I’ve been reflecting a lot lately on whether we’re on the verge of losing a significant portion of an entire generation. Evidence is mounting that many from Generations Z and Alpha are falling behind in basic life skills—skills that were once considered fundamental to success after high school and college. The thought that we could have a generation underprepared for the workforce is deeply concerning, both for their futures and for the broader societal implications.
It seems that more and more Gen Z workers are leaving jobs—or, more accurately, being let go—within days or weeks of starting due to perceived issues with work ethic or a reluctance to learn. Employers report troubling gaps in critical areas like reading comprehension, problem-solving, and communication—skills traditionally sharpened through rigorous education, like reading books or deep, thoughtful engagement in academic settings. These aren’t just job skills—they’re life skills.
Now, this is not just a question of declining standards or shifting priorities. Many of the traditional educational tools that once equipped people for the workforce are being replaced by other curricula, such as DEI programs. While diversity and inclusion are important, we need to ask whether these initiatives are overshadowing the core academic disciplines that once formed the backbone of a well-rounded education. Are we depriving young people of the foundational tools they need to succeed by over-prioritizing certain trends in education?
What’s Happening?
Many young people are increasingly skeptical about the value of a four-year college degree. Rising tuition costs, fears of mounting student debt, and a sense that the return on investment may not be worth it have prompted a shift toward alternatives like trade schools or direct workforce entry. And frankly, that’s not always a bad thing. Trades like plumbing, electrical work, and construction are experiencing a resurgence. These fields offer stability and, often, quicker entry into the workforce without the financial burden of a traditional college education.
There’s also been a rise in demand for specialized skills like coding, robotics, and data analytics—areas that don’t necessarily require a college degree but do demand specialized training and certifications. Coding boot camps and technical schools are helping to fill these roles, bypassing the need for a four-year degree. This shift is promising, but I wonder if we’re missing something crucial here. Are we trading too much of the long-term benefits of higher education for short-term wins?
While practical skills and faster workforce entry are definite advantages, the risk of a job skills mismatch looms large. As automation and AI continue to transform industries, will these new educational paths be enough? How do we ensure these young people have the soft skills—like critical thinking and adaptability—that will keep them relevant in an increasingly competitive job market?
The Problem with Reading
One of the biggest red flags for me is the decline in reading among young people. Since 1976, the Monitoring the Future Survey has tracked reading habits of high school seniors. Back then, nearly 40% of 12th graders read six or more books a year for pleasure. By 2021-22, that number had dropped to 13%. Even more alarming, the percentage of seniors who hadn’t read a single book for pleasure in the last year rose from 11.5% to 41%. That’s a massive shift, and it’s not just about reading for fun—it’s about the kind of sustained, focused attention and critical engagement that reading fosters.
What’s interesting is that Gen Z is still reading—but differently. Forbes reported that 55% of Gen Z reads every week, and 40% read daily. However, 67% of them are reading on their phones. They’re consuming content on platforms like Wattpad, which is full of genre mashups and experimental storytelling, but they aren’t reading the classics or books that foster a deeper understanding of history, culture, or philosophy. How does this affect their ability to engage critically with the world around them?
This shift to digital, bite-sized reading may explain why so many employers are reporting deficiencies in critical thinking and communication skills. How can we encourage a balanced approach to reading—one that embraces the modern, digital world but also values the lessons of the past?
Implications
There’s no doubt that if we don’t address these trends, there will be significant consequences. More young people could find themselves stuck in a “limbo” state—underqualified and unemployable in an economy that increasingly demands higher-level skills. The gig economy offers some opportunities, but it doesn’t provide the long-term security, benefits, or growth that many need to thrive.
We’re already seeing some of the signs: higher rates of underemployment, disengagement from traditional workforce structures, and a growing skills gap in industries undergoing rapid technological transformation. If we don’t find a way to reskill and upskill these generations while also nurturing their adaptability and soft skills, we’re looking at broader societal challenges—higher unemployment, increased homelessness, mental health crises, and growing economic instability.
Solutions
So, where do we go from here? Investing in flexible, lifelong learning models is a start. We need community engagement programs, accessible reskilling initiatives, and education systems that integrate both technical and soft skills. Education isn’t just about preparing for today’s jobs—it’s about equipping people to thrive in a world that’s constantly changing.
How do we encourage young people to embrace not only the technology of tomorrow but also the foundational skills that have long been the key to success? And how do we foster a sense of responsibility among educators, businesses, and communities to keep these generations from slipping into the cracks?
