There seems to be a ‘Now Hiring’ sign in the window of every store, while at the same time young people are unable to get hired. The true cause according to many school newspapers and students alike is the outdated expectations from employers.
Contrary to popular belief, the issue is not a lack of job applicants or interest in employment. Modern American workers seek more from their jobs. They want fair compensation, flexibility, reasonable demands. Many young people are no longer willing to
compromise on these fronts. The cost of living in America has surged by 7.1% in the last year, and the U.S. dollar’s diminished value does not help the problem. However, the minimum wage has only inched up by approximately 20%, forcing many minimum wage earners to bary make ends meet. This financial strain pushes them into second jobs, hindering opportunities for higher education and better-paying careers.
The term entry level that Manu employer use has become misleading since many first or part time positions now demand extensive experience. Which leads to students feeling unprepared. Companies in food service or retail market these roles as entry level but refuse candidates lacking prior experience, often experience that could qualify them for higher paying positions elsewhere.
This hiring approach results in businesses flooded with more applicants than they can hire. Consequently many young individuals seeking employment remain jobless, while businesses struggle to fill positions. This hinders the starting point for young professionals, denying them the necessary experience for a successful career and leaving numerous positions unfilled.
Employers increasingly expect more from their workers, causing employees to feel threatened if they do not go beyond their job descriptions or work unpaid overtime. The term of quiet quitting has gained popularity, referring to individuals who fulfill their 
job responsibilities without exceeding expectations. This discourages a balanced approach to work and personal life, undermining the formation of healthy workplace boundaries.
These conditions have led many millennials and gen z prospective employees to reject high positions, trapping others in jobs they wish to leave for financial stability. The common misconception is that young people are reluctant to work or are lazy, when in reality, it’s a changed economy without needed adjustments in minimum wage that is needed for their ability to sustain themselves. Young individuals acknowledge that merely making a living has become harder than ever, and they seek workplaces that accommodate these challenges.
The fact of the matter isn’t a reluctance to work but a refusal to accept wages below the cost of living. Gen Z and millennials prioritize a healthy work-life balance, livable wages, and workplaces that align with these values. Businesses struggling to find suitable candidates might need to reevaluate their practices to attract the workforce of the present
