Gen Z is hurtling toward a career cliff
As entry-level jobs disappear and pathways to success shrink, Gen Z is finding itself in an increasingly tough spot. The generation, often dubbed the most rejected, faces a job market that's more daunting than ever. With companies bracing for economic slowdowns and employees clinging to their current roles, the traditional routes to career success are vanishing.
The vanishing entry-level job
Jacqueline Kline, a cum laude graduate from Florida State University, exemplifies the struggle. Despite a packed resume of internships and networking, she found herself back in her childhood bedroom, applying to hundreds of jobs with little success. "I graduated, but I didn't feel successful," she shared. Her story is not unique; many Gen Zers are facing similar rejections or being ghosted by potential employers.
The broader economic picture
The job market's challenges are compounded by emerging technologies like AI, which threaten to replace entry-level positions in coveted fields such as tech. Additionally, federal policy uncertainties and cuts to public sector jobs have further narrowed the pathways for young professionals. The result? A generation questioning the value of higher education and traditional career ladders.
What's next for Gen Z?
With traditional routes blocked, Gen Zers are forced to get creative. Some, like Kline, are turning to graduate school as a temporary refuge, while others are settling for jobs outside their chosen fields. The situation raises critical questions about the future of work and the viability of the American Dream for younger generations.
Gen Z faces a unique set of challenges in today's job market.
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