10 min reading time
Published on 21/08/25 – Updated on 22/08/25
What does work mean to the younger generation today? To find out, we turned to former Young Talent Awards participants. Their voices paint a clear picture: purpose over pressure, balance over burnout, and fulfillment over rigid career paths. From hospitality to entrepreneurship, they share how ambition is being redefined—driven not just by success, but by meaning, flexibility, and personal well-being.
As part of the young generation, how do you perceive work nowadays (ex. work-life balance, ambitions, goals)?*
Lydia Fonlupt, Student at Vatel Lyon France
As part of the young generation, I perceive work as something that should align with both purpose and personal well-being. Unlike previous generations who often prioritized stability and loyalty to one company, we tend to seek meaning in what we do. We are ambitious, yes — but not at the cost of our mental health or personal lives. Work-life balance has become a central concern. We no longer want to live to work, but to work in a way that supports the life we envision. Flexibility, autonomy, and respect for personal time are not seen as luxuries anymore, but as prerequisites for long-term motivation and performance. Our goals are evolving: many of us aspire not only to succeed but to make a positive impact, to feel fulfilled, and to constantly grow. Whether it’s through entrepreneurship, creative pursuits, or meaningful roles in companies that share our values, we are redefining what ambition looks like — not just climbing the ladder, but building one that reflects our own values. In short, we believe that work should be a space of purpose, not pressure. A tool to build a meaningful life, not something that steals it.
Emili Lagvilava, Researcher at epostbox | Digital Sherpa
Maybe I’m old-fashioned, but I can’t imagine my life without work. It gives me purpose, structure, and motivation to grow. I believe that nothing truly valuable comes without effort and if something is given without working for it, it doesn’t interest me. For me, work isn’t just about earning money, it’s about progress, learning, and feeling fulfilled.
Carl Hayek, Direction Food & Beverage Intern at Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel Paris /…
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Every week, Hospitality ON team brings you an expert look at the world of hospitality. By becoming a member, you will have access to a complete ecosystem: exclusive content, jobs, etc.