Gen-Z's financial expectations are significantly inflated, potentially setting them up for ... [ ] disappointment as they enter the workforce.

Many people remain unaware of what Americans are actually earning, often due to the glamorized portrayals of wealth in media and entertainment. While some maintain a realistic grasp on reasonable salary expectations, others—particularly among the younger generation—seem to have developed what Gen-Z themselves might refer to as “delulu”—their slang for “delusional”—ideas about financial success.

A recent survey by financial firm Empower has unveiled a startling disconnect between young people’s perception of financial success and economic reality. The study reveals that Gen-Z respondents, on average, believe an annual salary of $587,797 and a net worth of $9.47 million are necessary to achieve "financial success."

The magnitude of Gen-Z's salary dysmorphia becomes clear when compared to actual income distribution in the United States. Earning over half-a-million dollars annually would place an individual in the top 1% of earners in 32 out of 50 states, according to research from SmartAsset, which shows how lofty and unrealistic the average Gen-Z benchmark for success truly is.

This disconnect between perception and reality raises important questions about financial literacy and the potential consequences of setting such unattainable goals. As Gen-Z enters the workforce, reconciling these high expectations with economic realities may prove to be a significant challenge, potentially affecting career choices, job satisfaction and overall financial well-being.

Empower’s latest “Secret to Success” survey uncovered that Americans, on average, view an annual income of $270,214 as the........

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