This is the best summary I could come up with:
Harbouring hopes for an enjoyable career that makes them financially secure seems unimaginable and too risky, with young people saying they are only able to plan for the short term: half of those surveyed said they were not able to think beyond the next six months.
Two-thirds of the 18- to 24-year-olds who were questioned for the research have lowered their career expectations, with the cost of living, the state of the UK economy and their own mental health named as the biggest factors.
“This research provides a blunt warning that the cost of living crisis threatens the futures, aspirations and wellbeing of an entire generation, if we do not act now,” said Jonathan Townsend, UK chief executive of the Prince’s Trust.
“Young people have already had an integral part of their lives disrupted by the pandemic, whether it be their education or early careers, and these findings show that the continued economic uncertainty is forcing them to make decisions which will compound this further,” Townsend added.
“We’re seeing young people left feeling worried and unconfident about ever achieving their aspirations and thinking only in the short term – this could have significant impact for their futures and for wider society.”
When asked about their long-term life goals, maintaining good physical and mental health and simply living happily were among the top answers.
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Exploitation of domestic workers has reached its sustainability limit.
Life is hard. Sadly, the world needs ditch diggers just as much as scientists and actors but young people are bombarded with the whole “be whatever you want” speeches instead of a bit of realism.
That’s an unhelpful statement, to say the least. If it’s just as necessary to dig ditches as conduct scientific research, then the diggers would be paid at least enough to sustain themselves. But on top of that, scientists aren’t exactly well compensated, either.
Honestly, I’m surprised that anyone would regurgitate that “life is hard” rhetoric anymore. I understand why Sunak would want people to think that’s the only reason this shit is happening, but if you’re not in the ruling class and have a vested interest in maintaining your privilege, why would you say that?
He’s probably a programmer or something. They’re a sector of workers who still have some bargaining power and ok wages. So when their credulous minds are absolutely flooded with that special brand of libright individualism we all get hosed with daily, there is nothing in their personal experience to tell them it is wrong
Ex software engineer myself, retired do to disability several years ago.
To be honest. It was a field with higher left of center views then most. In my 30 year career. I only knew a few right wing programmers. Most were more left then myself. (Blair was a tory stooge to let you know where I stand)
I will never understand how people can say bad jobs are necessary and the people working them should just accept a bad life. If the world really NEEDS ditch diggers don’t you think they deserve a decent living? Why should people doing necessary work not be able to afford cost of living?
I work 50 hours a week picking boxes in a warehouse for a company who times how long I go for a piss. I don’t see my kids. I don’t see my partner. I barely make enough to make rent each month.
I don’t mind doing a shit job. What I do mind is doing a shit job and at the end of it, being unable to take my kids on a shitty caravan holiday to the south coast because it’s too expensive, or having to constantly move house and take my kids out of school because there’s no affordable houses to live in.
So yes. Life is hard. It doesn’t have to be though. Anyone who tells you it does is telling you that because they’ve either already given up, or because they’re looking to pull the wool over your eyes so that you give up.
This is what happened to southern Italians after 2008. 6 months was a long term plan. Some stayed unemployed living with parents, other emigrated (in UK among others) to take jobs local wouldn’t do and living (surviving…) in crappy places. Luckiers (like me) were able to study to the highest level to stay competitive thanks to scholarships.
The luckiers, with a lot of effort and many miles traveled, now have a family and a decent career (I am one), but it is important not to give up. Keep planning on the 6 months range, and try to resist the anxiety of the long term planning.
Life is a marathon
Creating a nation wide scarcity mindset across generations is only going to make things even worse. Lack of investment, opportunities, and support means there will be even fewer new businesses and innovations. Levelling up my arse.
