A recent study reveals that more than half of young job seekers in Rio Grande do Sul prefer formal employment under the Brazilian labor laws (CLT), despite a social narrative suggesting otherwise.
Recent discussions on social media highlight a generational divide regarding job preferences among young people in Brazil. Influencer Fabiana Sobrinho’s viral video features her 12-year-old daughter expressing a desire to avoid formal employment under the CLT, stating, 'I'm going to study so I don't become a CLT'. This sentiment reflects a growing perception among youth that formal employment is undesirable, with some even suggesting that the term 'CLT' has become pejorative. However, contrary to this narrative, a study by the CIEE-RS shows that many young people actually value the stability that comes with a formal job.
The CIEE-RS research indicates that 51.8% of young individuals seeking their first job are indeed aiming for positions that provide a formal employment contract as regulated by the Consolidação das Leis do Trabalho (CLT), which offers various rights and protections for workers. This finding is crucial as it contradicts the perception that today's youth are shunning traditional employment for gig or informal work. Instead, it underscores a complex reality where young people recognize the benefits of having formal employment despite the prevailing discourse.
This duality in attitudes towards the CLT reflects broader socio-economic factors and pressures affecting youth today. As Brazil's economy evolves and labor market dynamics shift, understanding this nuanced viewpoint will be essential for policymakers and employers aiming to attract and retain young talent. The challenge remains in how to balance the desire for job security with the appeal of more flexible, non-traditional work arrangements that many youths are gravitating towards.
