Children not aware of how much their parents actually earn
Young children need a dose of reality when it comes to what they'll be earning in the future.
They expect their future incomes to be topping a yearly sum of £100,000.
Young girls are devaluing themselves too when it comes to their future pay packet. New research, commisioned by vouchercodes.co.uk, reveals that they expect to over £56,000 less than their male counterparts.
The survey of 1,000 British children aged between six and 18 reveals that girls anticipate they will earn a steep salary of £102,431 when they start work. Although female estimations may be high, the figure is still significantly lower than their male peers, who set themselves a staggering annual target of over £158,000.
The idealistic ambitions of British children suggest that they are detached from the UK’s current financial situation and unsteady employment levels. Even with a heightened emphasis on money and saving during the recession period, it appears that youngsters remain naive when it comes to understanding finances.
Figures show that on average, girls overestimate their future earnings by a significant £78,000 compared to the £23,940 female national average. Despite this, the results prove that young girls also far more realistic when it comes to their salary expectations, as boys overshoot the national average of £30,661 by a whopping £128,000.
"The findings go a long way in exemplifying the disconnection between children and their future finances," says Duncan Jennings, co-founder of vouchercodes.co.uk.
"Given today's tough economic climate, young people need to be more switched on about money than ever. It's not only about making sure pay inequality is addressed, it's also about making sure future generations have a realistic handle on money and money management."
One thing that all children across the UK can agree on is that they will be more financially successful than their parents, as 60 per cent of young people believe they will earn more than their parents when they get a job.
Despite expecting high salaries, it seems that most children also aim for job satisfaction and stability as the survey reveals the top five dream jobs are:
1. Teacher
2. Doctor
3. Vet
4. Footballer
5. Nurse