Members of Gen Z are the most optimistic of all generations when it comes to career prospects, according to a survey by FlexJobs. It found that 73% of this cohort feel more positive about their professional opportunities today than a year ago. Millennials were less optimistic, with only 43% saying this was the case. Members of Gen X were even less hopeful: Only 31% said they felt more optimistic.
On the flip side, 39% of Gen X survey respondents said they are more pessimistic about their careers today. That compares to only 14% of Gen Z.
The survey also found Gen Z members are more upbeat about the job market in general. Two-thirds, 66%, say the job market is better for job seekers today compared to this time last year. However, only 34% of millennials and 28% of Gen X members said the same.
“At a time when multiple generations are actively participating in the workforce, we hope these findings offer valuable insight for companies and underscore the importance of providing flexible workplace policies that can create common ground among workers at every age,” Toni Frana, lead career expert at FlexJobs, said in a press release.
In addition, it found that 54% of Gen Z members said they think it is easier to get a job now than a year ago. That compares to 24% of millennials and 16% of Gen X members.
Of the generations most likely to change jobs, 57% of Gen Z members and 61% of millennials said they plan to make a change over the next year.
FlexJobs’ survey included 7,062 respondents and took place from Aug. 2 through Aug. 17.