According to a recent survey conducted by McKinsey & Company – “How does Gen Z see its place in the working world? With trepidation” (American Opportunity Survey; October 19, 2022) – young adults in the age range of 18 to 24 are “more likely to have independent jobs or multiple jobs than older workers.” And, this demographic of young adults reportedly also has higher levels of doubt “about their eventual ability to either buy homes or retire.”

Yikes. That’s a lot of lemons.

And, if you read the entire results of the survey it seems to get more dismal. This same age cohort believes that the pay that they will receive for their work will “not allow them a good quality of life” compared to other age groups. The long and the short of it is that the Gen Z generation is in a “deep malaise about their own prospects.”

That’s even more lemons. Or is it?

As a problem-solving optimist with a glass-is-half-full attitude, I am inclined to take this information and find the bright side, which is to say that at least we know in advance that the world of work is changing – so let’s plan accordingly!

For example, if you knew that retirement is not likely an option, would you not spend more time preparing and searching for a true life vocation, rather than simply a job? Meaning, identify something that you truly would love to spend time doing for a lifetime. And, if you thought that the likelihood of owning and remaining in one home for decades was low, would you not feel more liberated and flexible to travel the world in search of a host of opportunities, instead of relying on one path, one option? Think of all the interesting places you could go!

And, if you thought that the “amount of pay will not allow [you] a good quality of life,” would that not motivate you to try harder, earn more qualifications, expand your personal and professional networks?

While some prospects may seem disheartening, let’s try to flip our perspective and find the opportunities hidden within.

After all, lemons don’t turn themselves into lemonade. They simply go bad. So let’s start making lemonade.