A Week's Worth: Quick takes on the world of work and money

Dow climbs, even with a holiday; Gen Yers want work-life balance – now; teens want vacations with adventure.

•Even with a day off for the Fourth of July, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.5 percent last week, on signs of new vitality in the economy.

•Work is more than just a means to a paycheck in the attitudes of recent college grads, if the results of a new online survey of 45,000 young people are accurate. The Universum USA consultant group says this generation seeks to achieve balance between one's job and personal life "within" three years, forcing corporate America to adapt accordingly. The workplace should be seen as an environment in which to learn, be mentored, and make a contribution to society, according to a Universum spokeswoman.

•Parents, brace yourselves: Your teenagers probably are no longer satisfied with bland family vacations; they want a once-in-a-lifetime trip that will give them bragging rights among their friends. At least, that's how 84 percent of teens responded in a poll for the Orlando, Fla., theme park Discovery Cove. And, surprise! Girls led boys (90 percent to 77 percent) in desiring a vacation with an "adventurous streak," such as swimming with dolphins or seeing a celebrity in person.