Stay informed with our newsletter.
.webp){kind=spacer}
EN
Gen Z is postponing major life milestones such as buying a house or starting a family due to factors like financial strain, career uncertainty, and a focus on mental health. Rising living costs, student loan debt, and job instability are making homeownership and parenthood less attainable. Additionally, Gen Z values personal fulfillment and experiences over traditional markers of success, leading them to prioritize self-growth before committing to long-term responsibilities.
Generation Z, the cohort born roughly between 1997 and 2012, has a unique approach to life. Known for being the first generation to grow up with the internet and social media, they have also witnessed the world undergo significant transformations, from economic recessions to climate change concerns. As a result, their attitudes toward key life decisions, such as purchasing a house, starting a family, or even pursuing a traditional career, are markedly different from those of previous generations.
One of the most notable trends among Gen Z is the growing tendency to delay - or in some cases, completely reconsider - big life decisions that were once considered milestones. This shift reflects the complex landscape in which today’s young adults are navigating their futures.
A major factor contributing to Gen Z’s hesitance to make traditional life decisions is the financial burden they face. The rising costs of education, student loan debt, and housing are leaving many young adults with little room to save for the future. In addition to the financial strain, wages have not kept pace with inflation, creating a financial environment that feels unstable.
For many, the dream of homeownership has been put on hold due to the skyrocketing prices of real estate, which are out of reach for most Gen Zers. According to a 2023 study by the National Association of Realtors, the median age of first-time homebuyers in the United States was 36 - an increase from 33 years old in 2011. Gen Z, who are currently in their early to mid-20s, are delaying homeownership for a variety of reasons, including job insecurity and the high cost of living in many urban centers.
Additionally, Gen Z faces the added pressure of student loan debt. According to the Federal Reserve, the total student loan debt in the U.S. has surpassed $1.7 trillion, and the burden of this debt is one of the major reasons why many in this generation are delaying significant financial investments, such as buying a house or starting a family. With student loan payments eating into their monthly budgets, the prospects of owning a home seem like a distant dream.
Alongside financial struggles, career uncertainty also plays a critical role in Gen Z’s decision to postpone big life milestones. In the past, securing a stable, full-time job at a large corporation was seen as the ideal path to financial security and independence. However, the landscape of the job market has shifted, with many young people opting for more flexible, gig-based work instead.
Gen Z is not as keen on traditional 9-to-5 office jobs. Many young people are embracing freelance work, side hustles, and remote opportunities that allow them to build a career without the rigid structure of the past. While this approach to work offers greater flexibility and autonomy, it also comes with inherent instability. The lack of job security, health benefits, and retirement plans means that many Gen Zers feel unprepared to take on the financial responsibility of homeownership or raising a family.
Furthermore, the ongoing rise of automation and artificial intelligence is creating anxiety about the future of employment. Many Gen Zers are aware that their chosen fields may change drastically in the coming years, leading them to feel less secure in their careers and less inclined to make long-term commitments like buying a house or starting a family until they can find greater stability.
Beyond the financial and career-related factors, Gen Z is also uniquely focused on their mental health and personal development. Unlike previous generations, young people today are more likely to prioritize self-care, emotional well-being, and work-life balance. With the pressures of living in a hyper-connected world, the desire to take care of their mental health often outweighs the traditional milestones of adulthood.
Social media has also had a significant impact on how Gen Z views their future. While it has its positives, such as fostering connections and providing a platform for self-expression, it has also contributed to feelings of inadequacy and comparison. Young adults are bombarded with idealized portrayals of what life should look like - whether it's the perfect career, relationship, or family. As a result, some members of Gen Z are hesitant to pursue these traditional milestones, either because they feel unprepared or because they are unsure if those goals align with their own desires.
Moreover, mental health challenges, such as anxiety and depression, have become more common among Gen Z. A 2022 study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that mental health disorders were most prevalent among young adults, with anxiety being one of the leading diagnoses. The pressure to meet societal expectations regarding career success, family life, and financial independence has created an environment where many in Gen Z are delaying these life milestones to focus on their well-being.
Another important factor in Gen Z’s decision to postpone big life changes is the evolving definition of success. In previous generations, achieving milestones like buying a house or starting a family were seen as symbols of success and adulthood. However, for Gen Z, success is increasingly defined by personal fulfillment and happiness rather than traditional markers of achievement.
For many members of Gen Z, living a fulfilling life doesn’t necessarily require owning property or starting a family. They are more likely to prioritize experiences—such as traveling, pursuing hobbies, or exploring different career opportunities—over conventional life goals. The idea of waiting until “the right time” to achieve these traditional milestones has become less important. Instead, they are opting for a slower, more deliberate approach to life, one that allows them to focus on self-discovery and personal growth before committing to the responsibilities that come with homeownership and parenthood.
In addition, the stigma surrounding non-traditional family structures and delayed parenthood has significantly decreased in recent years. Gen Z is more open to diverse definitions of family, and many are choosing to prioritize their career, education, or personal passions before having children. According to a 2021 study by the Pew Research Center, nearly half of Gen Z adults said they planned to have children, but the timing of this decision was more flexible compared to previous generations.
The global crises of the past decade - ranging from economic recessions to the COVID-19 pandemic—have shaped the way Gen Z views their future. Witnessing the effects of financial instability and health crises has made them more cautious about making major life decisions. Many have seen their parents or older relatives struggle with job losses, financial insecurity, and the impact of the housing market crash, and they are hesitant to follow the same paths without a clearer sense of stability.
Additionally, the rise of climate change awareness has led many young people to reconsider their traditional goals. The urgency of addressing environmental challenges has contributed to a mindset that values sustainability and flexibility over consumerism and ownership. Gen Z is less likely to view homeownership as a marker of success, especially given the environmental impact of construction and urban sprawl.
Gen Z’s decision to postpone or reconsider big life decisions, such as buying a house or starting a family, is a reflection of the unique challenges and values that define this generation. Financial strain, career uncertainty, mental health awareness, and shifting social norms are all playing significant roles in shaping their priorities. As Gen Z continues to mature, it’s likely that their approach to these milestones will continue to evolve in response to both personal desires and broader societal trends. While the delay of these life decisions may seem unconventional, it is, in many ways, a thoughtful response to the complex world in which they are navigating.
For questions or comments write to writers@bostonbrandmedia.com
.avif)
