Getting a full-time job is toughest these days for those in their twenties.

According to a new Gallup poll, 32% of young workers (age 18-29) are underemployed, a category that combines the unemployed with individuals who are working part-time but are seeking full-time work.

The rate in March was 30.1%, and last year it was 30.7%, indicating the job market has grown worse for this group of Americans.

It also means trouble for them in the future: If one in three Gen Y’ers can’t gain full-time job experience while they’re young, their prospects may be slim for landing good jobs in their later years. Without experienced, skilled workers, U.S. businesses will suffer in the coming decades.

If there’s a silver lining, underemployment among all Americans has gone down over the past year to 18.2%. A year ago it was 19.3%.

-Noel Brinkerhoff, Vicki Baker

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