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

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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

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

#3. 70% Say They Deserve More

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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

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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

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

#6. No Entry-Level Jobs

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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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