17 Jobs Young Americans See as 'Beneath' Them

17 Jobs Young Americans See as 'Beneath' Them

The American job market is experiencing a paradox that has economists scratching their heads. Employers are advertising higher-than-minimum wages, yet many of these positions remain unfilled—particularly among younger workers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the unemployment rate for Americans ages 16 to 24 was 7.2% in July 2024, down from 8.0% the previous year. Despite that improvement, countless “Now Hiring” signs still hang in store windows.

So why aren’t teens and young adults lining up for these jobs? Generational shifts in perception, lifestyle priorities, and career aspirations play a big role. What once served as entry-level opportunities or stable career paths are now viewed as undesirable, unfulfilling, or even damaging to one’s social image. From fast food counters to factory floors, many roles are struggling to attract Gen Z and millennial applicants.

Here’s a closer look at 17 jobs young Americans increasingly avoid, despite wages and opportunities that once made them staples of the workforce. Van Tien Le / Unsplash

1. Fast Food Worker

Despite hourly pay climbing into the $15–$17 range, fast food jobs continue to carry a stigma. Some younger workers see flipping burgers as a dead-end rather than a stepping stone. A Walden University study found 67% of openings remain unfilled for more than 30 days, even though some fast food roles now pay more than entry-level office jobs. Patrick Nguyen / Unsplash

2. Factory Worker

Manufacturing has modernized, with high-tech equipment and computer systems commonplace on factory floors. Still, outdated stereotypes linger. Young Americans often dismiss factory work as monotonous, ignoring the reality that many positions involve advanced skills and competitive pay. Mostafa Mahmoudi / Unsplash

3. Retail Cashier

Few see standing behind a register as a dream job. Retail already suffers from high turnover, and viral videos of angry customers haven’t helped. In early 2024 alone, U.S. retailers shed nearly 76,000 jobs, reflecting the instability and limited appeal of cashier roles. Simon Kadula / Unsplash

4. Janitor or Custodian

Cleaning schools, offices, and public spaces is reliable work with union protections in many places, but younger generations struggle to get past the stigma of “dirty work.” Even the pandemic, which highlighted custodians as essential workers, did little to boost their popularity among job seekers. Verne Ho / Unsplash

5. Truck Driver

The trucking industry faces a looming shortage of nearly one million drivers over the next decade, according to the American Trucking Associations. Yet life on the road no longer holds the same allure. Grueling hours, time away from home, and looming automation fears outweigh salaries that can reach six figures for experienced drivers. Zetong Li / Unsplash

6. Bus Driver

Public transit agencies are desperate for drivers, offering union benefits and steady pay between $35,000–$45,000 a year. Still, few young people apply. Safety concerns, passenger conflicts, and the perception of repetitive, thankless work deter potential recruits. Marjan Blan / Unsplash

7. Postal Worker

Once viewed as a secure government career, mail delivery has lost its appeal. Carrying heavy bags in harsh weather, coupled with the decline of traditional mail, makes postal work less attractive. The workforce is aging, and few younger applicants are lining up to replace them. Joel Mosyuh / Unsplash

8. Telemarketer

Cold-calling strangers to sell products ranks among the most disliked jobs in America. For digital natives raised on caller ID and spam filters, telemarketing feels archaic. Constant rejection, low morale, and dwindling relevance in a digital marketing age leave these roles especially unappealing. Petr Macháček / Unsplash

9. Call Center Representative

Answering phones and resolving customer complaints is synonymous with stress. Annual turnover in call centers can exceed 100%, and even remote opportunities haven’t solved the problem. The monotony, pressure, and constant exposure to unhappy clients push younger workers away. SEO Galaxy / Unsplash

10. Fast Food Manager

Even supervisory positions at chains like McDonald’s, which can pay between $35,000–$76,000 annually, struggle to attract talent. Management comes with long hours, staff turnover, and customer demands. The stigma attached to fast food extends beyond the counter to its leadership roles. Visual Karsa / Unsplash

11. Dishwasher

Restaurant kitchens across the country report chronic shortages of dishwashers. The work is hot, physically demanding, and often thankless. Despite rising wages, the perception of dishwashing as “background work” in the restaurant hierarchy discourages young applicants. Ricardo Gomez Angel / Unsplash

12. Housekeeper

Hotel and private cleaning jobs offer flexible hours and steady demand, but younger workers tend to reject them outright. Many view cleaning as “servant work,” regardless of the pay or independence such roles can provide. Employers often resort to outsourcing or immigrant labor to fill the gap. JESHOOTS.COM / Unsplash

13. Construction Laborer

Entry-level construction jobs pay $35,000–$40,000 a year, but the work is physically demanding, often outdoors, and requires early mornings. These factors clash with younger workers’ preferences for comfort and flexible schedules, leading to persistent labor shortages on job sites. Josh Olalde / Unsplash

14. Warehouse Associate

Amazon, FedEx, and countless logistics companies are desperate for workers to move packages. The jobs involve repetitive tasks, long shifts on your feet, and strict productivity quotas. With limited advancement and looming automation threats, few young workers see warehouses as a viable career. Pickawood / Unsplash

15. Retail Manager

Supervisory retail roles might seem like a step up, but they come with major drawbacks: long hours, weekend shifts, and constant customer issues. Many managers log over 50 hours a week with modest pay, creating a poor balance between responsibility and reward. Ashim D'Silva / Unsplash

16. Skilled Trades (Plumber, Electrician, HVAC)

Despite offering salaries of $60,000–$100,000, trades struggle to attract young Americans. College degrees remain the default path, while apprenticeships are overlooked. Many still view these jobs as fallback options for those who “couldn’t do better,” despite their stability and demand. bhagya laxmi / Unsplash

17. Commission-Based Salesperson

Selling cars, real estate, or insurance can be lucrative—six-figure salaries aren’t uncommon for top performers. Yet the unpredictability of commission-based income creates anxiety for younger workers. Many prefer steady paychecks over the risk of fluctuating earnings and constant pressure to close deals. LinkedIn Sales Solutions / Unsplash

Work-Life Balance vs. Paychecks: The Jobs Gen Z Won’t Take

The aversion to these roles highlights a generational shift in values. Young Americans increasingly prioritize work-life balance, flexible schedules, and social perception over steady paychecks or traditional notions of security. Employers are responding with higher wages and better benefits, but the stigma attached to many of these jobs remains difficult to overcome.

The question remains: will young workers reconsider the opportunities they’ve dismissed, or will industries need to reinvent themselves entirely to capture the next generation’s interest? TheStandingDesk / Unsplash