LANDENBERG, Pa.—In 1986, Milan Jevtitch earned his Ph.D. in chemical engineering and quickly secured a position at Procter & Gamble. Over time, he advanced within the company, purchased a large four-bedroom house for his family, and built savings for retirement. His career path reflected the economic opportunities available to many professionals of his generation. n nThe experience of his daughter, Anais Jevtitch, 24, stands in stark contrast. After graduating cum laude from Ohio University in December 2023, she has applied repeatedly for roles in marketing, social media, and film and television production. Despite her academic achievements, she has lost track of how many applications she has submitted. Nearly two years after graduation, she remains unemployed in her desired field and continues to live in her parents’ colonial-style home near Philadelphia, taking on part-time work while persisting in her job search. n nHer situation illustrates a broader trend among young adults entering a labor market marked by heightened competition, rising living costs, and shifting hiring practices. While previous generations often found stable employment shortly after college, today’s graduates face prolonged uncertainty, even with strong qualifications. The gap between parental economic success and the struggles of their adult children highlights structural changes in the U.S. economy, including automation, gig work prevalence, and tighter corporate hiring standards. n— news from The Wall Street Journal
— News Original —
The Economy That’s Great for Parents, Lousy for Their Grown-Up Kids
LANDENBERG, Pa.—When Milan Jevtitch finished his Ph.D in chemical engineering in 1986, he got a job right away at Procter & Gamble. He climbed the corporate ladder, bought a spacious four-bedroom home for his family and saved for a comfortable retirement. n nHis daughter’s job search has been much tougher. Anais Jevtitch , 24, graduated cum laude from Ohio University in December 2023 and has lost count of the number of applications she’s submitted for positions in marketing, social media and film and television production. Nearly two years later she is still living in her parents’ colonial-style home on the outskirts of Philadelphia, working part-time jobs as she continues her relentless search.