While modern twenty-somethings may be less likely to have responsibilities like kids to take care of and mortgages to pay, that means they may also lack the stability and support that a stable family and home can provide. According to an article by developmental clinical psychologist Meg Jay, recent world events have exacerbated this potential feeling of instability, with depression and anxiety rates among twenty-somethings spiking along with the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Economic factors play a role too. Jay writes, “Twenty-somethings are the group most likely to move in any given year—often to follow a job or look for a better one—leaving friends and support systems scattered,” and “The median age of first-time homebuyers, which was 28 in 1991, is now at an all-time high of 40.”
Perhaps there is a unique set of circumstances that this generation is facing as it enters the workforce: the milestones of adulthood they’ve been taught to aim for are getting further away. Not only does this create literal instability in terms of inconsistent housing and social situations, but it can lead to feelings of self-doubt or failure when these young adults don’t measure up to the difficult—or impossible—standards they’ve set for themselves.
On the bright side, young professionals may also have something unique to offer the job market: they can pair particularly well with young technology. A paper by Aaron Chatterji of OpenAI found that nearly half of messages to ChatGPT came from users aged twenty-five and under. Perhaps the flexibility and unknowns of young peoples’ lives makes them more keen on adopting nascent tools; perhaps maturing alongside these tools will enable them to see innovative ways for integrating them into the world of work.
Some major companies are already leading the charge when it comes to AI adoption. One trailblazer is BNY Mellon, which recently rolled out over 100 “digital employees.” The firm says these AI-powered workers will not affect their human employee headcount. Instead, CEO Robin Vince said on a media call, “We think of it as a superpower, and we want all of our people and the whole company to be equipped with that superpower.” A power itself only does so much—it’s how you wield it that really counts. If young professionals feel lost and adrift in the workforce and in life, it’s important for them to remember that they are uniquely positioned to meet this new technology. Unknowns and instability are uncomfortable, but they are also sources of great potential.
What are the skills and experiences we expect companies to hire for in 2026?
When it comes to the ideal candidate, it’s all about balance. Not only are companies searching for candidates with strong digital skills, but also those with the emotional intelligence to communicate effectively, work with teams, and persuasively use data and AI to influence business outcomes. For young professionals navigating an uncertain stage of life, this balance may feel familiar. The same adaptability they demonstrate when managing shifting milestones and expectations also helps them work effectively alongside AI. This pairing of technical fluency with human judgment turns uncertainty into opportunity.