"Some of my friends here work in very seasonal, part-time employment, centred around hospitality and tourism. They work loads over the summer, but then over the winter they're on fewer hours and a very low income and are still living at home. She says there are few affordable housing options and as lots of properties are second homes or Airbnbs,"
"I'm definitely an anomaly in that I have a job that I am really passionate about and I really want to be doing, she says. There's also not a lot of opportunity here in terms of social activities for my age group there are no nightclubs, for example, she says. There is an older demographic, with lots of retirees, and it feels like 18- to 35-year-olds are a missing group here."
Megan, 24, remained on the Isle of Wight after choosing an apprenticeship over university and now works for an arts organisation, unlike many friends who left to study or work seasonal hospitality. Many friends endure part-time, seasonal employment with low winter incomes and continue living at home. Affordable rental housing is limited by second homes and Airbnbs, and landlords often prioritise families or professionals. Social opportunities for 18–35-year-olds are scarce amid a retiree-heavy demographic; the island's average age is 51 and 65–74-year-olds rose 26.7% between 2011 and 2021. Adults often urge young people to leave to succeed, while lamenting the lack of youth.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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