The fear of existence joins 380,000 students on their sofas. Part-time jobs and entry-level jobs are missing.
“Lost”, the English word for lost, is the youth word of the year 2020. The youth and many of the around 380,000 students in Austria often feel lost in the corona crisis.
Because lockdowns also often put young people under psychological pressure, through isolation, pressure to perform and fear of the future.
The corona hole in the résumé is getting bigger, the concern for one's own future and financial existence becomes more and more noticeable.
No safety net
One reason for this is that many young people fall through all the security measures of the Corona aid measures and are now without an income – this particularly affects those who cannot count on the financial support of the family.
A survey by the Institute for Higher Studies (IHS) in 2019 showed that 65 percent of students are gainfully employed. Around half of the employed, i.e. a third of all students, were marginally employed before the crisis.
In the age group from 20 to 29, the number of these jobs fell by 19.8 percent in October.
With the Lockdown II, this situation could worsen. Minor people have no right to unemployment benefits or short-time work.
In addition, at the age of 25 or 26, family allowances and study allowances cease to exist. For students aged 25 and over, employment is the most important income. The average student is 27 years old.
More hours of work
In Austria half of the employed students work more than marginally. 67 percent of the gainfully employed work exclusively to earn a living. In the case of fully insured employment, the people would be supported by unemployment benefits or short-time work, but concerns about the future remain.
Paul (name changed) is 29 years old. He had two jobs alongside his studies. As a porter in a hotel – he is on short-time work until April. The other job where he worked on a fee basis no longer exists. “I can make ends meet, but without extended family allowances it would be more than tight.”
Career entry practically impossible
Another problem affects those who are now finishing their studies and trying to start their careers. Entry-level jobs have been cut in many companies.
Naomi W. (25) also wanted to start her career in her field, but she gave up the search and started a part-time job in a theater. “They are closed now too. And nobody knows how long. It's been a long time now without earning anything. When I read that this could be the worst economic crisis since 1929, yes, then I'm afraid of the future. “
