More than 4 million Gen Z individuals in the U.S. and an additional 100,000 young people in the U.K. have joined the ranks of NEETs—those not in education, employment, or training. Contrary to assumptions of generational laziness, experts point to “worthless degrees” and a flawed system that fails to fulfill its promises as the culprits behind this growing crisis.
For many Gen Zers, the career track has veered off course. In the U.S., over 4.3 million young people are neither in school nor working, while in the U.K., the NEET population surged by over 100,000 in just the past year. Though some fall into this category due to caregiving responsibilities, a significant number are simply locked out of an increasingly competitive job market, where white-collar opportunities feel ever more elusive.
British commentator Peter Hitchens recently labeled the situation a “catastrophe,” pinning much of the blame on an education system that funnels young people into universities for degrees with little practical value. “They’d be far better off apprenticing as plumbers or electricians,” Hitchens argued, suggesting such paths could lead to more prosperous and fulfilling lives.
With millions of Gen Zers waking up each day feeling sidelined, Jeff Bulanda of Jobs for the Future insists it’s time for a “wake-up call.” He urges educational institutions and employers to step up and address the disconnect.
The Role of Higher Education in the NEET Surge
Certain fields, like healthcare, offer a clear pipeline to stable careers—projected to add over a million jobs in the U.S. alone over the next decade. Yet millions graduate annually with degrees that lack a defined path, leaving them underemployed and grappling with financial strain. While a college degree boasts a 681% return on investment over 40 years and hints at future wealth transfers, the immediate reality for many is crippling student debt and a shaky job market.
Bulanda argues that the relentless push for four-year degrees as the sole viable option has overshadowed alternatives like skilled trades, despite their growing relevance. “Young people need to be empowered as informed consumers of education, armed with clear data on costs, quality, and long-term value,” he says.
Lewis Maleh, CEO of Bentley Lewis, adds that universities must improve how they prepare students for the workforce, addressing not just career placement but also non-academic hurdles like mental health and resilience. “The system isn’t intentionally failing students,” Maleh notes, “but it’s not delivering on the economic security it implicitly promises.”
Roots of the NEET Crisis—and Potential Solutions
Soaring costs—rent, gas, groceries, textbooks—have hit Gen Z hard. Some even reject dream jobs because they can’t afford the commute or professional attire. Meanwhile, a job market reshaped by AI leaves others struggling to find footing, making staying home and doomscrolling more appealing than chasing an economy that feels unrecognizable from what they were sold.
The United Nations warns of persistent skills gaps among youth, and re-engaging millions won’t be simple. Maleh suggests expanding accessible entry points like apprenticeships and internships, particularly for the disengaged, while fostering stronger ties between industries and education. Bulanda emphasizes the need for tailored career guidance: “When options are unclear, support is lacking, and the next step feels daunting, it’s no shock that so many pause.”
The real question, he adds, isn’t why Gen Z is disconnecting—it’s why society hasn’t adapted to offer them more relevant paths and robust support to bridge the gap.