Source: Fortune.com
Summary
Many young Americans, including students at Michigan State University, face economic and political uncertainty. Frankie Llerandi struggles to find internships, while Kira Saiti is distressed by global violence. Julian Bautista plans to leave the U.S. due to environmental policy cuts. A 2024 study suggests Gen Z may be wealthier than millennials, but current anxieties persist. Economists note high unemployment, housing costs, and rising living expenses. Students express frustration with political leaders and a desire for change.
Our Reading
The numbers tell one story.
Young people face high unemployment, rising costs, and uncertain futures.
They feel political leaders are failing to deliver real change.
Despite economic forecasts, anxiety remains high.
They are looking for leaders who promise disruption, not continuity.
Author: Evan Null
Student Struggles and Political Frustration
Frankie Llerandi, a 21-year-old economics student, has struggled to find internships during his three years at Michigan State University. He plans to graduate in the spring with a degree and an interest in data analytics, but the path to adulthood feels out of reach. His situation reflects a broader trend among young people who face economic and career uncertainties.
Kira Saiti, a 19-year-old sophomore, is more concerned about global events than her own future. She sees images of violence and horror on her phone, which makes it hard for her to view the world positively. Her experience highlights the emotional toll of current events on young people.
Julian Bautista, a 20-year-old environmental science student, has seen his career prospects decline due to policy changes under the Trump administration. He plans to leave the U.S. after graduation to work in the Netherlands. He views the current political climate as a failure of democracy and believes the country is in decline.
Many students, like Llerandi, Saiti, and Bautista, are disillusioned with the political system. They support progressive candidates who promise to challenge the status quo. This includes figures like Abdul El-Sayed and Will Lawrence, who are running for office in Michigan.
Despite some economic indicators suggesting Gen Z may be wealthier than millennials, young people still face significant challenges. High unemployment, housing costs, and the rise of AI in the job market have created a difficult environment for recent graduates.
Economic Anxiety and Political Disengagement
Young Americans are experiencing a sharp decline in optimism about the job market. A Gallup survey found that their view of the economy is more negative than that of older generations. This gap in perception is one of the largest in the world, indicating a deep sense of economic uncertainty among young people.
Many young people are less engaged in politics and less likely to believe that voting is important. A poll by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that they are also less concerned about political violence and free speech threats. This disengagement raises concerns about the future of democratic participation.
Karlee VanAntwerp, a 21-year-old Michigan State senior, is part of a conservative group that has seen a decline in political engagement. She is troubled by the extreme views of some Gen Z members and the difficulty of working with people who hold different beliefs. This polarization contributes to a sense of despair about the possibility of meaningful change.
Despite their political differences, students like VanAntwerp and liberal supporters of candidates like Will Lawrence share a common desire for dramatic change. Lawrence, a Democratic challenger, encouraged students to resist despair and find purpose through organizing.
However, many students, like Julian Bautista, remain skeptical of political leaders. They feel that current leaders do not represent their interests and that change is elusive. This frustration fuels a desire for leaders who promise significant transformation.
Challenges in the Job Market
The job market presents significant challenges for young graduates. Unemployment rates for those aged 22 to 27 are higher than the general rate, and recent college graduates face an unemployment rate of 5.6%. These figures highlight the difficulty of entering the workforce in a competitive and uncertain environment.
High housing prices and rising costs for essentials like food and healthcare add to the financial strain on young people. Economists like Kathryn Edwards note that these factors create a difficult environment for young adults trying to build their lives.
Students are also navigating a new form of job hunting, which is increasingly digital and AI-powered. This shift has led to concerns about fake job postings and scams. Career advisors like Marla McGraw spend time helping students discern real opportunities from misleading ones.
Despite these challenges, career advisors encourage students to remain resilient. McGraw emphasizes that while the job market is tough, students are also tough. This message is meant to provide hope and motivation in a difficult landscape.
The combination of economic and political uncertainty has created a sense of disillusionment among young people. They are looking for leaders and opportunities that can offer real change and stability in an uncertain world.
Generational Wealth and Economic Outlook
A 2024 study suggests that members of Generation Z may be wealthier than millennials, who in turn are wealthier than the previous generation. This projection offers some hope for young people, but it does not fully address the current economic anxieties they face.
Economist Kevin Corinth acknowledges the concerns of Gen Z, noting that the path to success is no longer as clear as it was for previous generations. He points to uncertainties like the impact of AI on industries and the trend of young people taking longer to leave home and start families.
Despite these challenges, some economists believe that the long-term economic outlook for Gen Z is positive. However, the immediate reality for many young people is one of financial strain and uncertainty. This gap between long-term projections and current struggles contributes to a sense of frustration and disillusionment.
Young people are also exposed to new forms of job hunting, which are often digital and AI-driven. This shift has made it harder to distinguish real job opportunities from scams, adding to the stress of entering the workforce.
The combination of economic and political challenges has led many young people to seek out leaders who promise significant change. They are looking for solutions to the problems they face, even if those solutions are not yet clear.
Political Engagement and the Search for Change
Young Americans are increasingly disillusioned with the political system. A Gallup survey found that their optimism about the job market has plummeted since 2024, and their view of the economy is more negative than that of older generations. This growing divide highlights a deep sense of economic and political uncertainty.
Many young people are less engaged in politics and less likely to believe that voting is important. A poll by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that they are also less concerned about political violence and free speech threats. This disengagement raises concerns about the future of democratic participation.
Karlee VanAntwerp, a 21-year-old Michigan State senior, is part of a conservative group that has seen a decline in political engagement. She is troubled by the extreme views of some Gen Z members and the difficulty of working with people who hold different beliefs. This polarization contributes to a sense of despair about the possibility of meaningful change.
Despite their political differences, students like VanAntwerp and liberal supporters of candidates like Will Lawrence share a common desire for dramatic change. Lawrence, a Democratic challenger, encouraged students to resist despair and find purpose through organizing.
However, many students, like Julian Bautista, remain skeptical of political leaders. They feel that current leaders do not represent their interests and that change is elusive. This frustration fuels a desire for leaders who promise significant transformation.
