Is the nation breeding a disillusioned generation? For a kid who grew up being fed the notion that the US is a country of opportunity, the harsh reality of being young and unemployed is definitely takings its toll. US youth suffer from an 18% unemployment rate and the trend is also apparent in other first-world nations.
Peter Coy of BusinessWeek writes: “For people just starting their careers, the damage may be deep and long-lasting, potentially creating a kind of “lost generation.” Studies suggest that an extended period of youthful joblessness can significantly depress lifetime income as people get stuck in jobs that are beneath their capabilities, or come to be seen by employers as damaged goods.”
This doesn’t only affect the youth. It’s beneficial for organizations to infuse their workforce with young people. Necessary is the vitality, creativity and forward thinking that many rookies possess. In addition, generation gaps in the workplace affect the organization’s succession system.
But the focus still is on today’s generation of young workers. Having a generation of disillusioned and bitter people always spells badly for the future.
Source: MSNBC
