25-year-old Ola Sørlie has good control over her own finances. But the student clearly notices in his wallet that he has had to prioritize differently recently. The 25-year-old mostly spends his money on food, rent, electricity, school books and firewood. – I hardly spend money on other things. I can’t prioritize that right now, he says. These are the top ten worries Sørlie is not alone in her age group in feeling the tight economy at the moment. A recent survey for NHO, carried out by Opinion, shows that increased prices are what worries those in the 15-29 age group the most, followed by war and unrest in the world. Concerns about climate change have moved down to third place. The trend has therefore reversed. Young people are still worried about climate change and the destruction of nature and the environment, but the concern no longer tops the list – as it did last year. “Young people have been at the forefront of climate change for several years without seeing the big changes or improvements. The consequence of this involvement is that they now feel a sense of apathy and powerlessness related to the matter. They no longer feel that the measures they take themselves can change the world alone,” says the survey. FROM CLIMATE CHANGE TO PRICES: The survey shows that significantly fewer people than before worry about the destruction of nature and the environment, and climate change. In 2021, climate, the environment and war and unrest topped the list for the biggest concerns among young people. Photo: Nick Cobbing/Norsk Polar Institute Considering moving out Sørlie lives in Lillehammer, and studies at Høgskolen i Innlandet. He has an income of around NOK 10,500 a month. In Lillehammer, he rents a home together with two others, where he pays 4,200 in rent and shares the electricity with the others. But this year the landlord has increased the rent by NOK 300. Therefore, the 25-year-old is considering moving out. Paying electricity, increased rent and firewood is no longer financially sound, he believes. – It is no longer profitable to live there – rather than a student accommodation that has electricity included, says Sørlie. ONLY MONEY FOR WHAT IS NECESSARY: The 25-year-old has noticed that finances have become tighter recently. He is a student without a job, and doesn’t have much left over after paying for the most essentials. – Especially on food, the amount I spend each month has risen sharply. Also the electricity bill, says Sørlie. Photo: MIRWAIS MOQUIM Young people’s concerns about increased prices are not only about the current economic situation, but also their future prospects. Many worry about how the increased prices will affect their future in terms of work, housing and family. Sørlie recognizes herself. – What I think about most is how buying a home will be for me. I’m excited to see how that turns out, he says. Are you worried about increased prices? Yes, that’s probably what worries me the most Yes, a little No, I’m not worried about this at all Show result Reason for optimism – I think that everyone feels a sense of uneasiness now. There is war in Europe, extremely high energy prices and large price increases otherwise. That’s what Jon Kristiansen, regional director of NHO Innlandet, says. 1 in 2 are worried that their generation will be worse off than the previous one. Well over half of the young people in the survey say that the most important conditions for a good future are a job they enjoy. – I understand that they are worried based on the way the situation looks around us now. The companies report poorer market prospects. Everyone gets it, and then it becomes natural that it becomes the most important focus right now. POSITIVE FOR THE FUTURE: Jon Kristiansen in NHO understands that young people are worried about increased prices. Nevertheless, he believes they can look bright to the future. Photo: Mats Sparby / news Kristiansen nevertheless believes that businesses are an important part of the solution to young people’s concerns. – The companies report to us that they have an unmet need for expertise. The need is great in companies. It does not expire. 1 in 3 young people also believe that the technological development gives reason for optimism, says Kristiansen. More about the survey The survey will provide insight into the young people’s reflections on work and the future. The insight will be used in connection with NHO’s Annual Conference and NHO’s work with young people. The survey is a quantitative web survey, which was conducted in Weeks 45–48 of 2022. The survey was conducted among 1,017 young people aged 15-29. The purpose of the survey has been to uncover what the young people think and believe about matters related to work and the future. The survey was carried out in a nationally representative population sample. The selection is weighted by gender, age and region. Number of interviews: 1017 The survey is a country-representative quantitative survey for NHO, carried out by Opinion Source: NHO For 25-year-old Sørlie, the concern about increased prices and the future seems to be only temporary. He is not afraid that the war and unrest in the world will affect his finances in the longer term. – It goes around. It’s about prioritizing correctly. I am not worried that increased prices will be there forever, he says.
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Young people are now most concerned about increased prices, shows a survey from NHO – news Innlandet – Local news, TV and radio
