For the under-35s, health and relationships matter more than money and work

Those who imagine them to be a generation in the grip of dissatisfaction, in search of a better quality of life to be found perhaps across the border where the labour market is more dynamic and wages are higher, are in danger of being wrong and very wrong. Because four out of five young people are already satisfied with their quality of life (36% say they are very satisfied) and, at the top of their list of priorities, they do not put employment and money but health (mental, very important for 85% of people, and then physical) and relationships, with family and partner.

This profile emerges from a survey conducted for Il Sole 24 Ore between 1 and 4 May 2026 by Eumetra, in partnership with the Fair Foundation, on a sample of one thousand people aged between 18 and 35. A generation that seems to have changed its agenda and goals compared to previous ones. Perhaps also driven by dissatisfaction with certain more material areas such as work (which is of great importance to only one out of two people, less than free time) and money. Or forged by socially traumatic events such as the 2020-21 pandemic, particularly among 18-24 year olds. "Among young people," comments Matteo Lucchi, CEO of Eumetra, "a new conception of quality of life is emerging, one that prioritises wellbeing and personal balance and downgrades the professional sphere. Mental and physical health are the top priorities, together with the quality of relationships and the availability of time for oneself'.

This does not mean that everything is going well, because the survey shows a gap between the level of satisfaction recorded in one field and the importance that this has in their lives: 'There is a big gap,' Lucchi continues, 'between what young people consider important and what they actually manage to live with satisfaction: from health as a whole to work, to economic resources and free time. It is a sign that tells of the gap between expectations and reality and highlights widespread fragilities. A concrete invitation for institutions, businesses and territories to rethink the very concept of generational well-being'.

The gaps in question are perhaps the real 'knots' to be unravelled, where the importance attached to certain dimensions is not reflected in adequate satisfaction: mental health is very important for 85% of young people, but only 42% are fully satisfied. The money available - although lower in the ranking of priorities - matters a lot to 70%, but only 26% say they are very satisfied. Work, then, is important for 54%, but satisfies only 27%.

Although employment has slipped down the list of priorities, it is still a central issue in the lives of young people: one in three is dissatisfied with career opportunities and 36% are dissatisfied with their pay, while 41% give work-life balance a substantial rating.