Younger Americans redefine success: The shift from wealth to well-being
Shreeaa Rathi | Aug 04, 2025, 20:35 IST
( Image credit : TIL Creatives )
A new wave of younger Americans is redefining what it means to succeed. Rather than chasing after riches, they are placing a premium on personal well-being. Recent research indicates that for this generation, health trumps financial gain. Cole Smith, the visionary behind Visor, emphasizes the importance of balance. Natalie Armendariz cherishes quality moments with her family.
Younger Americans are changing how they define success. They are moving away from flashy titles and big salaries. Instead, they focus on health and well-being. Clare Ansberry reported this shift in The Wall Street Journal on June 28, 2025. The article explores why younger adults prioritize a "holistic" life over traditional measures of achievement.
Young people still care about money. However, getting rich is not their main goal. Status is also less important. Cole Smith, 27, once wanted to be a top data analyst. He was willing to work long hours. Now, he values his hobbies and time with his fiancée. He co-founded Visor, an online car-shopping site. Smith now believes success means having a balanced life.
A recent survey showed that young Americans rank physical and mental health as most important. Wealth came in fifth place. Marcie Merriman from Ernst & Young says this is a generational shift. Young adults have access to more information than previous generations. They see how others succeed or fail through social media.
The Covid-19 pandemic made people realize how important health is. Many started working from home. This opened their eyes to other possibilities. Zak Dychtwald, 35, says this shift led to new ways of measuring success.
Natalie Armendariz, 40, once chased high-paying jobs. She wanted to be a creative director. She worked long hours and felt exhausted. Now, she runs Funsize, a digital design agency. She values time with her family. Armendariz says, “Success is quieter. It’s not flashy titles and salaries. It’s how I feel about the things I am doing, how much time I have to spend with my family.”
Rachel Beck, 45, used to think success meant marriage and leaving her hometown. She lived in New York City and ran marathons. After her marriage ended and she faced challenges, she moved back home. She realized being with her parents was more important. Beck says her definition of success changed. It became more personal.
Warren Devarennes, 37, values health and family relationships over wealth. He remembers a CEO saying success is when your children want to spend time with you. Devarennes wants to be a good dad. He believes wealth will follow naturally. He says even if it doesn’t, he will still have a fulfilling life.
Young people still care about money. However, getting rich is not their main goal. Status is also less important. Cole Smith, 27, once wanted to be a top data analyst. He was willing to work long hours. Now, he values his hobbies and time with his fiancée. He co-founded Visor, an online car-shopping site. Smith now believes success means having a balanced life.
A recent survey showed that young Americans rank physical and mental health as most important. Wealth came in fifth place. Marcie Merriman from Ernst & Young says this is a generational shift. Young adults have access to more information than previous generations. They see how others succeed or fail through social media.
The Covid-19 pandemic made people realize how important health is. Many started working from home. This opened their eyes to other possibilities. Zak Dychtwald, 35, says this shift led to new ways of measuring success.
Natalie Armendariz, 40, once chased high-paying jobs. She wanted to be a creative director. She worked long hours and felt exhausted. Now, she runs Funsize, a digital design agency. She values time with her family. Armendariz says, “Success is quieter. It’s not flashy titles and salaries. It’s how I feel about the things I am doing, how much time I have to spend with my family.”
Rachel Beck, 45, used to think success meant marriage and leaving her hometown. She lived in New York City and ran marathons. After her marriage ended and she faced challenges, she moved back home. She realized being with her parents was more important. Beck says her definition of success changed. It became more personal.
Warren Devarennes, 37, values health and family relationships over wealth. He remembers a CEO saying success is when your children want to spend time with you. Devarennes wants to be a good dad. He believes wealth will follow naturally. He says even if it doesn’t, he will still have a fulfilling life.