Exploring or Floundering? The Meaning of Employment and Educational Fluctuations in Emerging Adulthood

TLDR

Youth today spend years moving in and out of different education and employment statuses until they settle into stable employment. A 14‑year Canadian longitudinal study examined month‑to‑month fluctuations in employment and educational statuses from age 19 to 25 to predict employment success at age 32. Early employment instability predicted lower income, occupational status, and career satisfaction at 32—especially for men—while those who changed careers experienced higher income and satisfaction; greater educational status fluctuation was linked to higher occupational status, suggesting that labor market instability in the early 20s reflects floundering whereas educational changes indicate exploration.

Abstract

Youth today spend years moving in and out of different education and employment statuses until they settle into stable employment. This 14-year Canadian longitudinal study reveals how month-to-month fluctuations in employment and educational statuses from age 19 to 25 predict employment success at age 32. Early employment instability was linked to lower income at age 32 and, among men, to lower occupational status and career satisfaction. However, for those who had made at least one career change, employment fluctuation had a positive effect on income and career satisfaction. Greater fluctuation in educational status was associated with higher occupational status at age 32. In general, labor market instability in the early 20smight best be described as floundering, while educational status changes more often reflect exploring.