Gen Z and Millennial TikTokers Rail Against U.S. Job Market
There’s a number of reasons that explain why it's so hard for young generations to find jobs. The rise of “ghost jobs,” a turbulent economy, exclusive AI applicant tracking systems and companies replacing workers with AI tools are just a few.
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Young TikTokers are frustrated about the United States job market, noting how difficult it was to find well-paying corporate jobs in 2023.
In an October video titled “Job hunting in 2023,” TikToker Anna Mae Wood questioned “how people in my generation are supposed to get in on this economy,” according to Business Insider.
“I have over 10 years of experience in sales, retail, management, upper management, hiring, training … I mean the list goes on,” said Wood, who had gotten laid off from a well-paid role and applied to hundreds of jobs since. “I know my worth in the workplace and I can’t get a job. Now, I can get a job for $18 an hour, but $18 an hour in this economy doesn’t cut it. I need to be making at least $70,000 a year and that’s not even to be living lavish. That’s to be fucking surviving.”
Another TikToker, Natasha, echoed similar sentiments on a viral video posted in August.
“No matter how many jobs I apply to, getting a job feels impossible. The reality is we are in a recession right now and while it may not feel that way for some people, it definitely feels like that with all the inflation. My hot take is to literally just wait till things blow over,” said the Tiktoker, who said she has five years of experience in human resources.
There’s a number of reasons that explain why it’s so hard for Gen Z and millennials to find jobs. The rise of “ghost jobs,” a turbulent economy, exclusive AI applicant tracking systems and companies replacing workers with AI tools are just a few.
U.S. job openings fell to their lowest level in the past two years in October.
Noah Johnson (he/him/his) is a Chicago-based journalist. Follow him on X: @noahwritestoo.
Edited by NaTyshca Pickett