Emma Waddoups, 23, embodies the challenges facing Gen Z. Married in May and entering her final year at Brigham Young University, she’s planning law school and a career as a public defender. Yet, with her husband still in school and rising costs, she questions traditional milestones: "Will we afford childcare? Can we ever buy a home in Utah?"
For previous generations, adulthood followed a clear path: education, career, homeownership, family. For Gen Z (ages 18–27), this roadmap is unraveling. Soaring housing costs, delayed workforce entry, and economic instability have pushed milestones further—or off the table entirely. A recent study found 84% of Gen Z and 71% of Millennials cite inflation, living costs, and job insecurity as major factors in delaying or forgoing children. In 2024, the average first-time homebuyer hit a record age of 38, while over 70% of young adults express no desire to own a home.
Financial strain is acute: over 40% of Americans under 30 report "barely getting by," and 70% of Gen Z lack hope in the economy. These pressures are redefining success, with lifelong careers disrupted by gig work and AI. Some withdraw entirely—one in five Gen Z are "NEETs" (not in employment, education, or training). Others turn to "polyworking" multiple jobs to sustain a lifestyle they feel is slipping away.
Financial educator Julia Myers notes Gen Z’s relationship with money is shaped by digital spending apps (Venmo, Klarna), creating dopamine-driven habits without tangible cost awareness. Unlike prior generations raised on "save first," Gen Z lacks a clear financial blueprint, often prioritizing experiences (dining out, travel) and social media influences over long-term wealth-building. Yet, they’re also financially savvy: many start investing around 19, with 55% owning crypto.
Despite instability, some find grounding in faith or community. Waddoups, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, leans on her faith and family support: "Faith relieves anxiety, but God won’t buy you a house. You need smart decisions." This balance helps her navigate tensions—like planning children around law school demands and biological clocks, a concern shared by many. Only 30% of adults aged 18–44 definitely want kids, with 68% citing costs as a deterrent.
Waddoups’ deepest worry isn’t just economics but democracy’s future: "The guardrails of our constitution are eroding." Still, she remains optimistic, anchored by family and faith. For a generation struggling with commitment, she believes choosing a path—even an imperfect one—is vital: "Committing to something is better than not committing at all."