Why the Class of 2026 Is Willing to Take Lower Pay for Job Security

Economic uncertainty and growing AI unease are pushing new graduates to rethink what ‘success’ looks like in their first job.

BY KIT EATON @KITEATON

Illustration: Getty Images

A new survey from online jobs portal Monster dug into the workplace expectations of today’s graduates—the newest age group to join the workforce—and uncovered some interesting trends. In a broad shift, the majority of graduates are more willing to compromise on their ideal role than they were a year ago. Essentially, the class of 2026 is taking a more “pragmatic approach to their careers, prioritizing stability over status in an uncertain job market,” Monster’s report noted. The news may play into your company’s recruitment plans.

Monster’s data showed that two in three graduates would take a lower-paying........

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