In a recent study conducted by researchers from Monash University, the link between insecure work and the challenges faced by young Australians in navigating post-school pathways such as employment, income, and housing has been brought to light. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated conditions of uncertainty and disruption in the lives of young people, particularly in relation to insecure work.
The analysis of data collected for the 2022 Australian Youth Barometer revealed that young people are struggling to navigate key steps along post-school pathways due to disruptions caused by insecure work. Anxiety and pessimism have become prevalent among young Australians as they face difficulties in achieving conventional markers of adulthood, such as securing stable housing.
Key findings from the study indicate that more than half of the young Australians surveyed believe they will be financially worse off than their parents. Additionally, a significant number reported earning income from gig work in the past year, with gig work being more common among Australians with disabilities. The majority of young Australians also reported experiencing feelings of worry, anxiety, and pessimism, with nearly one-quarter facing food insecurity.
Professor Lucas Walsh, the Director of CYPEP, emphasized that the growing participation in insecure work, such as the gig economy, is intertwined with education, finance, and young people’s perspectives about the future. The research findings suggest that young workers aspire to secure more stable employment or at least a sense of control over their lives and future, which are lacking in the current conditions of the gig economy.
The gig economy is seen as a symptom of broader societal issues that young people are grappling with, including a loss of control and disadvantage in the labor market. Professor Walsh highlighted the need for an interconnected response to address the challenges faced by young people, rather than isolated approaches to housing, income, and labor market policy.
The study sheds light on the struggles faced by young Australians in navigating working life in the gig economy and beyond. It underscores the urgent need for policy interventions and support systems to address the systemic issues that are impacting the well-being and future prospects of young people in Australia.
In conclusion, the research conducted by Monash University highlights the pressing need to address the challenges faced by young Australians in the current socio-economic landscape. By understanding the complexities of insecure work and its impact on post-school pathways, policymakers and stakeholders can work towards creating a more equitable and supportive environment for the next generation.
