Wealthy families fret over Gen Z job prospects and future inheritance plans

Even the most affluent households are expressing anxiety about the employment outlook for their Gen Z offspring, as AI and a tightening job market limit traditional entry-level roles. Tom Thiegs, managing director of leadership and legacy at Ascent Private Capital Management with U.S. Bank, notes that wealthy parents worry about their children's sense of purpose and independence, not just financial security. Patrick Dwyer, managing director at Aligned by NewEdge Wealth, says his clients, whose net worth ranges from about $100 million to over $1 billion, see the need for possible retraining at age 33 and are preparing to pass on larger portions of their fortunes.

Trent Von Ahsen of Cedar Point Capital Partners adds that families aim to avoid creating perpetual dependence by emphasizing education funding flexibility, mentorship and phased wealth transfers. The shift reflects a broader trend among Gen Z toward non-traditional careers, such as creator work or skilled trades, as highlighted by a 2025 Deloitte survey. Wealth managers therefore advise structures that foster personal development alongside financial support.