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Impact of AI and poor job prospects

1 reply

Threewordseightletters · 04/08/2026 09:31

Just wondering what other people think about this, especially those with children in their early 20s.
There seems to be so much uncertainty for this generation compared with even 10 years ago. Graduate jobs seem much harder to get, there are constant stories about AI changing entry-level work, house prices are still out of reach for many, and a lot of employers seem to be cutting back.
Do people think this is likely to have an impact on relationships too?
I was wondering whether university couples might be less likely to stay together if one or both struggle to find work, end up living in different cities, have to move back home, or face a lot more uncertainty than previous generations.
Similarly, do you think people will delay committing, moving in together, getting engaged or married until they’re much older because they simply can’t afford to? Or do relationships tend to carry on regardless of what’s happening?

OP posts:
FrancisBlundy · 04/08/2026 12:06

I’ve 3 in their 20s and job situation has definitely affected relationships for my youngest 2.

Middle one had to move from uni city for work and although uni GF followed (she found a WFH job) she hated area and missed friends - it only lasted 3 months post move.

Particularly difficult for my youngest as both she and BF are on different grad schemes where you are expected to rotate location 3 times (BF every 8 months and DD every year). BF has more choice where he works but DD can only state a preference eg North West. They are both on their second rotation but are still 200 miles apart (a different 200 miles from last year). Trying to make it work at a distance. My DD has come home to live as 1st job rotation city expensive (she could only afford house share and even then many sharers eg post grads, those doing accountancy/actuarial exams not keen on her as they want someone who is still studying; others letting room in their flat not keen on anyone doing a few days a week WFH ie want a tenant who is out most of the time). Commute okay but her social life has nose dived.

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