Don't Want to Work - Young People in a Trap

Compared with many other countries, people in Germany are doing very well these days. But it isn't only those with steady employment who this applies to, because even the unemployed still live very well thanks to the prevailing social safety net. Over the last few years, however, a movement has developed in which people gather who don't want to join the working world. There are quite a few reasons for this...

[caption id="attachment_487" align="alignright" width="300"]Work is stressful. Exhausted from work.[/caption]

Too Much Security Makes You Lazy

The fact that young people in particular feel less and less like working is quite possibly due to the social safety net. Whether it's unemployment benefit (Arbeitslosengeld 2), housing benefit or other support - in Germany nobody has to fear ending up without a home and food if they don't feel like entering the working world.

Because unfortunately it is often also modeled in disadvantaged neighborhoods that a good and carefree life is possible this way, teenagers and young adults are shown that no effort of their own is needed anymore. That removes the drive to start and complete an apprenticeship or to hold down a regular job.

At the same time, the wage level in some industries, combined with the existing social safety net, means that people mostly don't want to work, since working earns only very little extra money. This reinforces the feeling of demotivation and listlessness even more, because for many people work doesn't pay off or isn't worth it. The incentive to work is missing.

Lack of Guidance Leads to Frustration

There are many different reasons why the younger generation in particular lives and acts with a feeling of “I don't want to join the working world”. One aspect, however, is that many young people are given little or poor information about their career options and opportunities.

That's why frustration quickly sets in for many, since they get the feeling that they can't escape their own environment or surroundings. If you see your parents coming home after exhausting shifts, you won't immediately develop the drive to go in the same direction.

This is exactly where information and guidance can make a big difference. Starting at school and continuing through a private route to a vocational training center - there are many sources of information that show opportunities and chances on the job market free of charge. And this doesn't apply only to those with a diploma from an academic high school (Gymnasium), because a lot can also be achieved on the job market with an intermediate school certificate or a lower secondary school diploma.

Teenagers and young adults must be helped so that they feel like working again. There are plenty of opportunities, but there is a lack of guidance.

Motivation tips:

  • Look for positive role models.
  • Look for something that interests you.
  • Do internships.
  • Give yourself time and don't put yourself under pressure.
  • Don't compare yourself to others.