Long-term unemployment is becoming 'a status quo' in today's job market
cnbc.com
February 17, 2026
10 min read
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48/100
Summary
Tequila Turner lost her corporate IT job in October 2024 and has since transitioned to freelance and gig work, significantly reducing her income. She has been actively seeking new employment but has not yet found success.
Key Takeaways
- Long-term unemployment is rising, with 1.8 million Americans, or 1 in 4 unemployed individuals, having searched for work for over six months.
- Job openings and hiring have been declining since the post-pandemic hiring boom, with U.S. employers adding only 181,000 jobs in 2025 compared to 1.46 million in 2024.
- Entry-level job postings decreased by approximately 35% from January 2023 to mid-2025, making it more difficult for young professionals to find jobs.
- Many long-term unemployed individuals report a decline in confidence and are resorting to part-time work or moving in with family to cope financially.
Coverage & discussions
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Community Sentiment
Concerns
- The increasing length of interview processes, with companies requiring multiple rounds, highlights a frustrating trend that adds to the stress of job seekers in a challenging market.
- The confluence of AI, offshoring, and poor planning is leading to a decline in the value of labor, suggesting a looming crisis for the job market and capitalism itself.
- The current economic situation appears to be heading towards a significant disaster, with no clear strategy for resolution, raising concerns about the future job landscape.
