Underemployed Workers

Underemployed workers are individuals who are employed but are not fully utilizing their skills, education, or availability. This can include people working part-time when they want full-time hours, those in jobs below their skill level, or individuals who have stopped looking for better opportunities due to frustration. Underemployment affects labor force participation rates, as it indicates that many workers are not engaged to their full potential, leading to a less efficient economy and personal dissatisfaction. Understanding underemployment helps highlight the difference between simply having a job and having a fulfilling, adequately compensated career.