According to a new poll by Comet, a student loan refinancing company, 41 percent of employed, single, childless millennials would end a relationship if it meant “getting a significant or life-changing promotion.” In fact, more respondents were willing to pass on a long-term relationship if it jeopardized their career than pass on a career opportunity for a long-term relationship.
It’s no wonder why marriage rates are suffering among young people. Millennials are so desperate to get out of the financial hole that they’ll even sacrifice love to do so. Respondents said they would delay a relationship by 11 years just for that “significant promotion.” Despite their addiction to reality shows like “The Bachelor,” the desire for better-paying jobs is outweighing their love lives.
For these cash-strapped millennials, a significant raise is enough for many to turn their back on Cupid. Almost a third would ditch their partner for a raise — and not even for that much money. An average raise of $37,000 was enough of an incentive to completely call it quits on a relationship.
Men surveyed were not only more likely to delay having a relationship for money, but were willing to do it for much smaller gains. For a mere $23,000 raise, men would kick the can on love, while it would take a $51,000 pay hike for women to do the same. If there was ever any question as to which gender truly values love over money, that score has been settled.
Education levels likewise play a huge role. Those with graduate degrees opted for a promotion or raise more than those with a bachelor’s degree or lower. Also, overall willingness to pass on a long-term relationship that would jeopardize their career increased with education level. As the most educated generation to date, millennials apparently want to get the most out of their expensive investment.
The survey also confirmed what most know to be true: Millennials aren’t exactly rushing to the altar. Even the youngest millennials polled (20- to 22-year-olds) said that they expect to settle down and get married before 30. That number increases with age, with the average “marriageable” age pegged at 35 years.
While this survey might suggest that millennials are less romantic than their parents or grandparents, they may just be more pragmatic. Millennials have an average student debt of $37,000 and are struggling to find competitive salaries in careers that align with their skills. After suffering the consequences of former President Barack Obama’s economic policies for eight years, they are dying to get ahead.
It’s nothing personal. It’s just business.
Brendan Pringle (@BrendanPringle) is a freelance journalist in California. He is a National Journalism Center graduate and formerly served as a development officer for Young America’s Foundation at the Reagan Ranch.
