Growing number of Gen Z is choosing a ‘NEET’ lifestyle — here’s what that is

There is a new wave of younger people, primarily those in Gen Z, refusing to enter adulthood, becoming what’s being called NEETs instead.

According to a report on the new trend from Fortune , NEET stands for “not in employment, education, or training.”

The NEET lifestyle has become extremely appealing to young people across the world, as the International Labor Organization reports that nearly one-fifth of people ages 15 to 24 in 2023 were classified as NEETs.

While it’s not clear what is causing younger people to put off joining the workforce, a study from 2023 did highlight difficulties that Gen Z and millennial adults are having when it comes to achieving milestones in their professional lives.

The study from CNBC highlighted that 44% of those aged 18 to 34 said it was harder to find a job, and another 55% said it was even harder to get promoted. In their personal lives, 55% also said it was “much harder” to buy a home today than it was for their parents.

However, the trend could be a result of a serious mental health epidemic, according to researchers from the Resolution Foundation.

Studies have shown that Gen Z is nearly twice as stressed out as millennials were at their age, and more are suffering from anxiety, stress, or depression. Fortune highlighted that Gen Z workers are also taking significantly more sick leave than Gen Xers who are 20 years older.

“Youth worklessness due to ill health is a real and growing trend; it is worrying that young people in their early 20s, just embarking on their adult life, are more likely to be out of work due to ill health than those in their early 40s,” researchers shared with Fortune.

However, with research showing that those in their early 20s are earning less and have more debt than millennials did at their age, there appears to be a direct correlation to the NEET trend.

With an inflation-ridden economy, an abysmal housing market, and more expensive degrees, several young people shared with Fortune that they aren’t looking at their long-term goals but instead just trying to keep their heads above water.

“I’m just focusing on the present because the future is depressing,” Anette Suveges, a 27-year-old account executive in public relations, told Fortune .