Youth Situation Report 2024: A Worsening Landscape Compared to 2020
In the 2024 “Youth Situation and Expectations” Barometer, young people describe a significantly more challenging situation than in 2020. Currently, 1 in 5 young individuals (20%) feel that their income is insufficient for basic needs, a stark increase from nearly 1 in 20 (6%) who felt this way in 2020. Additionally, the opportunity to secure adequate housing is viewed as particularly problematic by more than 2 in 3 youths (79%), while access to quality employment remains a pressing concern for the same group.
Furthermore, a majority of young people believe that the educational system fails to equip them with the skills demanded by employers or to prepare them for entrepreneurship.
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Research Overview
The research was commissioned by the Ministry of Family, Youth, and Equal Opportunities and conducted by the Urban and Regional Sociology Center (CURS) between April and June 2024. It involved a nationally representative opinion survey of 1,100 young individuals aged 14 to 35.
Key Findings
According to the findings, 1 in 5 young people (20%) believe that their income is insufficient for basic needs, compared to nearly 1 in 20 (6%) in 2020. The prospect of obtaining appropriate housing is perceived as extremely problematic by more than 2 in 3 youths (79%).
Moreover, access to quality employment is viewed as a serious issue by over 2 in 3 young people (79%).
The educational system is largely seen as rigid and ineffective, unable to prepare young individuals for the job market or the business environment.
Key Factors in Job Searching and Employment Preferences
The hierarchy of the most important factors in finding a job emphasizes professional training (68%) and work experience (51%). Other factors, such as the level of education attained (29%), personal relationships (24%), and chance or “luck” (21%), are considered to be of lesser importance.
Defining Characteristics of a Good Job
Characteristics that define a good job include salary (84%), job security (49%), and relevance to one’s field of study (46%). Additional factors contributing to a desirable job include opportunities for career advancement (44%), a flexible and accommodating work schedule (37%), and a pleasant work atmosphere (30%).
Entrepreneurial Intentions Among Youth
Nearly one-third of young people (31%) express intentions to start their own business in the future, while approximately half (45%) do not share this ambition. Compared to 2020, there is a noticeable decline in entrepreneurial initiative, with the percentage of young individuals intending to develop their own business decreasing from 52% to 31%.
