Jerome Powell and Economists Agree: Gen Z Faces a Hiring Crisis And That’s Not About AI

Jerome Powell and Economists Agree: Gen Z Faces a Hiring Crisis And That’s Not About AI

In 2025, the rising unemployment rate among Americans under 25, specifically recent graduates, has become a significant economic concern.

Top economists and Jerome Powell agree that Gen Z's hiring nightmare is real—and it's not about AI eating entry-level jobs

"The U.S. labor market experience is peculiar," UBS' Paul Donovan wrote in a UBS note asking, "the kids are alright?"

Powell says young Americans face toughest job market in years

Youth unemployment in the United States has climbed sharply in 2025. Economists and policy officials describe the pattern as a “no hire, no fire” phase, where companies mainly hold on to current staff, add few positions, and seldom cut jobs, rather than a sudden shock from artificial intelligence. F...