America’s young men are falling even further behind
Men in their 20s and early 30s are much more likely than female peers to live with their parents, and many say they feel aimless and isolated
Read in The Wall Street Journal: https://apple.news/AZqb4ZA0YRByAMsJv-J8wLA
It used to be that the 22 year old young man coming out of a college without a job was a cautionary tale.
“I hear Matt doesn’t have a job. I saw him waiting tables at The Griswold Inn.”
Now… even in affluent suburbs that line the Connecticut coastline, it’s commonplace.
In fact, it’s commonplace for a 23, 24, 25 year old man not to have a full time job.
The above article from The Wall Street Journal discusses a growing trend among young American men, particularly in their 20s and early 30s, who are increasingly struggling to find direction in life. Many are more likely than their female peers to live with their parents, citing feelings of aimlessness and isolation. This issue is compounded by the fact that young men are falling behind in key areas like education, employment, and social development.
One of the main concerns highlighted is that many young men feel disconnected from traditional pathways to success, such as attending college or finding stable careers. As a result, they often experience feelings of loneliness and lack of purpose, with a significant portion of them reporting fewer close social connections than previous generations. This social isolation can lead to more serious issues, such as mental health struggles and substance abuse.
Academically, men are also underperforming compared to women. For instance, women now earn a higher percentage of college degrees, and boys are falling behind in educational achievement as early as elementary school. This educational gap contributes to the long-term trend of men being less involved in the workforce, further exacerbating feelings of frustration and disconnection.
Moreover, the article notes that this crisis isn’t just about economic and educational setbacks; it also touches on personal and relational struggles. Fewer young men are finding meaningful relationships, leading to further isolation. This disconnect from traditional markers of adulthood, like steady employment and relationships, often results in a prolonged sense of aimlessness.
My mission in running Career Counseling Connecticut stemmed from a practical concern: help people find career happiness and success.
With all my clients – young/old/male/female – this is still the case but with young men, far more than others, my work has morphed into “life coach” – a term I’ve resisted. But I now clearly see this is needed.