Yesterday, Bayt.com announced the results of its latest survey, The Bayt.com ”Millennials in the Middle East and North Africa” survey, February 2014. The survey reveals that almost 60% of millennials (i.e. those between 18-34 years old) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region rely on their families for supplementary income. A further 41% of them perceive the lack of financial support as the top barrier to their professional growth, while 31% believe there is a disconnect between their educational qualifications and their current job profile which stands in the way of their career growth. Another staggering 74% of them would prefer to have their own business rather than being employed. The belief that the education system in the MENA is still lagging behind isn’t really new. In fact, 20% of MENA professionals blame the education system for being ill-prepared for the current job market, according to the Bayt.com “Workplace Dynamics in the MENA” poll, June 2013. The Bayt.com ”Millennials in the Middle East and North Africa” survey carries with it many, many exciting insights into the hopes, dreams, and fears of millennials in the region. It also compares between them and the older generation (35 years old and above) in terms of their views, attitudes, values, and behaviors. Below is a breakdown of some interesting highlights from the survey:

1. Millennials see older colleagues as “hardworking, willing to teach, mentors, and understanding”

2. Older professionals (35+) see millennials as “innovative, hardworking, team players, and approachable”

3. More older than younger professionals believe their education prepared them for the job market

4. More older than younger professionals are “Chief Wage Earners”

5. A good work-life balance is the top factor for driving loyalty for both age groups

6. More millennials than older professionals rely on job sites to find a job

7. Older professionals see themselves working longer with their current company

8. Entrepreneurship is more popular among millennials

9. Millennials see older professionals as “teachers”, but feel there is a disconnect between the two generations

10. Millennials want to retire earlier

11. More of those 35+ than those under 35 “strongly agree” that they have the same values as their parents