According to the Resolution Foundation, 24-year-olds born in the late 1990s earn 12% more in real weekly wages than those born in the late 1980s.
In other words, the younger generation’s starting financial position has improved. But that doesn’t mean they feel more confident.
According to Deloitte’s Global Gen Z and Millennial Survey 2026, the cost of living remains the top source of concern for young people. More than half of Gen Z and Millennials are delaying major life decisions because of their financial situation.
And here’s the core paradox.
There are more opportunities than ever, but expectations of yourself have grown alongside them.
It’s no longer enough to just find a job — you need to keep developing. Not just earn money, but build financial stability. Not just build a career, but also maintain balance and have time for life.
That’s why the younger generation is increasingly rethinking what career success even means.
A fast promotion, a high position, and long working hours no longer look like the only right path. Instead, skill development, stability, flexibility, and the ability to build a career on your own terms are becoming more important.
For employers, this means changing the rules.
Today, a strong specialist doesn’t just need to be well paid. They need room to grow, a clear sense of perspective, and an understanding of where they’re headed.
And for professionals themselves, the takeaway is that in a world where expectations of a professional keep rising, investing in your own knowledge and skills is becoming part of your financial strategy and future prospects.
Sources: Resolution Foundation, June 2026; Deloitte Global Gen Z and Millennial Survey 2026 — 22,500 respondents from 44 countries.
