They wake up in the morning to go to work, trying to make a living, pay the bills, and perhaps also save some money for the future. Yet quite a few young people in Israel feel that they work hard and do not get far, which is not far from reality. Some are already thinking about leaving their jobs, others want to change professions entirely, and salary, as it turns out, is no longer at the top of their list of priorities. They want to earn enough, but also to have time to live.
A new survey initiated by the 121 Association, which leads the "Hamikpatza" partnership and the forum of young employment organizations, shows that 59% of participants are considering leaving their jobs, and 46% are thinking about changing professions. The balance between work and personal life is important to 53% of them, even more than a high salary, which was chosen by 45%. Promotion opportunities interest 40%, work with meaning and a sense of contribution is important to 37%, and 35% want job security.
Young Israelis seek work-life balance as many consider changing jobs
The survey included 142 young people aged 18 to 40, who were asked to describe their financial situation, their work, the impact of the war, and their concerns about the future. Only 30% manage to cover their monthly expenses and also save. For 25%, almost no money is left aside after paying bills, 13% barely manage to make ends meet, a similar percentage rely financially on family or others, and 4% go into the red or take out loans to get by.
39% already invest in the capital market, and another 34% would like to start. Almost one in five works an extra job, and 7% invest in real estate or other assets. Alongside the desire to earn more, there is also a desire to find work that is interesting and satisfying, and not necessarily in a field considered particularly lucrative.
Whoever thinks that all young people dream of working in high-tech should look at these numbers. 43% would like to work in education, caregiving, or social work, compared to only 12% who chose high-tech and software. 25% prefer business, management, and entrepreneurship, 14% are interested in medicine and health professions, and 11% in artificial intelligence. Despite the option to study a profession through short courses, 54% still prefer an academic degree, compared to 20% who choose short vocational training.
Young Israelis look beyond high-tech for meaningful careers
The war has harmed not only the sense of security, but also the ability to work and make a living. 42% reported anxiety, mental burnout, or instability, and 41% found it difficult to concentrate on work or studies. For 16%, income was harmed, 17% had difficulty finding employment, and 11% were fired, put on unpaid leave, or forced to close a business.
Even without connection to the war, work pressure is strongly felt. 42% deal with heavy workloads, 41% find it difficult to concentrate or finish tasks, and for 35%, work harms their sleep or causes obsessive thoughts. Almost a third feel burned out, have lost interest in what they do, or find no meaning in their occupation.
Alongside all these, artificial intelligence has already entered their daily lives. 66% use these tools both at work and for private needs, but 47% have not undergone any training to use them. 26% learned on their own, for free, and only 18% received guidance in the workplace.
The use of new technology does not mean they know what their professional future will look like. 47% are not afraid that artificial intelligence will harm them, but 28% already find it difficult to decide which profession to study today. 8% estimate they will be forced to change fields or undergo additional training, a similar percentage fear they will find it difficult to find a job or advance, and 6% fear their profession will disappear.
AI raises questions about young Israelis’ professional future
49% intend to learn how to use artificial intelligence tools, 46% want to expand their professional knowledge, and 20% are considering studying a new field or changing professions. Only 19% do not plan to make a change.
From the government, they mainly expect help that will enable them to integrate into the changing job market. 45% want more vocational training, 40% ask to encourage flexible hours and work from home, and 35% are interested in more accessible artificial intelligence and technology studies. 31% want assistance in finding work and 28% ask for professional counseling and guidance.
Despite the difficulties, most participants still believe they will manage to make a decent living. 26% are certain of this, 51% think they probably will succeed, and 23% estimate they will have difficulty reaching an income that will allow them to live as they would like. They may not be satisfied with what they have today, but they still believe they can change the situation.
The survey was conducted between August 4 and September 8, 2026. It should be noted that this is a small sample of 142 participants, which did not undergo statistical weighting, and therefore it is impossible to infer from it regarding all young people in Israel.
Eti Peretz Hyams, co-chair of the Forum of Young Employment Organizations: "The data reflect the turmoil occurring in the labor market in general, and particularly among the younger generation, which constitutes the driving engine of the Israeli economy. The government needs to address the young population group, a generation living in a reality of grueling high cost of living, reserve military service, and fear of the effects of AI on their employment future. We call upon the incoming government to act specifically for the benefit of the youth of Israel, and to create a holistic response so that every young man and woman will receive guidance, accompaniment, training, and accompanying responses upon entering the employment market in order to put them on a developing employment path suited to the young person's skills and abilities."
Liat Eilam, CEO of the 121 Association, which leads the Springboard partnership for the advancement of vocational training systems in Israel: "The survey shows that many young people want to change professional direction, but do not necessarily have the tools to do so. Ahead of the upcoming elections, the parties must present clear plans for investment in vocational training, which will enable workers to acquire new skills, integrate into in-demand professions, and improve their wages. In a rapidly changing work world, especially in light of the artificial intelligence revolution, vocational trainings are not a luxury, but rather an essential investment in the future of the youth and the growth of the economy."