Youth unemployment crisis warning: "Lost generation" blighted by debt, depression & self-loathing

Youth unemployment crisis warning: A 'lost generation' blighted by debt, depression and self-loathing

www.da ilymail.co.uk

The Prince’s Trust has done research pointing to the devastating impact of unemployment on young people which it described as "a mental health hazard’.It can trigger problems such as self-loathing, panic attacks and depression, with one in six saying they found the experience ‘as stressful as a family breakdown’."

...Young people are being hit harder than any other age group, the statistics show....

(visit the link for the full news article)

The news story above comes to us from the UK, but youth from the USA and every other developed nation are feeling the pinch for sure.

It's not news that the youth is having trouble finding a job, but what interested me about this story was the psychological aspect. The study suggests having no job can be as difficult as having major family problems. I think this can be true, depending on the person.

Other psychological effects like depression are very clearly a part of the picture.

So let's talk about the mental aspects of being young and unemployed. My BFF has been looking for a job for almost two years now and is going out of her mind; she gets an occasional part time job now and then but otherwise no luck. She put on a lot of weight and can't afford to come out so she is getting more isolated, despite her efforts.

Meanwhile, anyone who has a job lives in constant terror of losing it. I know I do.

What mental effects do you feel or see in the young people around you? How long can it go on? How does this kind of dispair effect people in the long run? If you are just starting out you need to stay positive, right? But what do you do if you can't stay positive? And when will it all end, if ever?






www.da ilymail.co.uk
(visit the link for the full news article)

It brings down every "go get a job" comments, because really,
There are very few to be had unless your town is lucky enough to have some sort of industry that hires a lot of people.
Yet here we are.
Not having a job is the most stressful thing ever, bills.. rent.. surviving.
My friend was trying to find a job for over a year, he applied everywhere that he made more than min wage, he otherwise couldn't afford it,
He has one now, trying to get him hired on with me so he has a more stable, decent paying job, think we're going to go into business together too, some ideas brewing =)

A generation lost...Well, at least they aren't a group of paid pawns of George Soros, a herr herr derr

What we have is a generation that is going to be brought up in nihilism.

reply to post by Partygirl


Well PartyGirl,This bloggers opinion is something to think about...................

How do you like this Change, all you @#$%^& SNL and MTV watching youths who voted for Obama? Well, maybe now you can beg for change on the street corner, thanks to Obama.

I guarantee there are two reasons why the jobs market for youth suck. First, the Congress has nearly doubled the minimum wage over the last four years. Second, employers are too afraid of tax increases to expand or hire. The result is that there are no entry level jobs in the USA.

If a promise seems too good to be true, it probably is BS!!

52.2% OF YOUTH BETWEEN 16 AND 24 ARE UNEMPLOYED!

I'm 31, A mason with 12 years exp, works seasonal, during the work season (8 months) I work for myself and between 6-8 other employers on a W-4, hand out my resume to damn near everyone I meet or see again, college educated. I work 7 days a week, but some days are less than one hour of work. some jobs I take for reputation, I lose money on it, because there's no way to escape it. My house is a couch if I get to one, or the front seat of my Pick-up, but the winter months I can't afford the gas, I have resorted to mad manipulation skills at their finest to have a semi peace of mind. I would rather live off the land and nature far away from cities and make my own rules, too many where I live.. I do this in the summer to save money for the winter, but time March rolls around I look like a homeless person, well I am homeless now, but a better off homeless person. I would have credit cards, but my college debt has killed my chances, and without a job, really, !!!!!! how do they expect me to pay them?? they call me up demanding money, telling me I'm a loser, pay it, or I will never make it.... this had been said by associates of Wells Fu#$ U. Thank you for my all my freedoms and countless, meaningless laws that bind me and trip me into your bottoms hole, and bless the USA

No, I don't watch TV,
No, I didn't vote for Osama, I mean obama, ah hell, is there a difference?

If I make enough money, I will be leaving this country ASAP
I'm done before honesty escapes through my finger tips

Soon the 2nd Holocaust is coming
USA, United Slavery of America, that is if your not outsourced first

And this is BREAKING NEWS ????

This was breaking news in the 80's in Great Britan.

