The baby boom created massive demand for entry-level labor. In 1978, 10% of the entire labor force was age 16-19. Jobs were everywhere and culturally expected — working hard was what the whole generation did.
What Changed
A perfect storm hit: seniors and immigrants outcompeted teens for the same roles, proving more reliable and available. Automation killed cashier jobs. Parents pushed enrichment programs over work. Laws made teens expensive to hire (higher workers comp, hour restrictions). By 2014, only 8.8% of non-working teens even wanted jobs.
Where it Landed
Less than 35% of teens work summers now — half the 1978 rate. Summer 2026 projected to be worst teen job market ever. Entire generation entering workforce without basic job experience. Moms showing up to interviews with 20-somethings.
The Principles
1.
Demographics determine labor markets. When 11M seniors flood entry-level roles, they crowd out the inexperienced — and employers prefer reliability over training potential.
2.
Perceived safety kills real preparation. Parents terrified by media created a generation tracked 24/7, nested at home, unprepared for workplace adversity when stakes are low.
3.
Cultural shifts compound structural forces. College obsession drove kids to enrichment over work — but admissions counselors actually prefer job experience over expensive programs.
Builder's Takeaway
If you're hiring young talent, brace for:
•
Zero workplace adversity training — first job at 22, not 16
•
Massive demographic squeeze — seniors and automation took the training ground
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Inequality baked in — rich kids 2x more likely to work than poor
