August 2018 – Released in February, an exhaustive study by the Barna Group found that Generation Z (those born from 1999 to 2015) consider personal achievement, education, and profession to be central to their identity.
When asked what they want to accomplish before age 30, Gen Zs responded with a high priority on career achievement and a low priority on personal and relational growth. Sixty-six percent said they want to finish their education and start a career. Sixty-five percent said they want to gain financial independence, indicating an unwillingness to live off their parents or handouts.
Fewer Gen Zs are interested in starting a family young or investing in their own spiritual maturity. Nearly two out of five want to spend their 20s enjoying life before they take on the responsibilities of being an adult.
Focused, ambitious, entrepreneurial, and armed with very high expectations of life, it will be interesting to see how Gen Z sets out to shape American culture as adults.