Nothing new here.

I've been unemployed on and off for most of my adult life, luckily now I've got a job flipping burgers for min wage.

I've met a lot of unemployed people in my area during that time, some of them very skilled (programmer, artists, nuclear scientist, etc) but unable to even get unskilled minimum wage jobs. I have certainly seen it cause a lot of psychological harm in them. Most young job seekers are deppresed or heavily smoking weed or drinking to much just to cope with the fact they feel they have no future...

reply to post by AK907ICECOLD


To add, last winter I sent out locally over 2500 resumes in 30 days, and not one response, I was very persistant with all that had potential... heard them all, over qualified, not enough training, you don't want this job, ( I liked that one)

I'm thinking porn? But I'm very mountain man looking, not too appealing

It's very cold tonight.

I was thinking earlier of all the people that might be freezing cold right now.

I don't know what the answer is. My husband got a call from a friend of his that he used to work with.
My husband got laid off in June after 25, nearly 26 years. His friend had managed to hang on, until today.

The mental side of being unemployed is that:

1. It teaches you how worthless you are.

2. It teaches you how reliant you are on the good grace of those in charge

3. It teaches you falling for BS about getting a degree is your fault and your debt

4. It teaches you how to do everything you are told when you finally get a job or face a return to unemployment

5. Most of it it teaches you, this cannot go on.

reply to post by colin42



I am so very very sorry if you are feeling this, my heart goes out to every person looking honestly for work. There are so many of them!!!!

Please take my best wishes for better days. Look, if you live in the developed world chances are you will not starve so one way or another the burdens will be lifted. Let us hope our generation can do it right and peacefully too!

Do you have anyone to talk to? I mean, not internet people but people-people? Who are sympathetic?

Can you trade your skills or simple work for something, even if you have no money? Like, do something for somebody in exchange for something you need? Or maybe exchange skills and goods with other jobless people...build a network??? How about working on building a social network for jobless people to trade goods and services with each other, in the community or even bigger???? I just had that idea, I don't know but maybe its something! Maybe somebody is already doing it?

Sorry...anyway I have been lucky to have a job in the mall since early summer and I hope to keep it. That's the extent of my ambitions right now! I'll be perfectly happy if I can just...keep....my paycheck-to-paycheck life without missing a paycheck. Hard times narrow ambitions?

A friend of mine said that at least we have the internet. We can read the great books, we can teach ourselves anything using all the free stuff out there...we can entertain ourselves with video and music virtually for free (even without breaking any laws), we can come to places like ATS. We can build a kind of inner paradise in our minds!!! I think in that sense our generation has hope to move beyond the materialistic cycle. I know people can't only live in fantasy and need real work and stuff but at least its somthing, this amazing internet.

God bless you. And everyone with no work or just hanging on, any age, any kind!

reply to post by Partygirl


I'm in Australia so job issue is not so bad..
I have 3 sons, all working and on good money..

The problem they have is "easy money"..
Yes, the Banks etc keep sending them credit cards and getting finance for anything from a new bed to a new car is all too easy..

Hence all my boys actually owe a "LOT" more than they own..

This "easy cash" should NOT be available to anyone under 21 and should be checked for ability to pay etc..

It must be tough for kids nowadays. When I was growing up I had no doubts that I would be able to find a job when I left University. Now kids must see the news, all the demonstrations and protests and wonder, what the future has in store for them.

If I could give any advice to those who are struggling finding work, it would be to volunteer. I've been out of work for a long time, but volunteer at a homeless charity, a youth club and for the probation service. It keeps you in touch with others and keeps you in a mindset where you still have responsibilities to others. It's also good for networking, the more people you meet other opportunities present themselves. Most organisations in the UK will pay for expenses and provide you with lunch or something to eat. It also looks good on your CV when it comes to getting paid employment.

reply to post by Partygirl


i think thats the answer there in your statement......we the community need to band togethor and create our own structures...similar to how a small town works ...everyone helps everyone else out within the community
...it would have to start small and grow with a definative goal which is fair and equall for all involved....time to cut out the leaches ....lets face it the only way to starve these greedy pigs out is by not bying into their system,cut their war mongering funds and watch them squeal......now back to reality

im sure any such atempt would be crushed immediately..the garbage warrior is a good example for those whom are familiar with his efforts....

