A growing number of male college graduates are choosing not to work or seek further education, a phenomenon known as being “not in employment, education, or training” (NEET). According to the International Labour Organization, one in five young people globally is currently a NEET, with 11.2% of young adults in the US and almost 3 million Gen Zers in the UK falling into this category.
New research shows that male Gen Z graduates are more likely than women to opt out of working or seeking qualifications. Despite having just graduated, one in five men under 25 is unemployed, and they’re not actively looking for work either.
The main reason behind this trend is the tough job market. The classes of 2023 and 2024 are facing a tougher job market than those who graduated during the Great Resignation, when hiring rates and wages hit record highs.
Young college-educated women are adapting by widening their job search, while male counterparts are trying to wait it out for roles that align with their ideal career path or offer adequate compensation and status. Some men have expressed frustration about the limited job opportunities not meeting their expectations.
Another factor contributing to this trend is the loss of the upper hand in certain sectors that men once dominated. Male-occupied industries like technology and finance are experiencing mass layoffs and slow downs, correcting for overhiring during the pandemic and economic uncertainty.
Experts suggest that societal pressure for men to be breadwinners deters them from taking what they might view as “lesser” jobs – even temporarily. As a result, men are more selective and hesitant, waiting for roles that match their expectations or past norms, which could lead to longer periods of unemployment.
Source: https://fortune.com/2024/08/16/neets-young-men-employment-education-training/