Career? Sure, but roll on Friday

Today's corporate climbers want a career balanced with life outside the office, would enjoy a latte with Adolf Hitler and say there are no "sexy chicks" outside Auckland.

A lifestyle study shows New Zealand men in the early stages of their careers also admire Eric Rush and Marc Ellis for being "rich and having too much fun".

They want a better work-life balance, enjoy drinking as the number-one social activity and would rather the Maori people gained ownership of the foreshore ahead of wealthy Americans "who don't know how to respect the land".

Their female counterparts would like to meet Oprah Winfrey and Susan Sarandon for coffee, want a successful career, life and family, and worry that they worry too much.

They watch Nip/Tuck, read New Idea and are more likely to be seen in a restaurant than a nightclub.

The study, by Universal Connections, the research arm of media and advertising company Universal McCann, gives a snapshot of "career-builders" - people in the first 10 years of employment.

A similar project is under way throughout Asia-Pacific countries. It shows all career-builders are hungry for career progression and financial rewards.

But in Korea, for example, extra qualifications and setting up side businesses are valid pathways to success.

In New Zealand, career-builders tend to define themselves by their job.

Another difference is that, in most parts of Asia, the prize is not just money; careers are ways to meet attractive women.

Domestically it is all about the cash, but there is also a big emphasis on work-life balance.

Nimesh Amin, Universal Connections general manager, said it was a distinct move away from the Wall St mentality of the 80s.

"The days when work was the most important thing have gone. For many men, particularly, work is important, but 'it's all about Friday'."

Women seemed to have a harder time, being as hungry for success as the men, but having multiple roles to fill in lifestyle and family.

"They are modern-day warriors and worriers," he said. "It is summed up by one comment; 'I worry that I'm worrying too much'."

Women also tended to look up to strong women who stood up for their principles, while men preferred those who they envied.

Mr Amin said Aucklanders tended to be more career-minded than those living elsewhere. 

Do you recognise any of these types?

Career-building men:
Are defined by their job
Want better work-life balance
Would like coffee with Adolf Hitler, Marc Ellis or Eric Rush

Career-building women:
Worry that they worry too much
Want it all - career, life, family
Would like coffee with Susan Sarandon, Oprah Winfrey or Angelina Jolie