Gen Zers want to help, they really do, if the work pays well enough

Gen Z Prioritizes Purpose in Work, But Financial Concerns Pose a Challenge

Gen Zers want to help they – Young people today are increasingly drawn to roles that allow them to make a difference, but their commitment depends heavily on financial compensation. A recent survey by Gallup, in collaboration with the Walton Family Foundation and Harvard University’s Making Caring Common Project, reveals that over 80% of U.S. Gen Z respondents expressed interest in careers centered around helping others. This data underscores a growing desire among the generation to contribute to society through meaningful work, even as they navigate personal and professional challenges.

Search for Meaning in Careers

The study highlights a strong link between purposeful work and mental well-being. Among those who prioritized making a positive impact on others, 89% believed their lives held significance. “Helping others is beneficial for mental health, and many Gen Zers lack a sense of meaning, which can harm their overall well-being,” said Richard Weissbourd, faculty director of the Making Caring Common Project. He emphasized that the pursuit of purpose often drives motivation and emotional resilience, particularly in an era where isolation and stress are widespread.

“During a period marked by rising concerns over loneliness and mental health among Gen Z, this data is showing that they want to help people and are seeking meaning and purpose in their lives,” noted Katherine Senseman, a Gallup research consultant.

Anthony Burrow, a Cornell University psychology associate professor, described the findings as a window into how purpose shapes individuals’ lives. “This research helps us understand how the desire to assist others can become a source of fulfillment, even when external pressures complicate that path,” he explained.

Barriers to Finding Purpose

Despite their enthusiasm for helping, Gen Zers face hurdles that prevent them from fully embracing such roles. As digital natives, they recognize their dependence on technology, with more than half citing excessive screen time as a major obstacle to meaningful engagement. Nearly half admitted to experiencing mental health struggles, and 34% linked their sense of purposelessness to a lack of deep personal connections.

“The modern lifestyle often creates a divide between work and life, leaving many young people disconnected from their own fulfillment,” Burrow added. The survey also found that Gen Zers are more risk-averse, which affects their career choices. While they value purpose, they are hesitant to trade financial stability for roles that may feel emotionally taxing.

Financial and Stress Concerns

The study further revealed that nearly half of Gen Zers worry about their financial security and emotional well-being when considering care-focused jobs. Many perceive these positions as underpaid and high-stress, which conflicts with their broader career goals. Half of the respondents ranked earning a comfortable income as their top priority, often overemphasizing job satisfaction or social impact.

“If money isn’t a concern, they’d prefer work that aligns with their values,” said Senseman. This trend suggests that Gen Zers are not inherently disinterested in helping others, but rather, they need economic incentives to commit fully. Weissbourd echoed this, stating, “Achievement pressure and the search for meaning are interconnected. When people have a clear purpose, they’re more likely to thrive mentally.”

“It’s partly the amount of achievement pressure, but it’s also why you are achieving something,” Weissbourd remarked. “If you have a purpose for it, you’re likely to be in better mental health.”

The survey, conducted in December 2025, sampled 2,436 individuals aged 13 to 28 across the U.S. When asked whether they’d choose a higher-paying job over a more meaningful one, almost half indicated they would. However, if financial stability was already secured, most young people would retain their original roles, prioritizing emotional fulfillment over monetary gains.

Revisiting Career Priorities

While the majority of Gen Zers value personal fulfillment, the survey also shows a shift in their career priorities. About 25% ranked helping others as their primary goal, with over half citing personally rewarding work as a key factor. This duality reflects a generation that seeks balance between purpose and practicality.

Experts suggest that employers and educators can bridge this gap by aligning job opportunities with Gen Z’s values. “This is a story of opportunity,” Burrow said. “When presented with a chance to engage in purposeful or meaningful work, this generation is eager to participate, provided the conditions are favorable.”

For instance, companies could highlight their community initiatives in job descriptions to attract Gen Z candidates. Similarly, educational institutions might incorporate discussions about societal impact into curricula, fostering a mindset that values both financial and emotional rewards. “Older generations often assume that Gen Z is less committed to traditional career paths,” Senseman observed. “But the data shows they’re actively seeking roles that combine purpose with viability.”

Implications for the Future

The findings carry broader implications for how society perceives young people’s motivations. “Gen Z is not just focused on personal gain—they’re invested in creating a positive legacy,” Weissbourd said. Yet, their reluctance to sacrifice income for meaning highlights a tension between idealism and pragmatism.

As this generation enters the workforce, the challenge lies in designing careers that satisfy both their desire to help others and their need for financial security. Employers who fail to address these concerns may find it difficult to attract or retain Gen Z talent. “The key is to offer opportunities where purpose and pay coexist,” Burrow added. “That way, young people can pursue meaningful work without compromising their livelihoods.”

Ultimately, the survey paints a nuanced picture of Gen Z’s aspirations. They are not simply driven by self-interest but by a desire to make a lasting impact. However, without structural support to reconcile their values with economic realities, their potential to contribute to society may remain unrealized. “We need to rethink how we define success,” Senseman concluded. “For Gen Z, it’s about more than wealth—it’s about connection, purpose, and a sense of belonging.”