Why are the youth leaving?
in Economy ·
stormylynx4 said:Don't take this the wrong way—I'm genuinely curious—but why did you choose to study economics?
I'm guessing you're somewhere in your early 30s and graduated about a decade ago. Given that the American economy has been a rollercoaster for the last twenty years rather than just the recent stretch, I’m really wondering what led you to pick economics.
On one hand, I get that people pick majors where the job market isn't too cutthroat. But look at my situation: I do occupational safety. There aren't many of us, and I've got all the certifications—safety, fire prevention, plus extra stuff like being fluent in languages and pro-level AutoCAD. I actually know my stuff and use it every day. After 14 years in the game, I’m barely pulling in $5,500 a month. The only reason my pay is so low is because my field isn't really in demand here in the States. It feels forced on employers. Most bosses, even government ones, act like total slave drivers. They act like you should just be grateful to have a job and view your paycheck as a "bonus" rather than what you're actually owed. And if you want a better gig? Sure, go find one outside the US...
But overseas, my skills are actually respected. People value hard work there. Employers see the value in investing in safety because it means a more stable workforce and fewer lost days from injuries or sick leave...
Basically, until the mindset shifts—until companies realize a good worker is an asset to protect rather than something to burn through and toss aside—things won't change here. That goes for wages, too. If you want top-tier talent, you gotta pay for it. Making $2000 is pathetic; it barely covers the basics, so there's zero incentive to go above and beyond. You're just surviving. On the flip side, I haven't met a single employee (especially managers) making less than $3.25 who isn't white-knuckling their position. If they paid people decent money, folks would actually put in the effort instead of constantly looking for a way out of the country...