Study shows Gen Z ditches DIY, blows over $1,500 on basic household tasks like changing bulbs

Welcome to the age of outsourcing, where changing a light bulb is practically a Herculean task for some, and fitting wiper blades is the modern equivalent of climbing Everest. We're talking about Gen Z in the UK—the generation that spends a jaw-dropping £1,300 (over $1,500) annually to dodge basic household chores.

The study was conducted by one of the UK's leading retailers Halfords.

It’s not that they’re lazy; they’re just delegating efficiently. Let's dive into this peculiar trend that’s turning your everyday DIY tasks into a burgeoning industry for professionals.

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The tool trouble

Recent studies show that 21% of them can’t identify basic tools. Spanners, screwdrivers—all Greek to a significant chunk of this digital-native cohort.

The tool kit might as well come with an ancient scroll and hieroglyphs for all the sense it makes to them. This lack of familiarity understandably breeds hesitation. If you can’t name it, you probably don’t want to use it.

The fear factor

And it's not just ignorance; there’s also a hefty dose of fear. Around 25% of young adults avoid changing a ceiling light bulb, citing concerns about electrical safety or the potential horrors of using a ladder.

Who needs the stress of a potential light bulb apocalypse when you can swipe for a TaskRabbit hero to save the day?

The cost of convenience

Gen Z’s outsourcing habits cost them a cool £1,300 per year. To put this in perspective, Generation X spends about £386 ($471.41) annually, and Baby Boomers spend a mere £253 ($308.14).

Anxiety meets overwhelm

Why is there reluctance to roll up their sleeves? Psychological barriers play a significant role. The idea of tackling even the simplest tasks seems overwhelming to many young adults, with 20% expressing fears about falling off ladders or botching electrical jobs.

Millennials: Heroes of procrastination

Before we start wagging our fingers too hard at Gen Z, let’s not forget their older siblings, the millennials, who aren’t exactly winning any DIY medals either.

About 22% of millennials opt for calling the professionals rather than running the risk of a disaster occurring from a DIY. The apple falls not very far from the tree when dodging household chores.

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So, what is driving this trend?

In a world where time is the most precious currency, young adults see more value in outsourcing than investing hours into learning DIY skills.

With the rise of the gig economy and sites like TaskRabbit, hiring someone to manage the tasks at your house is almost as simple as ordering pizza. Such ease encourages people to think it's okay—and savvy—to pay others to do so.

Let’s not overlook the cultural narratives spun by media. Glorifying convenience and instant gratification, the message is clear: “Why learn to do it yourself when someone else can do it for you?” This mindset subtly erodes the incentive to develop practical skills.