The 50 Gen Z members who made up our panel are aware of the risks, and financial considerations are certainly taken into account. Among the young people we surveyed, a majority say they are prepared to accept a drop in income… provided that solid potential is identified.
The majority of respondents say they are prepared to accept a temporary drop in income. (Infographic: Paperjam)
The same logic applies when it comes to investments. Whilst many claim to be prepared to turn down a profitable opportunity if it conflicts with their convictions, this stance is not quite so clear-cut: there is a constant balancing act between personal integrity and economic realism.
The answer is more nuanced when it comes to the question of turning down a lucrative opportunity if it conflicts with one’s values. (Infographic: Paperjam)
This Generation Z, sometimes criticised, sometimes praised, often describes itself as more entrepreneurial than previous generations (77% of our panel), and it explains this in a number of ways.
The vast majority of Gen Z members in our panel show a keen interest in entrepreneurship. (Infographic: Paperjam)
Firstly, through social media. “Thanks to social media, more and more stories about starting and growing a business are being shared, and at the same time, more and more people are also talking about their failures. Talking about what worries a lot of people helps to ease the pressure, and I think that, thanks to the interconnectedness that characterises our generation, it has become easier to start a business; it’s also easier to find the right people and get in touch with them,” says Anne Diderich, 24, a student and co-president of the Association of Economics and Business Students (Anesec).
There are many reasons why people choose to become entrepreneurs. (Infographic: Paperjam)
Arnit Dey, an 18-year-old student, continues: “As we are constantly confronted with new technologies and innovation, this forces us to think on multiple levels, to approach things with an open mind and to be prepared to take risks.”
For others, it is above all about a broader shift, a different way of approaching working life. “Many also value independence and flexibility, so much so that creating your own opportunity seems more secure than relying on a traditional job. Attitudes have changed and society now accepts it,” adds Elie Bertrand, 19, also a student and co-founder of Left Lovers. Henrik Nordling, an IBDP student at the Athénée de Luxembourg and a member of the Luxembourg Youth Parliament, agrees: “We are placing increasing importance on following our ideals and doing things our own way. We care less about conforming to social norms and engaging in unfulfilling activities that don’t match our aspirations.”
But it’s not quite that simple… Our panel identified a number of obstacles, reflecting a certain maturity and realism. These are the views of a young generation, certainly, but one that does not romanticise the entrepreneurial journey. On the contrary, they already recognise the challenges involved.
Nevertheless, the panel respondents identify several barriers to entrepreneurship. (Infographic: Paperjam)
And among others who have already taken the plunge and overcome these obstacles, such as Felix Clement, co-founder of Lëtzebuerger, “you don’t have to be excellent to get started, but you have to get started to become excellent.” The other co-founder, Pol Miller, adds: “Don’t wait too long to get started!”
This article was written for the May 2026 issue of Paperjam magazine, published on 29 April. The content is produced exclusively for the magazine. It is published on the site to contribute to Paperjam’s comprehensive archive. Click on this link to subscribe to the magazine.
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