A recent Stamford University study claims that only about one in five young people in the 12–22-year age range express a clear vision of where they want to go, what they want to accomplish in life, and why.
Generation Y or Millennials (born between 1981 and 1996; 73 million), and Generation Z (born between 1997 and 2012; 71 million), have grown up during a time of technological and economic disruption. They will be the first generations to be worse off than their parents, yet they are still expected to pick up the tab for the planet’s problems, including an aging population, global debt, and climate change. It’s a tall order that has left them without a clear direction and without a True North, moral compass.
Let’s take a closer look…
What Does Our Youth Want Most Out Of Life?
HAPPINESS
Biggest challenge: — Not knowing what I want to do.
MONEY
Biggest challenge: — Not having enough money or time to accomplish the things I want to do.
FREEDOM
Biggest challenge: — Having the freedom to find my ‘true purpose’ or being lit up day-to-day at work.
PEACE
Biggest challenge: — Lack of clarity about who I am and my purpose.
JOY
Biggest challenge: — How to find the right role or position for me now that will bring joy in my work.
BALANCE
Biggest challenge: — Balancing my need/desire for flexibility while making enough money and having benefits I want.
FULFILLMENT
Biggest challenge: — Utilizing my potential in the best possible way for myself and for others.
CONFIDENCE
Biggest challenge: — Feeling like I have something to offer now, rather than feeling constantly as if I’m not ready and need more training.
STABILITY
Biggest challenge: — Figuring out what to do next, to keep me a float and be a bridge to my later years and retirements.
PASSION
Biggest challenge: — Overcoming feelings of ineptitude and negativity because of career setbacks.
What do young people value?
Do young people want to change the world?
Millennials do want to make the world a better place – 84% consider it their duty, according to a report from Deloitte. But they are doing it differently than older generations in three ways.
1. They will work within existing systems. Over 90% believe that business is the way to solve problems like unemployment, the Deloitte study found. And three-quarters think governments should address society’s challenges.
2. They have the tools to act. In a digitally connected world, social media platforms enable young people to promote causes and hold institutions to account directly.
3. They make doing good part of their lifestyle. This includes the careers they choose, the products they buy and how they spend their free time.
What Do Millennials Want Most Out Of Life?
- Millennials don’t just work for a paycheck ― they want a purpose.
- Millennials are not pursuing job satisfaction ― they are pursuing development
- Millennials don’t want bosses ― they want coaches
- Millennials don’t want annual reviews ― they want ongoing conversations
- Millennials don’t want to fix their weaknesses ― they want to develop their strengths
- It’s not just my job ― it’s my life
How do they feel about work? ONLY 29% OF MILLENNIALS ARE engaged, meaning they are emotionally and behaviorally connected to their job and company. Another 16% of millennials are actively disengaged, meaning they are more or less out to do damage to their company. The majority of millennials (55%) are not engaged, leading all other generations in this category of workers.
Seen enough? Do your friends and co-workers feel the same way as you? If so, I offer group coaching and mentoring for issues you and your friends are facing right now. It’s very effective to talk about them in a group setting and the results are clear. Wayfinding works! Tap the button below to start a conversation.
