The Forgotten Unemployed.

We went out to dinner with our son Mark, and his wife Kristen one night last week.  It was a belated celebration of Barb's birthday.  Her favorite restaurant is Olive Garden, so that is where we found ourselves.  Our waitress was a perky young lady who definitely had the gift of hospitality.  She not only took care of us but was engaging and friendly.  Toward the end of the evening I complemented her on her work.  "How long have you been doing  this?"  I asked.  She related that she had worked for Olive Garden for eight years.  She had been a hostess at another location and then transferred to her current job.  She went on to say that her real passion was art, and had earned a double Master's degree.  She also worked part-time teaching art at a local college.  She noted that she enjoyed teaching but it was difficult teaching as an adjunct because you never what you were going to be teaching.   Her passion is photography.  I could sense the frustration in her voice.

The young lady is typical of many millennials.  They often can't find jobs in their field of study.  The current unemployment rate among millennials is 15.5%, almost double the national average.  Many young adults are like our waitress friend; she could find work but it wasn't in her area of study.  The level of satisfaction was lacking.  She loved art history, not waiting on tables.  We might credit some of this to college graduates that have degrees  in areas of study that are not real marketable, like psychology or philosophy.  Some experts have pointed out that many millennials lack soft job skills, making them less desirable candidates.  I have met many young people, like the waitress, who have the social skills but still can't find jobs. 

I am sure that our waitress friend will be just fine.  She has a positive attitude and great social skills, but what about others who lack soft skills?  I guess that is where all of us who do have some life experience under our belts come in.  It begins by helping young people, especially those who still live at home, to develop social skills.  In the case of college graduates who have not found their niche, it might mean mentoring and encouraging them.  It also might be an opportunity for ministry.  I know some churches that have support groups for unemployed professionals, but why not a similar ministry to millennials.  It might be an opportunity for retired professionals to mentor young people.  Through the experience they also might experience the love of Jesus.