Rent-to-own News - Bad economy means life altering changes for young adults

Most Americans have felt the pinch of a tough economy, but for young adults, these unstable times mean long-lasting, life-altering changes, a Pew Research Center survey suggests today.

Kettering University students make plans to talk with representatives of companies they would like to work during the Kettering job fair. Overall, Pew found that 41% believe young adults, rather than the middle-aged or older, are having the toughest time because of the economy.

Kettering University students make plans to talk with representatives of companies they would like to work during the Kettering job fair. Overall, Pew found that 41% believe young adults, rather than the middle-aged or older, are having the toughest time because of the economy.

Kettering University students make plans to talk with representatives of companies they would like to work during the Kettering job fair. Overall, Pew found that 41% believe young adults, rather than the middle-aged or older, are having the toughest time because of the economy.

Pew's survey spells out just how much 18- to 34-year-olds have had to adjust. Almost half have taken a job just to pay the bills; almost a quarter have worked without pay to get experience; and more than a third went back to school because they couldn't find employment.

But the job front is just the beginning. The survey also finds that the poor economy is leaving a mark on young people's personal lives that is changing their futures. Almost one-third say they've delayed marriage or a baby because of the weak economy, and almost a quarter moved back home with their parents.

The Pew survey also found that just 30% of those ages 18-34 who have a job consider it a career. Among all ages surveyed, most believe young adults today have a harder time than their parents did:

•82% say it's harder to find a job.

•75% say it's harder to save for the future.

•71% say it's harder to pay for college.

•69% say it's harder to buy a home.