Young, Underemployed and Optimistic: Coming of Age, Slowly, in a Tough Economy

Using data from a Pew Research Center survey and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this report provides information on young adults in the labor market. Only 54 percent of young adults ages 18 to 24 are currently employed, which is the lowest since the data started being collected in 1948. Additionally, those young adults working full time have had the greatest decrease in weekly earnings than any other age group over the past four years (a six percent decline). These trends have had an impact on this population’s long-term plans as many have delayed marriage and starting a family, and 24 percent say they have had to move back home with their parents after living on their own.