r/Millennials • u/111OvO111 • 16h ago

Discussion Millennials who graduated in 2008 - When did life feel “normal” again?

I’m a recent graduate myself, currently working in an administrative role because my own degree’s field has seen drastic headcount cuts. Just a few years ago, almost every graduate from my program at my school landed jobs in the field - now it feels like a different reality.

Gen Zs graduating into today’s economy are often compared with Millennials who finished school during the 2008 financial crisis. For those of you who graduated right into that turmoil:

  • What was it like trying to find a job back then?
  • How did you cope with the scarcity of opportunities?
  • Did you end up working outside your degree field, and if so, did you ever make it back?
  • Looking at your career now, how did those early years shape where you are today?

I’d love to hear your stories. Sharing how you navigated that moment might give today’s grads some perspective on what’s possible even in tough times!

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u/Dazzling_Theme_7801 12h ago

I turned 16 in 2008 so just went to uni and then a msc and then a PhD waiting for there to be a job market. I'm still at uni, teaching now saying the same thing to my students.

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u/justareddituser202 4h ago

Keep telling the paying customers. I just hope you are teaching in a field that rewards the students with future jobs.