Nuoret aikuiset työmarkkinoilla ja niiden kynnyksellä – elämänkulun näkökulma

Based on a unique qualitative longitudinal study, this article explores how young adults approach working life as part of the life course, and what kind of aspirations they have for the future. Drawing on individual interviews with 29 young adults conducted over the course of three years, we distinguished four life course categories in relation to working life: 1. the doors to working life open only momentarily before closing again; 2. investing in studies increases one’s labour market value; 3. working life opens up, and one’s position within it becomes established; and 4. the work-life relationship develops into an alternative one. For some young adults, the future looks hopeful when they find a suitable place in education or working life. For those who remain behind the closing doors of working life, good future prospects seem difficult to achieve. Some young people find other meaningful things in their lives instead of traditional participation in working life.

Keywords: life course, transitions, future, education, employment