Beyond Salary: What Young People in Vulnerable Neighborhoods Seek in a Job

Young people from vulnerable neighborhoods in Argentina place a higher value on formal employment, support systems, and training opportunities than on salary or proximity to work, according to a recent report. Cristopher Cruz, a 23-year-old from the San Cayetano neighborhood in González Catán, exemplifies this trend. He holds his first formal job in legal and financial services, working a hybrid schedule that includes two days of remote work.

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Some neighbors didn't believe me that I work from home. They thought I was messing around on the computer.

Cruz described his job as uncommon for his neighborhood, where informal labor like construction assistance is more typical. Despite a two-hour commute each way on days he travels to the office in Buenos Aires' Tribunales district, he approaches his work with gratitude and commitment. "When this possibility arose, despite the distance, I never hesitated. I was happy because it was my first formal job. It's an opportunity. There are days when it's tiring, but I go with commitment, I try to arrive on time, be responsible," he said.

His experience aligns with findings from a study by the Center for Social Research and Action (CIAS). The report, based on 636 interviews with young people aged 18-26, indicates that formality, support, and training are the most valued aspects of employment. The study, conducted in partnership with Empujar, an organization supporting youth employment in poverty-stricken areas, found that 60% of respondents preferred a formal job with support, even with rigid schedules and 90-minute commutes, over an informal, nearby job with flexible hours and a 15% higher salary.

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A job like this isn't common around here. It's common to be a construction helper and things like that.

The CIAS report, authored by Victoria Anauati, highlights training as a crucial "activator." When combined with formality, support, and proximity, training significantly enhances the appeal of a job. This factor can make demanding work conditions, such as long hours or extensive travel, more acceptable to young job seekers from disadvantaged backgrounds. The findings suggest a shift in priorities, where stability and growth opportunities are increasingly prioritized over immediate financial gain or convenience.

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When this possibility arose, despite the distance, I never hesitated. I was happy because it was my first formal job. It's an opportunity. There are days when it's tiring, but I go with commitment, I try to arrive on time, be responsible.