Working is part of it even if you are financially independent

The focus was on what people would do if they were free from financial constraints: More than a quarter of Germans would even explicitly use the professional environment for self-realization. However, there are interesting differences, particularly between very young adults aged 18 to 24 and older people over 55 who are in the last decade of their working life.

Almost half of those over 55 would be open to a new degree

The majority of all respondents and both age groups dream of doing a job that really fulfills them – and would also accept a loss of income to do so (total: 56 percent; 18 to 24 year olds: 55 percent; over 55 year olds: 58 percent ). If they were free in their choice of career, the over 55-year-olds tended more often to a job in science or education and training. The younger ones would rather go in the direction of finance or art and culture. And although many of those over 55 who are interested in professional self-fulfillment are likely to be established in their jobs, 42 percent would still be interested in a new apprenticeship, degree or further training.

The younger ones prefer the 28-hour week

Almost half of the young respondents (45 percent) would like to become self-employed. More than a third (38 percent) of those over 55 have already achieved this goal, but another 21 percent still dream of it. The generations disagree, especially when it comes to working hours. A model of 21 to 28 hours per week is the most popular among younger people with 37 percent of those surveyed. 30 percent of all respondents would also like to have this weekly working time. The majority of older people (33 percent), on the other hand, advocate a 29 to 40 hour model.

However, fewer hours in the main job does not automatically mean less work. Because: 38 percent of the young and 34 percent of the older people interested in professional self-realization would like to volunteer more. 16 percent of both age groups are already doing this. Regardless of the age group, 42 percent of those surveyed would like to do voluntary work alongside their job.

Self-actualization has many facets

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To the study

The data used is based on an online survey by YouGov Deutschland GmbH, in which people took part in July 2015. The results of the survey were weighted and are representative of the German population aged 18 and over.

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