being involved in the project, his response made waves.

"No, I have ROMO—Relief Of Missing Out," he said, laughing. "No, I can't wait to see it. If any director in the world could tackle The Odyssey, it's gonna be Christopher Nolan. I'm so excited to see it."

— (@)

Murphy's response resonated with so many people who experience ROMO more often than FOMO. Introverts, in particular, ran with the acronym, which perfectly encapsulates the relief they feel when a party or other social event gets canceled; or even sometimes the relief of not being invited to a social event in the first place.

In an interview with Stephen Colbert, Murphy clarified the ROMO comment:

"What I meant to say was it's a real gift to go and watch Chris' films without having the terrible burden of looking at my own stupid head," he said. "Do you know what I mean?"

@colbertlateshow
ROMO > FOMO. #Colbert #CillianMurphy #ChristopherNolan #FOMO #TIFF

The answer was refreshing in a world where ambition is celebrated and expected, especially when fame is involved. Many might assume that an actor would always want to be a part of every big thing, but there's a cost that comes with being part of a major project. One, it's a lot of work, and two, you never get to just enjoy it as an audience member.

Murphy isn't the only actor who doesn't like to see his own face on screen. In fact, there are some actors who refuse to watch their own films, with some saying they prefer the process to the product, and others saying seeing themselves on screen creates too much self-consciousness.

People might assume that in order to act you have to be an extrovert, but a surprising number of actors are actually introverts. People might also assume that fame is something all actors seek, but that's not accurate, either. Murphy is famously averse to fame, desiring to focus on the acting work itself. Despite his best efforts to avoid it, fame found him anyway.

- YouTube www.youtube.com

Ironically, Murphy's ambivalence toward the spotlight makes him all the more relatable, so his ROMO comment hits home. Introverts everywhere felt seen by it, especially since he seems sincerely relieved to be able to just enjoy a Christopher Nolan movie without all the stress and pressure of being a part of one. It must be weird to be an actor who gets cast in major films but who really doesn't want the glitz and glamour that comes along with it. There's a strange irony in simply loving the craft of acting, but knowing that the better you are as an actor, the more famous you'll become, even if you don't want to.

No wonder Murphy feels relieved to not be in The Odyssey. And now he's launched a viral meme—ROMO—inadvertently putting the spotlight on himself in a whole other way (but at least this spotlight captures a bit of his true self and not the characters people mistake him for).

Thank you, Cillian Murphy, for giving those of us who feel ROMO more often than FOMO a term of our own.

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Internet

Are you 'ambitious but lazy'? This 3-minute video might be just the push you need.

It's a physics problem, actually.

Photo credit: Canva

Physics actually plays a big role in procrastination.

You're an ambitious person. You've got big dreams and lofty aspirations. You know you're capable of success. You envision reaching or even exceeding your goals, and you know All The Things you need to do to make it happen.

But your couch is so comfy. And Netflix has all the Gilmore Girls seasons. And you're just going to check the news on social media real quick. And you should probably do some laundry because you're out of underwear, so you don't do All The Things. You're lucky if you do any of The Things to reach your goals.

You wake up an ambitious dreamer and go to bed a lazy procrastinator, over and over, and the cycle of wanting-to-but-not-willing-to continues.

ambitious, lazy, procrastination, inertia, struggle Join the ambitious-but-lazy club.Photo credit: Canva

Don't worry. You're not the first person to be stuck in the ambitious-but-lazy rut, and you certainly won't be the last. There's a good chance you've tried various methods to motivate yourself or boost your willpower without lasting success. Quick dopamine hits trump ambitious dreams nine times out of ten.

But is it really laziness? A three-minute video from The Blurb explains how the cycle of knowing what you need to do but not doing it over and over again leads to a cycle of procrastination, creates guilt, and causes you to label yourself as a lazy person. And most methods of addressing the problem only deal with the symptoms—turn off your phone so don't get distracted, etc.—but don't deal with the root cause of procrastination.

What is that root cause, according to The Blurb? One word: Inertia.

- YouTubewww.youtube.com

In physics, inertia is Newton's first law of motion—an object at rest tends to stay at rest and an object in motion tends to stay in motion unless acted upon by an external force.

