A recent survey by FreeHour has laid bare what Malta’s Gen Z expects from the world of work—and the message is clear: better salaries, more meaning, and leadership that earns their trust.

The study, conducted by consulting firm 20/20 Strategy, surveyed nearly 3,000 young people aged 16 to 25, is the largest of its kind in Malta and offers a rare, data-driven glimpse into how the country’s youngest workers see their future.

Salary Expectations Clash With Reality

Two-thirds of respondents said they expect a starting salary of over €25,000. That’s around €2,000 a month before tax—a figure many employers might struggle to justify for entry-level roles.

But for Malta’s Gen Z, that number isn’t about status. It’s about survival.

With the median salary for under-25s closer to €18,500, the expectations mark a significant gap between what young workers feel they need and what the market is currently offering. Around 80% of respondents cited the cost of living as a top concern, and 89% said they’re worried about being able to afford a home

Work Is Not Just About Pay

Despite the salary headlines, the survey shows that money is just one part of the picture. Gen Z workers are placing high importance on the things that often get overlooked by employers:

What’s more, these aren’t abstract ideals. Many young people are already acting on them.

A full 39% of Gen Z respondents are already freelancing or working on side hustles, while many more are planning to diversify their income. The traditional 9-to-5 is losing its grip—and for many, it never had much of a hold in the first place.