Freedom broadly means the space to accumulate experiences that shape identity-such as friendship,
romance and career-while control means the ability to be in charge of core issues such as finances, work, social and family life.
It is only through being able to manage and balance both of these that the Open Generation can take advantage of freedoms and opportunities.
The survey found that those in control of their career are 62 per cent happier than those who are not in control,
while those in control of their finances are 50 per cent happier than those who are not.
The irony is that when it comes to freedom the Open Generation also need to exercise control.
Their parents and grandparents may have had to push back against limits imposed on their freedoms,
but today’s younger generations enjoy “so much freedom that they need to introduce their own controls that make use of skills such as adaptability and self-reliance”, Wincott says.
“To be happy today, this generation need to judge for themselves what is truly important and worthwhile.