"This applies just as much to tasks as it does to object," the video states. "Getting started on any task, no matter how small, requires an initial push and some amount of energy to overcome the resting state of inertia, and this precisely is the issue. We make this initial push so big and difficult in our minds that instead we just avoid the task entirely and distract ourselves with cheap dopamine-inducing activities. So to break break procrastination, we need to break inertia."

ambitious but lazy, procrastination, inertia, movement, ambition So many ways to procrastinate.Photo credit: Canva

The video explains that there are two ways to break inertia:

1. Reduce the stakes

We tend to build things up in our minds, which can overwhelm us. Thinking about the entirety of a task can cause us to not want to act at all because it seems so daunting. Reducing the stakes by breaking tasks down into tiny steps and only focusing on the step in front of you is often enough to break inertia. Instead of thinking, "I have to write a 5,000 word essay," tell yourself you just have to write the first 50 words. That feels much more doable, which makes inertia much lower.

2. The two-minute rule

Again, the getting started is the biggest hurdle, so tell yourself you only have to do the thing you need to do for two minutes and give yourself permission to stop after that. Need to clean your room? Put on a song, start cleaning and stop as soon as the song stops. It's unlikely that you'll not want to continue at that point.

gif, hacks, ambition, laziness, inertia 2 Minutes Close Enough GIF by Overlook HorizonGiphy

"The best part is usually you'll continue longer than two minutes or you'll end up writing more than 50 words," the video states. "And this is because objects in motion stay in motion, meaning once we get started, we start gaining momentum and this momentum keeps us going for longer. Initially, it's like pushing a ball uphill but once we pass the point of inertia, it's downhill from there and that's why it's important that the initial push is small and easy."

There are lots of examples of reducing the stakes and utilizing the two-minute rule to get yourself past inertia:

Having a hard time consistently working out? Tell yourself you just have to put your workout clothes on and step out the door. That's it. Once you're outside or at the gym (because once you're out the door in your workout clothes, you'll might as well head to the gym if you belong to one) tell yourself you only have to exercise for two minutes.

ambitious but lazy, procrastination, inertia, movement, downhill Once you break inertia, tasks become easier. Photo credit: Canva

Need to work on a school or work project? Break it down into small parts and just do the first small part. Write one paragraph. Make the first presentation slide. Spend two minutes doing research. Just take the first step.

It might sound overly simple, but sometimes the simplest solutions are the most effective and you might be surprised by how well this works. Instead of searching for motivation, think of creating momentum. All it takes that first tiny push to break inertia and get the ball rolling, literally and figuratively.

You can find more helpful videos on The Blurb's YouTube channel.

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life hacks

Identity

The note said she didn't deserve her promotion. Here's her mic-drop response.

From a girl who went to MIT anyway.

This story first appeared on the author's Medium and is reprinted here with permission.

Because you're a girl.

I was promoted a few weeks ago, which was great. I got a lot of nice notes from friends, family, customers, partners, and random strangers, which was exciting.

But it wasn't long until a note came in saying, “Everyone knows you got the position because you're a girl." In spite of having a great week at a great company with great people whom I love, that still stung, because it's not the first time I've heard it.

Every woman who works in tech—heck, likely every woman on Earth—hears “because you're a girl" dozens, if not thousands, of times in her life.

It starts young, of course:

Why can't I join that team? Because you're a girl.

Why can't I study physics? Because you're a girl.

Then, the comments age with you.

Why can't I manage that project? Because you're a girl.

Why can't I join that group? Because you're a girl.

And after you've reached any level of attainment in a profession you love, the comments are used to minimize your success.

Why did you get that award? Because you're a girl.

Why were you chosen to participate in that class? Because you're a girl.

Like so many women before me, I have shaken off the comment.

I've gotten angry. I've gotten sad. I've doubted myself and my abilities. I've ignored it entirely. I've challenged it. I've recruited support from men and women I respect. Yet every time it stays there in the back of my mind, screaming for attention after every failure or setback.

But today is the day I've decided to change that.

I did, in fact, get the job because I'm a girl.

A girl who was called "bossy" growing up.

A girl who wasn't afraid to play with the boys.

A girl who didn't hesitate to raise her hand if she knew the answer.

A girl who stood up for other kids.

A girl who was always the first one to volleyball practice and the last to leave.

A girl who was told she was too assertive and aggressive to advance in her career.

A girl who went to MIT anyway.

A girl who asked her company to do more on diversity and inclusion and won't stop pushing until it's truly remarkable.

A girl who has made big mistakes, both personal and professional.

A girl who swings for the fences even when no one is watching.

A girl who puts in hours when other people are asleep

A girl who tells young girls how smart and strong they are.

A girl who hates to lose.

And a girl who won't stand silently while people still use “because you're a girl" as any limitation for girls who want to grow, challenge the status quo, and be something, anything, greater than society tells them they could or should.

So yeah. I guess you could say I got my job because I'm a girl, but not for any of the reasons you might think.

This story first appeared on the author's Medium and is reprinted here with permission.

This article originally appeared seven years ago.

