US Underemployment Crisis Deepens for Millions Struggling to Make Ends Meet

Washington, D.C. Area Resident Struggles with Job Search Amid Economic Uncertainty

BC Dodge, a marketing and communications professional in the nonprofit sector, has been searching for a new job since being laid off from his position in late 2024. The layoff was part of a round of restructuring at his organization, which left him without a steady income. With his partner being a teacher, Dodge’s salary alone was not enough to cover essential expenses.

Dodge submitted over 350 job applications over the course of three months, attending six interviews before finally advancing in the hiring process for a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit. However, just as he thought he had caught a break, the administration of US President Donald Trump announced plans to cut funding to various agencies that provide contracts and funds to nonprofits across the country.

As a result, Dodge’s organization was affected, with contracts being cancelled and funding streams drying up. This led to a halt in hiring for new positions, including the one Dodge had been interviewing for. With his job prospects uncertain, Dodge eventually accepted part-time work in his field, which offered significantly lower pay than his previous position.

The trend of underemployment is on the rise, according to data from the Economic Policy Institute. In 2024, 8 percent of the US population was underemployed, up 0.5 percent from the previous year and 1.1 percent from 2023. The impact of tariffs has also been felt, with lower-income households paying a higher percentage of their post-tax income on goods subject to tariffs.

Meanwhile, healthcare costs continue to rise, with premiums increasing by an average of 144 percent earlier this year due to the failure of Congressional leaders to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies. This economic uncertainty is affecting many Americans, including Dodge, who is struggling to find stable employment in a rapidly changing job market.

Source: Al Jazeera