Young, Underemployed and Optimistic: Coming of Age, Slowly, in a Tough Economy

The Pew Research Center released a report entitled "Young, Underemployed and Optimistic," based on nationwide data of 2,048 adults, including 808 young adults (ages 18 to 34), that reviews how young workers understand their status in the current economy. According to the survey results, a majority of the public believes today’s economic turmoil is impacting young adults most, and in a way that is making basic financial goals harder to achieve than when their parents were a similar age. Research also indicates significant changes in young adults’ daily lives and long-term plans, with job choice and marriage decisions being some areas affected. However, despite tough economic times, it seems that young adults still maintain a level of optimism about their current and future economic opportunities.