Theory 2 of 3: The illusion of infinite choice

Highlight of the week: The Financial Times asked me to share a survey with my younger audience. If you are a US or UK-based student, help shape the future of news (and possibly win some Airpod Pros 2). 👀

A year ago, a distant friend from university (Jess) called me up, asking for advice. 

Jess told me that after graduating, she had moved back to Calgary (the city she grew up in) and was making a killing in a corporate finance job she loved. Her burgeoning career in an affordable city meant buying a house and putting down roots was well within reach. Jess had also met the love of her life – a loyal and compatible partner with whom she could really see a future. 🏠

💬 Jess: So yeah, I guess my question is… Should I move to London?

💬 Me: … What? 

Jess wondered whether she was settling down too fast. Many of her friends had moved abroad, and her career allowed her to do the same.

For Jess, this was more than just FOMO. It was a deep sense of indecisiveness about what would make her happiest in the long run. 

Even though she was fulfilled by her current trajectory, it wasn’t enough. She was considering leaving her job (and partner) in search of more certainty.

@lukealexanderlife

Move out of your home town - Here is why #success #entrepreneur #wealth

Young people are voluntarily uprooting their lives

Indecisiveness is innately human. But young people today are making big life changes at unprecedented rates. 

👉 Jobs: Nearly 1 in 3 Gen Z switched jobs last year. The demographic is expected to change careers up to 10 times between the ages of 18 and 34.

👉 Relationships: In a deep dive on dating culture, I outlined how young people – who disproportionately meet on dating apps – have shorter relationships that become sexual faster. They’ve normalized situationships. 

👉 Migration: Despite the skyrocketing cost of living and more remote work options, Gen Z is still drawn to big, expensive cities and are more likely to rent for life. They are big believers in travel and less likely to call a single place home. 

Yet, despite making the jump – often for objectively better options – Gen Z reports lower life satisfaction across many dimensions.

They’re making more money, but they’re less happy with their jobs. They’re exposed to more romantic prospects, but they’re having way less sex. They’re seeing the world, but they’re lonelier than ever. 😔