Across 30 countries, having a stable, full-time job (65%) and owning a home (58%) are viewed as the most important markers of success, well ahead of becoming a parent (31%) or getting married (25%). Economic security has become the foundation of what people consider a successful life. Ireland is no different in this regard.
Notably, Gen Z is not rejecting traditional life goals. Across Western countries, including Ireland, younger adults broadly share the same aspirations as older generations. They still value secure employment, a home of their own and, for many, family life. Half of Gen Z in Ireland see owning their own home as an important sign of living a successful life, with one-in-three viewing marriage in this way.
The difference lies in expectations. Confidence in reaching major milestones declines with each successive generation, with the sharpest drops seen around home ownership and parenthood. This suggests that delayed adulthood is less about changing values and more about barriers to achieving long-held ambitions.
The emotional stakes are high. Across the study, home ownership emerges as the life milestone people would be saddest to miss out on, underlining the enduring importance of housing security and independence.
For Ireland, the message is clear: traditional aspirations remain alive and well. Young people still want many of the same things previous generations wanted. The challenge is not a lack of ambition, but growing uncertainty about whether those ambitions remain attainable.
For more details and the full report or more information, please contact Kieran O’Leary, Director: kieran.oleary@ipsos.com
Alternatively, request the report here
