Gen Z young adults are growing more pessimistic about their future prospects at work and in life, and many fear they lack the skills for today’s entry-level job market, suggests a report from Goodwill Industries International, based upon McKinsey survey results.
The report, Closing the Opportunity Gap, suggests a need to upskill and reskill young people and others entering the workforce, such as justice-impacted individuals.
“Tackling the opportunity divide is more vital than ever as technology, an aging population, climate change and artificial intelligence reshape the employment picture,” the report says.

The report draws insights from the latest McKinsey American Opportunity Survey of almost 10,000 Americans of various ages. Subjects were interviewed in August 2024 and in some cases the results were matched against a similar survey taken in 2022.
The share of those in the 18-24 age group who report being unemployed (excluding those attending college) is 2.5 times higher than the general population’s share, according to survey results.
Such Gen Z adults are growing more doubtful about ever being able to retire (31% in 2024 vs. 25% in 2022) or own a home (70% believe they will never own one, vs. 60% in 2022), according to the report. And 45% are concerned about job stability and feel less financially secure.
‘Lack of Skills, Credentials, and Experience’
Young adults aged 18-24 most often cited a lack of experience or credentials as barriers to getting a job, followed by not knowing where to look for one.

“The biggest roadblock for today’s youth in landing good jobs isn’t a lack of ambition—it’s the lack of skills, credentials, and experience needed to make them appealing to employers,” says Steve Preston, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International, in a news release.
“To give people a fair shot at the American Dream, there is a critical need to provide skills training and career navigation, especially to young people who will help shape and power the future workforce,” he adds.
Goodwill is the largest nonprofit provider of job training and career placement services in North America, and WorkingNation has highlighted its programs.
To read more of the report, including what it says about the employment struggles of justice-impacted individuals, click here.