New Blog Series, Public Health Affairs

“It’s All in Your Head: How We Turned Youth Unemployment into a Personal Problem”

Oh, the irony. Right…. I know for a fact that we live in a world where youth unemployment is skyrocketing, but instead of addressing systemic barriers, we tell young people to “hustle harder” and “stay positive.”

Because clearly, the real problem isn’t the lack of jobs, low wages, or rigid hiring practices it’s that you’re not manifesting success hard enough. Right?

Hey, don’t come for me now…😮‍💨, my hands are itchy to spill this hot☕️😂😮‍💨🫠…⚠️it’s a pretty long gist…😮‍💨

The thought to write this came as I reflected on the quiet whispers of reality things being ignored in the headlines but screaming in our everyday lives.

I believe the UK job market isn’t just a battlefield; it’s a minefield, littered with policy-driven obstacles like austerity measures, which have crippled public services and youth training programs.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) highlights that nearly 10% of young people in the UK are not in education, employment, or training (NEET).

But, sure, let’s focus on how they “just aren’t trying hard enough.”

Let’s also remember the cheerful advice to build resilience as if it’s a one-size-fits-all fix for systemic failure.

Imagine telling someone who’s juggling three part-time jobs to “think positively” while they’re struggling to afford rent.

Here’s a quote from Employment Law for Business that comes to mind:

“Economic conditions, not individual attitudes, determine access to stable employment.”

Yet, here we are, romanticizing the grind instead of fixing the foundation.

Scripturally speaking, resilience has its place, but it doesn’t absolve society of its responsibilities. And Proverbs 31:8 reminds us to “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.

Of course, you can say, God’s word challenges systems of oppression, calling for justice and fairness not blaming individuals for their struggles.

However, now let’s talk about Mental Health.

The link between unemployment and declining mental health is well-documented.

The Mental Health Foundation notes that young people are disproportionately affected by depression and anxiety due to job insecurity.

(I know of this for a fact🤌…)

Hey, but instead of addressing the root cause, we label them as “lazy, entitled, or unmotivated”. The same society that tells them to “hustle harder” is the one cutting resources that could actually help them succeed.🤐

Anyway, here’s a sarcastic kicker:

Welcome to my TED Talk on how to become a world-leading psychosocial advocate and expert. 😂😅

Step one? Call out the nonsense. Step two? Offer solutions. Because this cycle of shifting blame needs to stop.

Here’s my take:

1. Reform Job Training Programs: More accessible apprenticeships and internships with fair pay are a must.

2. Address Wage Inequality: Implementing a higher minimum wage for young workers is long overdue.

3. Support Mental Health Services: Invest in programs that address unemployment-related mental health struggles without stigma.

Well now that all that is out of my chest…what say you? 😅…Do you think resilience is enough, or is it time to fix the system?

Don’t let anyone convince you that your worth is tied to your employment status. You are more than your job title or paycheck. Keep advocating for change, and remember, God’s plans for you are good, to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). Together, hopefully we can create a world where opportunities are not just for the privileged few. Cheers to that 🥂



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