Being unemployed and idle may sound like a choice nobody would make, but some young people are voluntarily choosing to become NEETs.
And their numbers are on the rise. According to the International Labour Organization, about a fifth of people between 15 and 24 worldwide in 2023 were considered NEETs, a level not seen in nearly two decades.
Though extended periods off from employment may lead to a lack of momentum, a psychologist says they could also have some positive mental benefits.
The rise of the voluntary NEETs
Some Gen Zers are reclaiming the NEET label on social media, believing that being voluntarily dormant is more appealing than taking the first job that they can find.
Ryan Warner, a psychologist and business consultant, told Business Insider there’s a “huge grind culture” in the US where people think working harder yields better results.
“However, the newer generation is starting to have a different spin on how they view success,” he said.
According to the American Psychological Association’s 2023 survey, 77% of workers reported feeling stressed at work.
“A lot of people say, ‘Hey, we’ll just grind through it, get over with’,'” Warner said. “But some individuals are saying, ‘No, I’m going to actually take the time for myself, reduce some stress, some anxiety, some depressive symptoms to protect my overall mental well-being.'”
Mental health and a work-life balance are huge priorities for many Gen Zers and they are keen to work at organizations with empathetic values and flexibility.
Experts have raised concerns about Zoomers and millennials becoming “lost” or “disconnected” as they struggle to enter the workforce or find themselves suddenly laid off.
Some career and recruitment specialists told BI being a NEET could be a “big mistake” and a result of “unrealistic views” creating a “false reality” about how career opportunities come about.
They said big gaps on someone’s résumé could be a red flag to potential employers, and that sometimes, fulfillment comes from putting yourself out there.
However, according to Warner, waiting a bit longer to find a job that aligns with your values and identity creates fulfillment in life and can mitigate burnout and other “long-term psychological challenges.” It can also boost confidence and psychological resilience, Warner said.
“When they take that time off for themself, they’re able to reevaluate their values and what’s important to them, and in turn, that strengthens their identity and self-worth,” Warner said. “That actually provides a sense of autonomy and control over one’s life.”
Warner added that, in contrast, being forced into a job that doesn’t fit can lead to feelings of helplessness and a lack of agency.
Overall, it’s a risk-reward analysis individuals have to make.
The reward for taking a job could be financial stability, but the risk could be feeling unfulfilled or experiencing anxiety and depression.
“A lot of individuals are recognizing the risks far outweigh the rewards, and in turn are choosing a different approach,” he said.
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