Young Academics See Futures Abroad

More than one half (56 percent) of future academics in Germany would leave the country if it meant getting a steady job, according to a new survey by manager magazin. Researchers have dubbed this group "Generation Good-bye" for their willingness to pack their bags and seek their academic fortunes abroad. The president of the Hamburg Institute of International Economics, Thomas Straubhaar, called the high number of potential emigrants "alarming and depressing," and said it should serve as a warning signal to the older generation. The poll also found that the values of today's 20 to 29 year olds have changed since the 1990s. Young university graduates today have a more sober outlook on life, are more pragmatic and have more conservative values than they did a decade ago. However, where big paychecks and quick career advancement were priorities for young people 10 years ago, the current generation puts more emphasis on job satisfaction, secure employment and a healthy balance between work and private life.