The Entitled Generation? How Gen Z Is Completely Out Of Touch When It Comes To Money And Their Career

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Gen Z is an ambitious group with high expectations when starting their career after college.

A recent survey of 1,000 undergraduates asked this generation what they expect when it comes to working after college.

The results are, well, shocking, to say the least.

#1. Gen Z Expects To Make 52% More In Starting Salary

The average starting salary is $55,911, but Gen Z expects to begin their career earning a whopping $84,855.

#2. 97% Will Work For Less Money, But With A Catch

Most students (97%) said they would work for less money, but the lowest would be $72,850.

#3. 70% Say They Deserve More

Nearly two-thirds of students say they deserve a higher starting salary because they work harder than their peers.

Additionally, 64% say they deserve more because they are more intelligent than their peers.

#4. Their Major Guarantees Them A Job

72% of Gen Z think that majoring in a high-demand field will guarantee them a job right after graduation.

#5. Most Think They Don’t Need A Resume

61% are not concerned with creating a resume because their degree will be enough to impress employers.

#6. No Entry-Level Jobs

Of those surveyed, 61% also believe they won’t have to work entry-level jobs.

Instead, employers will immediately see their potential and offer them senior-level jobs.

#7. Business Majors Are Most Out Of Touch With Salary Expectations

Business majors have the most unrealistic expectations regarding starting salary when breaking down the data by major.

They are followed by nursing students, those obtaining a liberal arts degree, and political science majors.

#8. Gen Z Will Compromise On Starting Salary For Other Perks

Asked if offered a lower starting salary with additional workplace perks, Gen Z responded as follows:

• 48% want a good work-life balance
• 43% want great benefits
• 41% want flexible hours
• 40% want the job in a desirable location

#9. Most Don’t Think They Can Afford To Live

When informing the students taking the survey that the average starting salary is $55,911, over one-third (34%) don’t think they will be able to afford basic expenses on this income.

#10. If Forced To Take A Low Salary, Gen Z Says This Will Happen

When asked if they had to take the average starting salary of $55,911, the students responded as follows:

• 37% would have to work a second job
• 33% would not be able to repay their student loans
• 27% would go into credit card debt
• 19% would have to move back in with their parents

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