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occupyonline:

Difficulties are shaping their decisions about careers, schooling, marriage and parenthood.

The analysis by the Pew Research Center, released Thursday, examines the effects of the recession on the lives and attitudes of young Americans ages 18 to 34.

Nearly half say that in recent years they’ve taken a job they didn’t really want, to pay the bills. More than a third have gone back to school because of the poor economy. About a third have postponed either their plans to get married or have a child, and one in four say they have moved back in with their parents after living independently. And fewer than half of young people who are now employed say they have the education and training necessary to get ahead in their jobs.

With government economic data showing a record gap in employment levels between the young and all working-age adults, the Pew survey found that 41% of Americans believe that young adults have been hit harder by the recession than other age groups, while 29% said middle-aged adults have had the toughest time, and 24% said those 65 and older have had the worst of it.

Large majorities of those surveyed also said it was harder for today’s young adults to reach basic financial goals that their parents’ generation took for granted, including saving for the future, paying for college or buying a home.

Young people themselves are also acutely aware of their struggles, the study showed. Half of those 18 to 34 said their age group has suffered the most because of the nation’s weak economy.

(Source: Los Angeles Times, via bohemianarthouse)