It's the strangest job market the U.S. has -2-

In the U.S., economists say it’s becoming harder for early-career workers to make the kind of job switches that historically boosted earnings. A shift toward switching more often at age 25 than at 55 leaves new entrants bearing the brunt of a tougher environment, especially as consumer costs rise. Explanations point to the post-pandemic hiring surge, which some employers now regret, and to Federal Reserve rate hikes beginning in 2022 that pushed the key rate from near zero to above 5%. Even after rate cuts in 2024 and 2025, rates rose again in September, contributing to hiring slowdowns.