Generational divides surface in South Korean job talks: 'Seniors seem comfortable,' say youth; 'We're burned out raising kids,' say elders

A "Vivid Job Dialogue" in Seoul brought together citizens with diverse viewpoints to discuss pressing employment issues, moving beyond generational divides. The event, organized by the Economic, Social and Labor Council (ESLC) and facilitated by the social cooperative Pati, aimed to foster mutual understanding and explore solutions for a sustainable job market.

One pairing involved 50-something office worker Jo Seong-hoon and 30-something Im Geon-young, who debated whether to expand systems allowing older workers to stay employed longer, even if youth hiring doesn't increase. Jo argued that older individuals have a more "desperate and clear will to work" than younger people. Im countered that from a 20-30s perspective, "older people seem to be in a comfortable situation with their retirement preparations and are seeking jobs." Jo explained that many middle-aged individuals spend their savings supporting their children until their mid-50s, only then beginning retirement planning. Im found the concept of "parental burnout" relatable and agreed with Jo that "if older people have open areas of activity, money circulates and also goes to their children," whereas "money spent on youth doesn't flow well to parents."

Another discussion focused on "transferring skills from experienced elders." Im valued "the wisdom of the elderly" and stressed the importance of "transmitting know-how while communicating with young people." Jo questioned whether young people are willing to learn, suggesting they might think, "That person seems like a '꼰대' (condescending elder); I can just ask ChatGPT." He felt that "skill transfer sounds good, but lacks realism." Im offered a perspective on communication difficulties, suggesting that "the teacher's communication skills might be lacking, making it hard for the younger generation to accept."

Discussions also touched upon education and the "youth who have been 'resting'" (unemployed or not in education/training). A 30-something office worker, 'barra2,' and Shin Yi-hyeon, a soon-to-be university graduate, diverged on whether broad foundational skills education or job-specific training is more important. Shin noted that while local engineering programs teach job-relevant subjects, general education courses often lack practicality. 'barra2' strongly supported foundational skills, arguing that many graduates take jobs misaligned with their majors. "You don't know where your talent will manifest, so you need to experience more," she said, advocating for subjects like physical education, social sciences, and humanities to foster creativity, especially as machines handle practical tasks, making human connection and collaboration more critical. Shin eventually conceded that foundational skills education is important when considering the broader scope from elementary to secondary levels.

Regarding "youth who have been resting," both 20-something 'Chungbuk Boy' and 30-something 'Jeongsin Di' had experienced "3 years of resting" but with different nuances. 'Chungbuk Boy' believed the problem lies in youth not actively seeking available government support programs like the National Employment Support System. 'Jeongsin Di,' while acknowledging the importance of personal effort, felt the government should provide more support when continuous job searching yields no results, especially with few entry-level positions available. They shared experiences of being "hikikomori" (socially withdrawn) and the societal perception that younger generations are resting because they can afford to. 'Jeongsin Di' comforted 'Chungbuk Boy' by saying, "You don't have time to recharge when you get older. Your 20s are a time when it's okay to rest."

Participants expressed deep satisfaction with the dialogue. 'Chungbuk Boy' felt "deep comfort by looking into my partner's world." Im Geon-young found common ground on the lack of support for middle-aged individuals compared to youth policies and noted how the conversation significantly shifted his perspective on older generations, having never deeply discussed issues with someone of such a different age.