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Popular

Jameela Jamil wants women to stop apologizing for 'being ambitious'

A Time magazine survey found that only 38% of women called themselves "very" or "extremely" ambitious, while 51% of men described themselves that way. It's not that women aren't ambitious, it's that women are less likely to own their ambitions. On top of that, many women are actively discouraged as soon as they show signs of wanting more than what they've been assigned to. But "The Good Place" actress and activist Jameela Jamil is not going to be one of those people who thinks you should say "sorry" anytime you dare to dream.

Jamil posted a photo taken at a Comic Con panel with an inspirational message that you might want to keep on hand the next time you're waffling about going for the gold.

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RELATED: Lady Gaga calls out interviewer's 'sexist' double standards when he asks about her 'provocative lyrics'

"TRYING IS WINNING. You're a hero for taking a chance on yourself whatever happens. And most people will be forever haunted by the words 'what if?' Don't be that person. Please just go for whatever it is that you love, if you have the slightest opportunity to. Rejection still means you were a legend for risking your pride being hurt; to put yourself out there. That takes SO much character. I've failed a million times, and I consider those as noble as my few big wins," Jamil wrote in her inspirational post.

Women say, "I'm sorry," way too much. We'd even apologize to a lamp because we walked into it. Saying "I'm sorry" is tantamount to saying "I messed up" but the thing is, you're not messing up when you admit you want more out of life.

Jamil called on women to stop apologizing for having personal goals, especially if those goals conflict with the so-called status quo. "Do not apologize for being ambitious and thinking outside the box you have been forced into by the people around you, or by society's stereotypes of your people. Rage against the machine and do not conform. Do not behave. Do not surround yourself with nay-sayers. No more 'can't.' No more 'shouldn't.' You can't win a game if you don't play. I'm not saying I'm the pinnacle of success. I'm just doing more than I was ever told I could. And I'm happy with that," Jamil continued.

RELATED: Woman's explanation for being 'standoffish to men in public' brings up an important point about unwanted attention

Jamil ended her post with #womendontbragenough; now can we please get the hashtag #womanbrag trending? Women have accomplished a lot, and we should be able to shout it from the rooftops without having to qualify it with, "I mean, it's dumb or whatever, never mind."

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You probably know Mindy Kaling from her work on shows like "The Mindy Project" and "The Office."

On June 10, she delivered the commencement address at Dartmouth College, where she graduated in 2001. Speaking from behind a giant tree stump like, as she said, "some sort of female Lorax with an advanced degree," Kaling dropped truth bombs about life, living, goals, and dreams.

The entire speech — which you can read here — is chock-full of advice for people of any age or background.

Here are nine of the best moments.

— (@)

1. Speeches like this probably won't single-handedly change your life.

It'd be great if the key to success were as simple as listening to a few wise words from a successful stranger, but it takes drive and effort to actually create the change you want:

"In general, advice isn't actually an effective way to change your life. If all it took to make your life great was hearing amazing advice, then everyone who watched TED Talks would be a millionaire. So don't trust any one story of how how to become successful."

All GIFS from Dartmouth/YouTube.

2. Treat your romantic partners with respect.

This one should be obvious, but apparently some people need reminding.

This point seemed like a nod at the babe.net article, "I went on a date with Aziz Ansari. It turned into the worst night of my life." While Kaling, who is friends with Ansari, never publicly spoke out about the accusations leveled against him, this seems like a pretty clear reference:

"This one is just for guys: When you go on dates, act as if every woman you're talking to is a reporter for an online publication that you are scared of. One shouldn't need the threat of public exposure and scorn to treat women well, but if that’s what it's gonna take, fine. Date like everyone's watching — because we are."

3. Sometimes not knowing your limitations can be a good thing.

Sometimes the only thing standing in the way of success is ourselves:

"I'll tell you my secret, the one thing that has kept me going through the years, my superpower: delusion. This is something I may share with our president, a fact that is both horrifying and interesting. Two years in, I think we can pretty safely say that he's not getting carved onto Mount Rushmore, but damn if that isn't a testament to how far you can get just by believing you're the smartest, most successful person in the world.

My point is, you have to have insane confidence in yourself, even if it's not real."

4. Others don't need to fail in order for you to succeed.

There doesn't need to be a loser in order for a winner to exist. We can all succeed at once, so let's take care of each another:

"I'm giving you permission to root for yourself. And while you're at it, root for those around you too. It took me a long time to realize that success isn't a zero-sum game."

5. The world wants women to fight each other.

At the annual United State of Women conference in May, Michelle Obama talked about the importance of women fighting for more than just one seat at the negotiating table in life: "I think so many of us have gotten ourselves at the table, but we're still too grateful to be at the table to really shake it up."

