The Job Struggles of Ho Chi Minh City’s Gen Z
Ho Chi Minh City, with its bustling streets and vibrant economy, is home to over 300,000 businesses. Despite this, young job seekers like Thanh Nga, 25, are facing significant hurdles in finding employment. Last year, after submitting her CV to more than 50 businesses across Ho Chi Minh City, Da Lat, and Binh Duong, Nga received no callbacks. Reflecting on her job hunt, she noted, “In 2018, someone usually called me soon after submitting my CV, but last year, I received no calls most of the time.”
The Rise of Unemployment in Youth
The challenges faced by Nga are part of a broader trend affecting many young people in Vietnam, particularly those from Generation Z—individuals born between 1997 and 2012. A staggering 41.3% of unemployed individuals last year were youths, an increase from 37.6% in 2022. This figure translates to approximately 437,300 people aged between 15 and 24 who found themselves without jobs, according to the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs.
The Quarantined Generation
Nguyen Hoang Ha, an officer at the International Labour Organization, casts light on this phenomenon, labeling those who graduated during the pandemic as the “quarantined generation.” These young individuals have faced severe disruptions in both education and the job market. The job landscape that awaited them post-Covid-19 was starkly different from the one their predecessors had experienced.
The Job Market Reality
Thu Thuy, another resident of Ho Chi Minh City, echoes Nga’s sentiments. In 2022, as the economy began to reopen after two years of pandemic-related restrictions, she ventured to submit 30 CVs and attend more than a dozen interviews. However, she was met with a common barrier: employers’ demands for months of experience. “I used to think that having a college degree would guarantee a job, but it turns out that is not the case,” Thuy lamented.
The Experience Paradox
Thuy’s struggle highlights a pressing issue in the current job market—companies are often looking for candidates with prior experience. Economist Nguyen Minh Phong pointed out that this trend isn’t isolated to Vietnam. Globally, companies tend to lay off the least experienced staff during economic downturns, and this often includes newly graduated youths who are entering the labor force for the first time.
Salary Expectations
Moreover, many young Vietnamese professionals harbor elevated salary expectations. Thuy recalled receiving job offers at around VND6 million ($244), but she declined, voicing a need for at least VND7 million to cover her expenses in the expensive urban landscape of Ho Chi Minh City. This cautious approach reflects a broader trend among young people who often prefer to hold out for better opportunities rather than accept lower-paying jobs.
The Stigma of Unemployment
Out of embarrassment about her jobless situation, Thuy even misled her family in the countryside, telling them she was still employed. This stigma surrounding unemployment can weigh heavily on young job seekers, amplifying their struggles in an already competitive market.
Adapting to Change
While the economy presents formidable challenges, it’s not the only culprit in this ongoing saga. Ha emphasizes the need for the 15-24 age group to enhance their skill sets, particularly in technology and soft skills such as collaboration and problem-solving. As the demands of the labor market evolve, so too must the capabilities of its entrants.
The Path Forward
As they navigate these turbulent waters, the experiences shared by Nga, Thuy, and countless others underscore a significant shift in the expectations and realities of young job seekers in Vietnam. The interplay of skill gaps, economic fluctuations, and societal pressures reflects a complex landscape that requires adaptability and resilience from its participants.
The journey of finding a job in today’s world is not only about qualifications but also about evolving to meet the changing demands of employers and the broader economy. For many in Ho Chi Minh City, this landscape continues to develop, presenting both challenges and opportunities for a generation striving to make its mark.