I'm a VC founder and mother to 5 Gen Z kids. My listening tour of 50 young adults shows a hunger to work hard and rewrite the American Dream
Briefly

Gen Z is actively redefining the American Dream by prioritizing purpose, stability, and ownership while facing significant economic challenges. They are hardworking individuals balancing multiple jobs and commitments. Research shows that many feel disconnected and struggle with economic barriers like high inflation and housing costs. Despite the narrative of entitlement, they exhibit curiosity and resourcefulness. Current living costs require much higher incomes than before, contributing to a sense of community loss among young adults, signaling a need for on-ramps to opportunities and mental wellbeing.
Gen Z is rewriting the playbook for success themselves, striving for lives defined by purpose, stability, and ownership, rather than waiting for a savior.
I see young people who are curious, inclusive, digitally fluent, and resourceful, maximizing their resumes while managing jobs, side hustles, and social commitments.
Listening sessions revealed that less than half of young adults feel a sense of community, facing obstacles like debt, high housing costs, and feeling lonely.
To afford the same house today as in 2020, the average American now needs to have nearly doubled their income due to soaring rent and inflation.
Read at Fortune
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