Gen Z turns to entrepreneurship amid AI disruption and weak job market

Gen Z turns to entrepreneurship amid AI disruption and weak job market
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A growing number of young workers are turning to entrepreneurship as artificial intelligence reshapes entry-level jobs and hiring slows, according to recent accounts from graduates and labor experts.

In the United States, hiring has fallen to its lowest levels since 2020, while unemployment among people aged 22 to 27 has risen to its highest rate since the pandemic. Economists say entry-level roles—particularly in fields such as marketing, customer service, and coding—are increasingly vulnerable to automation.

As a result, many recent graduates are struggling to secure traditional jobs, often taking part-time or lower-skilled work. Others are creating their own opportunities by launching businesses, freelancing, or building online portfolios.

Some young entrepreneurs say AI tools have made it easier to start ventures by reducing technical barriers and allowing individuals to manage multiple tasks. However, experts caution that entrepreneurship carries financial risks and does not guarantee success.

Labor analysts note that expectations for early-career workers have shifted, with employers demanding more experience while offering fewer entry-level positions.

Surveys also suggest that many Gen Z workers are prioritizing flexibility, independence, and multiple income streams over traditional career paths.

Despite uncertainty, analysts say the trend reflects broader changes in the global labor market, where technological disruption is reshaping how young people enter and navigate the workforce.