First most people want to work just to make money. They are not into having a career. A career you usually you work being paid by the job or under a contract. Most people just want to make money thus they take jobs that pays them the most for their time that they know they can get and it good enough for their skill level. It is a job, not a career.

So it is a farce that their is a labor shortage. There is no real shortage of employees. What is mostly open and in demand, is low wage service jobs that most suitable for teenagers. However, most places will not hire kids under 16 year old and most preferably they want workers 18 and up. My kids 15 and 17, tried getting job all summer long, local to this area. Nothing and we are in a big city. You would think if there was a real employment crisis that even fast food would be ok hiring a 15 year. My son had a little more complicated schedule, but still available most of the time.

Most people prefer delivery services too as far as jobs go as well. It offers good fast money and flexible schedule as you pick your hours randomly. As an independent contractor, you don't get a lot of taxes taken out and a lot of times people still give cash tips. All the young people I know are into digital currencies and trading as well.

So, what has really happened is most people have learned how to do trading and investing online. Just like our government does with our SSI money. AI programs make it easy too with very little guess work and multiple ways to layer your investments.

I also would not be surprised if even teens lie about their age to get some jobs on line. I mean who ask for a birth certificate, and if it is a company outside the USA, why would you need a back ground check or even your SSI?

Thus we have an economy where people work only when they need to, and not when they have too. Some only work part time and supplement their living under the table and so forth.
Furthermore, there is a huge underground economy that can't be accounted for. It is driving the federal government nuts.