Generation Z workers are not necessarily abandoning traditional jobs, but they are becoming more selective about the careers they pursue, the leadership roles they accept and the life decisions they make, according to Deloitte’s 2026 Gen Z and Millennial Survey.
The survey, which gathered responses from more than 22,500 Gen Z and millennial respondents across 44 countries, found that financial pressures continue to shape how younger generations approach work and long-term planning. Cost of living remained the top concern for both groups for the fifth consecutive year, cited by 38% of Gen Z respondents and 42% of millennials.
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More than half of respondents said they had delayed major life decisions because of their financial situation, including buying a home, starting a family or pursuing further education. Housing affordability has also become a key factor in career choices, with 69% of Gen Z respondents saying the availability or affordability of housing directly influences where they can work and the career decisions they make.
The findings suggest that younger workers are reassessing how much risk they are willing to take in an increasingly expensive and uncertain environment. Rather than stepping back from progress, Deloitte said many are becoming more deliberate about when and how they commit to major personal and professional milestones.
The survey also found a shift in attitudes toward leadership. Only 6% of Gen Z and millennial respondents said achieving a leadership position was their primary career goal. Among those who were not prioritising leadership roles, the most commonly cited concerns were stress and burnout, excessive responsibility and work-life balance.
However, Deloitte noted that this does not necessarily reflect a lack of ambition. A majority of respondents still expressed interest in leadership positions at some point in their careers, with 76% of Gen Z respondents saying they were interested in executive leadership roles and 80% interested in supervisory or management positions in the future.
According to the report, younger workers are increasingly measuring career success through skills, adaptability and long-term growth rather than titles alone. Most respondents said they preferred steady and sustainable career growth over rapid promotion, while around one in five said they would be willing to move laterally or even accept a more junior title to gain valuable experience.
Many are also investing in skills outside their primary jobs. Nearly 30% of Gen Z respondents reported having a part-time or full-time side job. While financial needs were a key driver, more than a third said these roles helped them develop skills and professional relationships.
The survey highlighted a growing focus on adaptability, particularly as artificial intelligence becomes a bigger part of working life. Roughly three-quarters of Gen Z and millennial respondents said they use AI in their day-to-day work, with many using the technology to identify learning opportunities, seek career advice and manage work-related stress.
Deloitte concluded that Gen Z and millennials are not delaying progress altogether. Instead, they are moving more cautiously when it comes to major commitments while accelerating efforts to build skills, adopt new technologies and create careers that are resilient in a rapidly changing world.
First Published on June 14, 2026, 17:02:01 IST