Kaling touched on that same theme in her speech:

"Hey girls, we need to do a better job of supporting each other. I know that I am guilty of it too. We live in a world where it seems like there's only room for one of us at the table. So when another woman shows up, we think, 'Oh my god, she's going to take the one woman spot! That was supposed to be mine!' But that's just what certain people want us to do!"

6. There's nothing wrong with a little self-promotion.

Kaling made a great point about women being afraid to brag a bit by working in references to her latest movie:

"Wouldn't it be better if we worked together to dismantle a system that makes us feel like there's limited room for us? Because when women work together, we can accomplish anything. Even stealing the world’s most expensive diamond necklace from the Met Gala, like in 'Ocean's 8,' a movie starring me, which opens in theaters June 8th. And to that end, women, don't be ashamed to toot your own horn like I just did."

7. Your goals may change as you go through life, and that's OK.

Kaling lists the goals she had for herself as she entered college, noting that just 1 of the 6 came true. Still, she's not disappointed:

"I just want to tell you guys, don't be scared if you don't do things in the right order, or if you don't do some things at all. I didn't think I'd have a child before I got married, but hey, it turned out that way, and I wouldn't change a thing. I didn't think I'd have dessert before breakfast today, but hey, it turned out that way and I wouldn't change a thing."

8. Find what works for you and let go of what doesn't.

Her example centers around the idea of checklists, but it could be applied to pretty much anything:

"So if I could impart any advice, it's this: If you have a checklist, good for you. Structured ambition can sometimes be motivating. But also, feel free to let it go. Yes, my culminating advice from my speech is a song from the Disney animated movie, 'Frozen.'"

9. There are a lot of people who'll try to stand in your way. Don't become one of them.

Life's hard enough without putting up additional obstacles to your own success:

"I was not someone who should have the life I have now, and yet I do. I was sitting in the chair you are literally sitting in right now and I just whispered, 'Why not me?' And I kept whispering it for 17 years; and here I am, someone that this school deemed worthy enough to speak to you at your commencement.

Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do something, but especially not yourself. Go conquer the world. Just remember this: Why not you? You made it this far."

Watch Kaling's moving (and very funny) speech below.

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Kermit the Frog gave 3 amazing pieces of advice to college grads in iconic commencement speech - Upworthy ›

There's something about actress Jessica Chastain you wouldn't necessarily pick up on while watching her on the big screen or gracing red carpets.

She's shy. (Like really, truly shy.)

Photo by Alberto Pizzoli/AFP/Getty Images.

“I’m almost having a breakdown right now,” she admitted to James Lipton recently during an interview on "Inside the Actors Studio."

"You’re still shy?” he asked her.

“Yes, I’m so shy,” she answered.

To her biggest fans, her shyness may not be news. She's talked publicly about it before.

As Chastain explained to Chelsea Handler on "Chelsea" earlier this year (emphasis added):

"[Being on a movie set] is less intimidating to me than social circumstances. This weekend, I went to a party — it was Katy Perry’s party — and I was just like, ‘Why am I at this party? I’m not as cool as these people, and at some point they’re going to realize that I shouldn’t be here.’ But I feel like, on a film set, 'OK, I have a reason to be here.'"

Photo by Valery Hache/AFP/Getty Images.

Chastain's shyness may be surprising for a couple reasons.

For one, she doesn't seem like someone who's shy. She's an Academy Award-nominated actress who's owned the silver screen in blockbusters like "The Martian" and had us cracking up in "The Help." How can such a Hollywood A-lister be shy?

She's also wildly successful. And shyness isn't something we necessarily associate with successful people.

But maybe we should.

Photo by Valery Hache/AFP/Getty Images.

As Chastain's career proves, being shy isn't a death sentence for ambitions. In fact, it could be just the opposite.

While shyness may be a hinderance to a person's success in some ways — like feeling nervous about meeting new people at a networking event, for instance — people who are shy tend to have other strengths in their corner.

Shy people tend to be great listeners and, thus, total rockstars when it comes to observing the world around them. As Greatist points out, research suggests people are more productive and creative when they're able to work privately — often a preference for shy and introverted folks (introversion and shyness are different, by the way). And on the more personal side, shy people are more likely to report having a "rich, complex inner life" too.

Whoever said shyness is a weakness clearly wasn't paying close enough attention.

There are many reasons to feel quite all right with being shy. But, according to Chastain, that should never stop you from living your life out loud.

Photo by Robin Marchant/Getty Images for Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

“You don’t know if you just don't do it," she told Handler. "If you’re feeling shy or feeling whatever, just throw yourself out there. And maybe it actually changes who you are."