Graduates Prioritize Salary Over Passion in Job Market

As graduation season rolls around once again, a new wave of enthusiastic job seekers is preparing for interviews. Career coaches often advise these graduates to showcase their passion and emphasize their purpose in their job search. However, this advice often clashes with the practical need for a good salary and job security. A recent survey conducted in 2024 revealed that salary is the top priority for over 11,660 fresh graduates looking for their first job, with around 80 percent expressing concerns about the cost of living on a graduate salary.

In the past, graduates tended to downplay the importance of salary to avoid appearing too demanding. Isaac Hee, the managing director of GTI Media, which conducted the survey, noted that in today’s job market, employers should expect graduates to prioritize immediate financial benefits and be ready to meet these expectations.

The Salary Conversation in Job Interviews

One of the most common questions during job interviews is, “What are your salary expectations?” This question creates expectations on both sides of the table. Fresh graduates often wonder how to discuss salary without alienating potential employers. While many have heard the saying, “Money can’t buy happiness,” it is essential to recognize that financial security is a basic human need.

Jack Ma, the billionaire co-founder of Alibaba, is known for his views on wealth. He has often spoken against the pursuit of riches, promoting the importance of finding purpose and meaning in work instead. However, a recent study involving researchers from the National University of Singapore, Tsinghua University, and Stanford University found that dismissing the importance of salary and personal gain can lead to skepticism and distrust among employers.

The Importance of Financial Security

The study included nearly 2,500 participants and explored the effects of downplaying extrinsic motivators like monetary rewards. It revealed that most people, regardless of their financial background, value financial security to some degree. When individuals deny this basic need, it creates a disconnect between their words and actions, which can undermine their credibility. This disconnect is even more pronounced for individuals with high socioeconomic status, like Jack Ma, suggesting that those who are already financially successful may not have the right to preach against the importance of financial gain.

Conclusion

As fresh graduates enter the job market, it is crucial for them to balance their passion for work with the practical need for a good salary. While intrinsic motivators like purpose are important, financial security cannot be overlooked. Graduates should feel empowered to discuss salary openly during interviews, ensuring that their needs are met while also demonstrating their commitment to the job. Understanding this balance can lead to a more fulfilling and secure career path.