SMU Dean of Students and Professor of Sociology (Practice) Paulin Straughan commented on the increasing trend of millennials’ preference for part-time work and being self-employed. Prof Straughan attributed this to a tight job market which has made full-time employment not as easy to come by. Adding to this is a cultural shift where millennials are not willing to sacrifice passion for the mundane. She added that work-life balance has never been more integral. “They have a clearer distinction between work and play based on the experiences of those around them. They’ve seen friends and family having had to clock long hours and the consequences that has on mental and physical health, family and other social relationships,” said Prof Straughan.