its hard enough being a teenager let alone one who beleives hes facing a bleak future and with all the jobs that are outsourced and now the invasion of robotic technology which is sure to cut even more people out of the work industry....cant say any of it makes me feel real positive for my kids futures...what sort of a crazy world will they end up growing into ?...

reply to post by Party Girl


while the situation is bad for everyone and no solution works for more than a few, i suggest that volunteer work can be useful on a resume.

i'm a volunteer on an animal disaster response team.
we set up animal shelters when their human guardians require emergency shelter.
there are many other options depending on your interests.

hospitals, nursing homes, industry are encouraged to have disaster planning.
when applying for work, if human resources see that you already have certification, you will stand out.

and you will meet wonderful people with interests similar to you.(networking)

This does not go for everybody because there are some really good people out there that can't find a job.... I got it.

For the rest of the disenchanted youth... when you apply for a job, dress nice, respectful, a tie would be nice... or a skirt. You can't overdress, only under dress.

Tell the employer your name, say it clear and with some authority.

Fill the form out yourself and completely and honestly.

Initiate conversation about the company, not your personal life unless asked.

Have IDs and documentation with you and at the ready.

Do some research about the company and be able to tell the employer you really want this job.

I say these things to honestly help. I am an asst manager at a farm supply store. I have people come in with no inkling of what we do, dressed as if they are going fishing or to work in the yard, they don't have a license or ID, they don't tell me their name... I actually have to ask as they are walking away in their holey jeans, dirty sneakers, and shirt tail out.

If I ask questions... they tell me all the reasons they can't work this day or that day... their wife is always sick, their husband or boyfriend is drunk or is using the truck that day or that they beat them last night or that their 6 chldren are sick all the time. They lie about jail time, felonies, or they would start Monday but they have to go to court...

I have an opening and we have yet to find a suitable candidate... really.

Things are going to permanently change for the good sooner than later and are already in motion. Human beings are amazing creatures and we will rise to the occasion and intervene in our own self made destruction. Once the puppeteers are taken out...things will slowly get better.

With them in place and the systems in place the unemployment rate will NEVER RISE. Not realistically anyway..possibly through manipulation.

reply to post by Partygirl


So many here around the state of Alaska barter for goods, most companies would hate that cash and taxes are not involved.

But to answer your question, yes trading is very relevant to my lifestyle. That is how I get tools, entertainment, gas, pay bills, by using my amazing art in Masonry. I am trying new ways of laying stone and rock to impress for more money or Items. I have worked 8 hours many times in my trade and others to beg for $50 just to eat and drive to work, I get the the work, its embarrassing and demeaning and sometimes they pay me more because some themselves have been in my position. sucks, but knowing the HARD WORK I do, fills my soul and reminds me that I am a good man wether or not I succeed. Knowing that, it puts my mind at ease that I can deal with some of the challenges I face daily.

Anyone that works hard, I pat you on the back!
God Bless those that are dealing with these pains

Much Love

My concern is that as the population continues to grow the problems that the Youth are facing - will not get better. As technology replaces human hands and expertise - where will the employment come from if machines will do? Population grows - jobs , let alone careers - do not.

As a secondary Teacher I see plenty of Students who only come to school because the law states that they have to. Some Students get to Year 9 & Year 10 (9-10 years in the education system) and they can barely put a sentence on paper. Some cannot use capitals and fullstops...it breaks my heart.

I was a Police officer so I saw a lot there as well and that is why a few years ago I retrained as I thought I could be of more use to society helping people to read and write - rather than locking them up.

I know it is a basic human right for people to want to have a family but I don't know why people keep on having Children. I don't judge - it's just an observation. I read stories and see photographs of babies in the gutter in China because they were born the wrong sex. I see thousands of Children orphaned in war torn countries and I see starving Children and I could go on ...it just seems so unbalanced and unfair on the Children.

The Youth of today have my full support and concern because I know life is far more competitive than ever before and that makes life a contest and not an experience.

Much Peace...for the Youth as they find their way...