Black South African graduates dream of having a career, a car and a house with a picket fence. But some of these dreams are being stifled because they feel obliged to pay "ubuntu tax" to their parents by helping them financially in exchange for having received a university education."We've become our parents' pension plan," said a black student from the University of Cape Town who took part in one of the first studies into South Africa's millennials, a cohort also known as Generation Y.story_article_left1A student from the University of KwaZulu-Natal commented: "In the end, if I get my dream, then I feel I should be the one to open doors for their generation [younger siblings] and also to my parents."Youth marketing specialists Student Village, which conducted the research, coined the term "Afrillennials" to describe local millennials, broadly speaking the generation born in the '80s and '90s, who are now entering the job market.The Student Village report said the notion of an "ubuntu tax" was predominant among African students and graduates whose views were canvassed in the multiracial survey.Afrillennials were as tech-savvy as millennials everywhere, obsessed with social media such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter and Instagram, and with taking selfies.The survey, which was carried out with research companies Amoeba Insights and JAG Method, found many of the respondents exhibited the "all about me" syndrome - they looked out for themselves first."I think subconsciously we all go for the money," said a student from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.Afrillennials, according to the survey, aspire to "live like the Kardashians". For them, money is the key to independence and a sign of accomplishment.The study involved six groups of final-year undergraduate and honours students - from the University of the Witwatersrand, the University of Johannesburg, UCT and UKZN - and another four groups of graduates who were already in employment.A further 1275 respondents completed a questionnaire online and interviews were conducted with about 20 companies and prospective employers.Many of the Generation Y respondents spoke of owning property and of wanting to make a positive impact on their community and family.block_quotes_start For many who had imagined take-home salaries of between R10000 and R20000, reality proved harsh block_quotes_endA black woman graduate from Gauteng, who had a job, said: "I know I am going to be great and I will be great."A common sentiment emerging from the study was fear of failure.A student from UCT said: "Fear puts us in a stuck mode, we need to get over that and take the initiative and do courageous things; put myself in that risky position. If you don't do anything, then nothing will happen."Student Village said the results showed a strong desire for instant gratification."They take this mindset when they enter the workforce and expect growth and progress to happen overnight."They want the dream job straight away, want a high salary now, want to be in top management within the first year," the report said."There is little thought for tomorrow, we are all about YOLO, 'you only live once'," said one woman graduate.A white male student from Gauteng said: "I don't want to die with regret; I want to live life and be satisfied with what I have done."full_story_image_hleft1Contrary to popular belief among older generations, Afrillennials were not lazy but were "opportunists" who took advantage of technology to work smarter and more efficiently, Student Village said."With so much technology in our lives, we can't do things the way our parents did," said a black male student from UKZN.The survey showed that Generation Y was not afraid to challenge the status quo. "We speak our minds even to adults. It's not because we don't believe in being respectful, but we have a right to be heard as well," said one respondent.Afrillennials, according to the research, believed that they were entitled to salaries that reflected the fact that they had degrees and were better educated than previous generations.But for many who had imagined take-home salaries of between R10000 and R20000, reality proved harsh. One graduate summed it up: "Oops, I didn't realise there was PAYE and other expenses."Ronen Aires, CEO of Student Village, said: "Afrillennials are not seeking long-term relationships with employers; rather, they are looking for a personal development plan on a defined career path."sub_head_start How to spot an Afrillennial sub_head_endFor them, 'it's all about me':They are always looking out for themselves.They want to make a difference:It's important to give back to South African society.Instant gratification:They pursue the now and seek a plan for the future by living it now.Digitally wired:They use technology in everything they do and have a huge social media presence.Reality bites:They realise that the working world is very different from their expectations in terms of environment, salary, position, workload and type of work.story_article_right2Work smart, not hard:Nine to five is a thing of the past and they demand flexibility in where, when and how they work.Show me the money:They make unrealistic salary demands and measure job satisfaction according to "what I have".Obsessed with career progression:They are highly ambitious, love challenges and seek opportunities for rapid progression.Feedback and motivation:A need for constant feedback and recognition reinforces their behaviour and keeps them motivated.Inspirational role models:They tend to look up to people who are truly great and inspirational.Guide me to greatness:They look for leaders and mentors and have high expectations of their boss to assist and "mentor" them.International lust:They have a strong appetite for working overseas as it provides status.govenderp@sundaytimes.co.za..