More than half of young professionals would take a 10% pay cut in exchange for a job that makes them happier, according to a new poll from CEMS, the Global Alliance in Management Education.
The findings challenge long-held assumptions about what drives career choices among the next generation of talent. In the poll, 53% of respondents said they would sacrifice salary for happiness, while a further 40% said they may consider it depending on the role.
Only 7% insisted they would never accept a pay cut, highlighting a strong willingness among early-career professionals to prioritise job satisfaction over financial gain.
When asked what makes them happiest at work, young professionals ranked:
- Great co-workers (31%)
- Meaningful work (28%)
- Freedom and flexibility (27%)
The poll was carried out among 350 young professionals from across the world, on LinkedIn in July 2025.
Nicole de Fontaines, Executive Director at CEMS, said: “While salary is important, our new poll results show that it is not the sole driving force for young professionals. Joy, fulfilment, and the opportunity to make an impact hold a lot of sway. They understand that a career is more than just a paycheck; it’s a source of fulfilment and personal growth.
“It also reinforces our Future Forward Workforce report findings from 2024, which revealed that early career professionals see the workplace as more than a collection of individuals – it’s a community. They long for a sense of belonging and relationships that extend beyond office walls.”
“Contrary to the perception that young graduates want to frequently switch jobs or companies, many of our students tell us that they would be happy to stay long-term if employers create the right conditions. Salary and perks alone may not be enough to retain talented young people. Culture, belonging, and opportunities for growth are becoming key factors in talent retention.”
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The findings challenge long-held assumptions about what drives career choices among the next generation of talent. In the poll, 53% of respondents said they would sacrifice salary for happiness, while a further 40% said they may consider it depending on the role.
Only 7% insisted they would never accept a pay cut, highlighting a strong willingness among early-career professionals to prioritise job satisfaction over financial gain.
When asked what makes them happiest at work, young professionals ranked:
- Great co-workers (31%)
- Meaningful work (28%)
- Freedom and flexibility (27%)
The poll was carried out among 350 young professionals from across the world, on LinkedIn in July 2025.
Nicole de Fontaines, Executive Director at CEMS, said: “While salary is important, our new poll results show that it is not the sole driving force for young professionals. Joy, fulfilment, and the opportunity to make an impact hold a lot of sway. They understand that a career is more than just a paycheck; it’s a source of fulfilment and personal growth.
“It also reinforces our Future Forward Workforce report findings from 2024, which revealed that early career professionals see the workplace as more than a collection of individuals – it’s a community. They long for a sense of belonging and relationships that extend beyond office walls.”
“Contrary to the perception that young graduates want to frequently switch jobs or companies, many of our students tell us that they would be happy to stay long-term if employers create the right conditions. Salary and perks alone may not be enough to retain talented young people. Culture, belonging, and opportunities for growth are becoming key factors in talent retention.”
