Success today isn’t just wealth—it’s meaning, balance, and legacy. From Millennials to Gen Z, every generation is rethinking success across generations differently. But what’s driving this shift, and how can we learn from it?
What’s Driving the Shift in the Meaning of Success?
Economic instability, changing social values, and the digital revolution are prompting widespread rethinking success across generations. What once defined achievement—high income, corporate status, and homeownership—now competes with well-being, autonomy, and emotional richness.
1. Economic Roadblocks and Stalled Progress
Many Millennials entered the workforce during major economic downturns. Consider that Millennials are often referred to as the “Unluckiest Generation”—facing youth unemployment in both the Great Recession and COVID‑19 fallout. Similarly, business‑school graduates today struggle—underemployment among 20‑something grads is as high as 41.2%. With precarious career paths, many Millennials began expecting less from traditional success.
2. Inflation, Wealth Transfer & Inheritance Realities
Although Millennials are expected to inherit more wealth than any prior generation, it’s unevenly distributed. Meanwhile, Gen Z is entering adulthood amid surging housing prices and stagnant wage growth, causing them to aim high—some studies show Gen Z believes they need half‑a‑million dollars annually to be successful.
Gen Z: Success as Purpose, Flexibility & Impact
Outside-In vs Inside-Out Success
Traditional markers like status and wealth matter less to Gen Z. They define success from the inside-out—through purpose, relationships, and well-being.
Prioritizing Learning & Well-being
According to Deloitte’s 2025 survey of 23,000+ Gen Z and Millennials:
- Just 6% say leadership is their primary goal
- Most rank learning, well-being, and career growth above climbing the corporate ladder
Financial Safety + Emotional Richness
Gen Z’s success trifecta revolves around:
- Financial security—as a base
- Purpose—from work/life
- Well‑being—as essential
Expectation vs Reality
Even so, they often feel success is out of reach: close to half report financial insecurity. Still, their confidence remains high—over 70% expect to be financially successful.
Millennials: Redefining Success on Their Own Terms
Education & Career Setbacks
Despite being the most educated generation, Millennials grapple with debt, housing issues, and delayed milestones—home ownership, marriage, etc..
Value Aligned Careers Over Titles
Instead of chasing authority, Millennials prioritize:
- Social value in their work
- Flexible careers or entrepreneurship
- Experiences and volunteering
They’re the generation of startups, freelancing, and placing purpose at the forefront.
Loyalty Towards Brands & Values
Recent brand‑loyalty studies reveal Millennials are more loyal to brands than they were five years ago—suggesting long-term thinking and value alignment.
Gen X & Baby Boomers: Traditional Success in Transition
Baby Boomers: Work-Centric Stability
Historically, success meant steady jobs, pensions, homeownership, and climbing the corporate ladder. This model shaped Gen X and Millennial expectations for decades.
Generation X: Independent but Realistic
Born between 1965–1980, Gen Xers were shaped by economic turmoil and often work to live rather than live to work. They value autonomy and question authority—but still embrace financial stability.
Comparing Generations: What Success Looks Like Now
| Generation | Success Markers | Key Mindset |
|---|---|---|
| Baby Boomers | Career status, homeownership | Work-centric, upward mobility |
| Gen X | Autonomy, work-life balance | Pragmatic, independent |
| Millennials | Purpose, values, flexibility | Educated, socially conscious, entrepreneurial |
| Gen Z | Meaning, learning, well-being | Purpose-driven, resilient, emotionally aware |
Hard Work vs Relationships
Less than a third of Gen Z and Millennials believe hard work alone equals success; about 40% cite personal networks as more important.
How to Rethink Success Across Generations
If you’re aiming to align with today’s success ideals, consider these steps:
1. Financial Stability as Foundation
- Build emergency funds early
- Focus on investing education
- Understand generational financial trends
2. Purpose in Everyday Work
- Seek roles aligned with personal values
- Engage in social impact efforts
- Use growth opportunities: mentorship, cross-functional learning
3. Invest in Well-being
- Prioritize mental and physical health routines
- Maintain healthy boundaries with work and technology
4. Cultivate Relationships & Networks
- Network authentically and regularly
- Build community inside or outside work
- Use collective support for career and emotional resilience
5. Embrace Multi-Generational Opportunities
- Learn leadership from Gen X/Boomers
- Mentor younger employees with Gen Z/Millennial insights
- Seek flexible, hybrid work environments
The Business and Cultural Impact
Hiring & Retention
Companies must offer:
- Learning and development
- Purpose-led missions
- Strong well-being frameworks
Failing to adapt means losing talent—especially among younger generations.
Marketing & Brand Messaging
Successful brands tap into:
- Shared values
- Authentic storytelling
- Impactful missions resonating beyond profits
Final Takeaway: A Balanced Vision
Success is no longer one‑dimensional. Rethinking success across generations reveals that wealth matters—but so do purpose, well-being, learning, and relationships. Blending financial savvy with personal satisfaction creates a more sustainable, meaningful life—redefining success for everyone, regardless of age.
References
- Deloitte Global Gen Z and Millennial Survey 2025. https://www.deloitte.com/global/en/issues/work/genz-millennial-survey.html?icid=top_genz-millennial-survey
- Underemployment Among Early-Career Graduates.
https://www.nypost.com/2025/06/17/recent-graduates-facing-deteriorated-labor-market-as-unemployment-reaches-highest-level-in-years/ - Gen Z’s Pursuit of Financial Security.
https://psychotricks.com/gen-z-mental-health-crisis/
