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Recent college grads are facing a challenging job market, with many struggling to find work even months after graduation. Some are finding themselves “NEET” – not in employment, education, or training. This trend is hitting young men particularly hard.
One recent graduate, Joshy B, has been documenting his job search struggles on TikTok. Despite earning a master’s degree in business, he’s been relying on unemployment benefits and competing with hundreds of applicants for entry-level positions. He feels the benefit system itself is a full-time job, requiring extensive documentation of his job search activities.
Joshy’s experience isn’t unique. Data shows a decline in the number of recent graduates finding jobs or continuing their education compared to a decade ago. While the number of young women in the workforce has increased, the opposite is true for young men.
Other young men have shared similar stories. Max Onken applied for dozens of jobs daily for two years with little success.
James Harrison, a law graduate, was even rejected from a coffee shop job before finally finding work as a paralegal. Hunter Howell, with a business administration degree, submitted over 1,700 applications before receiving a single full-time offer.
Experts suggest that the current job market is more difficult than in recent years. One recruiter noted that young men often hold out for their “dream job” rather than gaining experience in entry-level positions.
He also observed that traditional male-dominated fields like tech and finance have been particularly affected by the economic downturn. He advises young men to be open to different opportunities and to recognize that career building takes time and effort.