Being laid off from a job is a taboo subject for many people – and, it seems, especially for Generation Z. Although they are just entering the job market, these young workers are afraid of losing their jobs and, of note, having to share the news with others.

Job search site ZipRecruiter surveyed 2,000 people who had recently lost their jobs about their views on layoffs, and reported that the majority of respondents (83%) spoke openly about their dismissal with their family, while two-thirds told their friends.

But they were much more reluctant to announce the news on social networks: only 11% of respondents did so when they learnt they were being let go by their company.

This phenomenon is surprising given that, in today’s ultra-connected society, internet users have become accustomed to sharing their slightest successes and grievances on TikTok, Instagram, and the like. It seems that getting fired is one of the few experiences where making it public knowledge is not in good form.

Contrary to what might be expected, 18- to 24-year-olds are less likely to talk about a job loss with their family and friends compared with professionals who have been working for years. The economic environment might have something to do with this: given the tense labour market, Gen Zers may view their layoff as a detrimental barrier to their career, as opposed to a step that could lead to new directions and opportunities.

This pessimism could be why nearly a third of people in that age group believe recruiters are reluctant to hire employees who have already been dismissed. It’s not surprising, then, that only 14% of them report discussing the subject with future employers.

Talking about a layoff is never easy, especially during the recruitment process. It may be tempting to lie or dodge the question for fear of judgement, but this approach will only stir up the employer’s curiosity and perhaps even distrust.

It is always better to be frank and open about the subject – even if this requires some advance preparation.