Societal crises, wars, inflation – there are many reasons why young people today feel uncertain and as if they are losing control. In response to this perceived loss of control, they develop their own strategies to regain a sense of security. And a well-paid job is definitely one of them.

Because those who earn a lot can afford the security they long for. But how realistic are Generation Z’s ideas about achieving this goal? The youth study “Youth Unfiltered”, commissioned by the German Cosmetic, Toiletry, Perfumery and Detergent Association, reveals that while expectations for future careers are high, perseverance is proving difficult.

Generation Z’s salary expectations are surprisingly high. More than half of those surveyed envision a monthly income starting at €5,000. Nearly a quarter want to earn at least €9,000 per month. On average, their dream salary is €7,331 per month. Notably, young men have significantly higher expectations than young women.

With an average of about €8,200, the desired income of male respondents is around €1,800 higher than that of female respondents, who aim for approximately €6,400. But it’s not just their salary expectations that are unrealistic. The requirements for the dream job are also hard to meet. In the eyes of young people, it's essential to find a job for life – one that will make them happy forever.

85% are looking for a job that makes them happy. 60% are even searching for the dream job that will make them happy forever. If that’s missing, why keep going? Why endure a long training period when it becomes clear after just three months that it’s not the dream job? 62% of young people generally know within a few weeks whether a job is right for them.

Perseverance seems out of the question

47% still want to try out many things, and 38% have already quit something because it wasn’t their dream job. Sticking it out and going through the ups and downs of training for a well-paid job? That seems far-fetched, as the initial enthusiasm quickly fades.

“I know within three months at the latest whether I’m still learning something or whether I’m still enjoying it – after that, it’s a no-go.” This is a common sentiment among many young people. They don’t feel much urgency to settle into a permanent job. The process is deliberately drawn out because they don’t want to rush into a decision or make a wrong commitment. After all, they still have time.

“You don’t have to decide early these days – you can take your time to find the right thing. I just haven’t found it yet.” Many switch jobs multiple times, take on temporary work like waitressing, or go on a trip around the world. Psychologically, travel resembles their idea of a dream job: it promises constant new beginnings – exciting encounters, experiences, cultures, opportunities, and fun.

“When you travel, you experience something new every day – that’s actually what I want all the time.” 60% of Gen Z enjoy traveling because it allows them to experience something new every day. Rather than forcing themselves into a 40-hour-a-week job that doesn’t make them happy, they search for something that truly fulfills them. The most important question they ask themselves is: “Does this make me happy?” If the answer is no, then it’s not worth it.

And what about cosmetics? Interestingly, the topic of perseverance and sticking with something is not a problem here. When it comes to having beautiful skin and hair, young people go to great lengths and show considerable dedication. Elaborate routines involving multiple, sequential product applications are a normal part of daily life for many young people, carried out meticulously every morning and evening.

But they don’t just do it to look better. Once again, it’s about feeling safe: 50% of young people say they use cosmetic products particularly because these routines help structure their daily lives.

You can find out more about the “Jugend ungeschminkt” study on the **[IKW website](Societal crises, wars, inflation – there are many reasons why young people today feel uncertain and as if they are losing control. In response to this perceived loss of control, they develop their own strategies to regain a sense of security. And a well-paid job is definitely one of them.

Because those who earn a lot can afford the security they long for. But how realistic are Generation Z’s ideas about achieving this goal? The youth study “Youth Unfiltered”, commissioned by the German Cosmetic, Toiletry, Perfumery and Detergent Association, reveals that while expectations for future careers are high, perseverance is proving difficult.

Generation Z’s salary expectations are surprisingly high. More than half of those surveyed envision a monthly income starting at €5,000. Nearly a quarter want to earn at least €9,000 per month. On average, their dream salary is €7,331 per month. Notably, young men have significantly higher expectations than young women.

With an average of about €8,200, the desired income of male respondents is around €1,800 higher than that of female respondents, who aim for approximately €6,400. But it’s not just their salary expectations that are unrealistic. The requirements for the dream job are also hard to meet. In the eyes of young people, it's essential to find a job for life – one that will make them happy forever.

85% are looking for a job that makes them happy. 60% are even searching for the dream job that will make them happy forever. If that’s missing, why keep going? Why endure a long training period when it becomes clear after just three months that it’s not the dream job? 62% of young people generally know within a few weeks whether a job is right for them.

Perseverance seems out of the question

47% still want to try out many things, and 38% have already quit something because it wasn’t their dream job. Sticking it out and going through the ups and downs of training for a well-paid job? That seems far-fetched, as the initial enthusiasm quickly fades.

“I know within three months at the latest whether I’m still learning something or whether I’m still enjoying it – after that, it’s a no-go.” This is a common sentiment among many young people. They don’t feel much urgency to settle into a permanent job. The process is deliberately drawn out because they don’t want to rush into a decision or make a wrong commitment. After all, they still have time.

“You don’t have to decide early these days – you can take your time to find the right thing. I just haven’t found it yet.” Many switch jobs multiple times, take on temporary work like waitressing, or go on a trip around the world. Psychologically, travel resembles their idea of a dream job: it promises constant new beginnings – exciting encounters, experiences, cultures, opportunities, and fun.

“When you travel, you experience something new every day – that’s actually what I want all the time.” 60% of Gen Z enjoy traveling because it allows them to experience something new every day. Rather than forcing themselves into a 40-hour-a-week job that doesn’t make them happy, they search for something that truly fulfills them. The most important question they ask themselves is: “Does this make me happy?” If the answer is no, then it’s not worth it.

And what about cosmetics? Interestingly, the topic of perseverance and sticking with something is not a problem here. When it comes to having beautiful skin and hair, young people go to great lengths and show considerable dedication. Elaborate routines involving multiple, sequential product applications are a normal part of daily life for many young people, carried out meticulously every morning and evening.

But they don’t just do it to look better. Once again, it’s about feeling safe: 50% of young people say they use cosmetic products particularly because these routines help structure their daily lives.

You can find out more about the “Jugend ungeschminkt” study on the IKW website )**