Why Gen Z Can’t Find Work—and How It Could Shape Their Future

Core Insights - Young people are facing significant challenges in the job market, with a higher unemployment rate for recent college graduates at 4.8% compared to 4.0% for all workers, indicating potential long-term negative consequences for this demographic [1][3]. Group 1: Job Market Conditions - The current job market for recent graduates is the worst compared to the general workforce, despite not being the worst overall in history [3]. - Companies are slowing down hiring due to economic uncertainties, which is making it difficult for new graduates to secure jobs [3][4]. - Experts suggest that young job seekers should remain flexible and broaden their job search beyond specific roles or industries to improve their chances of employment [3][7]. Group 2: Economic Implications - Historical data indicates that entering the labor market during a downturn can lead to persistent declines in earnings and adverse health outcomes for young individuals [5][6]. - The current economic climate, while not in recession, poses risks for new graduates, as previous studies show long-term negative effects on earnings and overall well-being for those who start their careers in challenging conditions [5][6]. Group 3: Industry Insights - There is speculation that the rise of AI may be impacting entry-level job availability, but experts argue that economic policy uncertainties, such as tariffs, may be a more significant factor [4]. - Growth in sectors like healthcare presents opportunities for graduates, as these industries continue to hire despite broader market challenges [8].