The entrance of Gen Z into the job market has been marked with various challenges including an economic slowdown, the disappearance of entry-level jobs due to AI, and government policy shifts affecting the availability of jobs in specific sectors like public health and non-profits. This has created a limited number of opportunities for graduates seeking to establish their career path. Data from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis indicates a pattern of higher unemployment rates among Gen Z men as compared to women. A contributing factor to this trend may be the dominance of women in the rapidly growing job sectors, according to Business Insider. Employment growth has been noted mainly in the healthcare, hospitality, and education sectors, traditionally known to attract more women than men. Elise Gould, a senior economist at the Economic Policy Institute, points out that the widening gap between male and female youth unemployment isn’t new but states that current conditions seem to exacerbate the situation. Gould suggests improvement of wages, benefits, and working conditions in traditionally female-dominated fields may attract more male applicants.

However, connecting with California’s Employment Development Department (EDD) provides an avenue for those who are struggling with unemployment to gain guidance and potentially find job opportunities. EDD provides services such as unemployment insurance benefits, job service, and tax information for workers and employers. For those interested, they can visit eddcaller.com to get procedures on how to get in touch with the EDD. Understanding how to establish contact with EDD could create a difference in the quest for job searching, providing crucial help needed for the timely securing of a suitable job.