Pollster John Zogby says that college students and young professionals are “more globally aware and less concerned about material wealth than were their predecessors.” A growing proportion are “earning less than they did in their last job,” but are happier and more spiritually fulfilled because of it:
Zogby, who is president and chief executive officer of the marketing and research firm Zogby International and has been conducting polls for more than 20 years, said college administrators should keep in mind the priorities of “America’s first global citizens” — those now 18 to 30 years old. Fifty-six percent of people in that age group, he said, have passports and have traveled abroad: “They are as likely to say they are citizens of the planet Earth as they are to say they are citizens of the United States.”
…Instead of focusing on material wealth and professional status, people in their 20s and early 30s are more likely to seek a rewarding and spiritually-fulfilling life, he said.
True, globalism and altruism are defining characteristics of the jobs and careers many young people are seeking. But are comparisons to previous generations on the points of materialism and ambition—that millenials are “less” materalistic and “more” driven by altruism in their professional life—productive, necessary, or even true?
For sure, we should recognize the desire of young professionals to be globally aware, to work past national and cultural boundaries, and to pursue careers that are fulfilling and give back in some way—these are aspirations to be encouraged. But we probably shouldn’t fawn over the inherent goodness of the millenial and his or her career choices—most millenials have good intentions, but we’re selfish too. Necessarily selfish, in my view. We may forgo a (more lucrative) career in law for a (less lucrative) career with a nonprofit, but when it comes down to it, we’re all still a little materialistic. We want to do good, yes, to serve a cause, yes; but we also want to be adequately and comfortably compensated for the good work we do. And I don’t think there’s anything wrong with wanting both.
[Note: The Chronicle article linked above is subscription only, sorry.]
