When we first started building inyourroots®, we thought we knew the challenge: youth unemployment. But along the way, we discovered the problem runs much deeper. There are loads of companies and organizations out there trying to “fix” unemployment, and we absolutely respect that work. But as someone who’s interviewed thousands of young people for entry-level roles, I’ve seen firsthand that getting a job isn’t the same as finding the right job.
The Problem with “Just Getting a Job”
Too often, young people are pushed into roles that don’t fit their strengths, interests, or ambitions, just to tick a box or because it’s what’s available. The stats back this up: as of 2025, the UK youth unemployment rate sits around 11.5% — more than double the national average. But the bigger issue is what happens after that first job. About 1 in 5 young people who are working feel underemployed, wanting more hours or more meaningful work. And over 40% say their current job doesn’t use their skills or match their interests. For non-graduates, that number is even higher.
This isn’t just a “first job” problem. Research shows that early-career mismatches can lead to years of job hopping, lower confidence, and even long-term dissatisfaction. In fact, young people in mismatched or underemployed roles are 2.4 times more likely to leave their job within a year, starting the cycle all over again.
Why Purpose and Fit Matter
We spend more time at work than we do with our families, friends, or even our pets. That’s why finding a role that fits isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s essential. Gallup found that 70% of people who feel disengaged at work report higher stress and more health problems. In the UK, over 60% of workers aged 18–24 regret their initial career choices, often wishing they’d had more guidance or support to find a better fit.
But there’s good news: when young people find work that matches their strengths and values, everything changes. According to McKinsey, 70% of Gen Z and Millennials say their sense of purpose is defined by their work. Those who feel their job aligns with their values are four times more likely to report high life satisfaction. They’re also more productive, more resilient, and much less likely to burn out or leave their employer.
Our Approach: Strengths-First, Not CV-First
That’s why inyourroots® isn’t just another job board. We’re building a platform that matches young people to industries and roles based on their unique strengths, not just what’s on a CV or what’s “expected.” Our AI-driven quiz is designed to put people in the driver’s seat, giving them real feedback, transparent logic, and a clear path to roles where they can thrive.
We believe that everyone deserves a shot at meaningful work, no matter their background or connections. We’re not here to compete with other solutions, we’re here to fill the gaps, especially for those who are overlooked or underestimated. We want to help people avoid the trap of working in the wrong industry or role for years, only to realize later that they could have been happier (and more successful) somewhere else.
Building Community, Not Just Careers
inyourroots® is rooted in community. We’re focused on local impact — connecting young people with small businesses and startups in Hertfordshire, Essex, and Suffolk who are looking for fresh talent and new perspectives. We’re committed to radical inclusivity, transparency, and growth for good. And we know we won’t get everything perfect from day one, but we’ll keep listening, learning, and improving together.
The Journey Ahead
We’re still at the beginning, but we’re proud of how far we’ve come. Every conversation, every quiz completed, and every bit of feedback helps us build a better platform. Our mission is bigger than tackling unemployment. It’s about helping people find their place, purpose, and potential. Because when you’re in the right role, you don’t just work, you grow, you thrive, and you make a real impact.
Thanks for being part of our journey. Let’s sow our skills and harvest our futures together.
Sources & References
- UK Youth Unemployment Rate (11.5%)ONS Labour Force Survey, Q2 2025
- Regional Youth Unemployment Nomis Official Labour Market Statistics (custom queries for Hertfordshire, Essex, Suffolk—see below)
- Underemployment & Job Mismatch Resolution Foundation, 2024: Underemployment in the UK Youth Employment UK Survey, 2024
- Skill Utilization Learning and Work Institute, 2024
- Career Regret & Guidance City & Guilds Group: Missing Millions Report
- Purpose at Work & Life Satisfaction McKinsey & Company: Help Your Employees Find Purpose or Watch Them Leave (2022) Gallup, State of the Global Workplace, 2023
- Job Hopping & Early-Career Mismatch LinkedIn Workforce Report, 2022 Journal of Vocational Behavior, 2021
- Burnout & Purpose Deloitte Global Millennial Survey, 2023
- Desire for Purposeful Work PwC Gen Z Survey, 2024
- Long-Term Happiness & Meaningful Work Harvard Grant Study
Regional Stats: Hertfordshire, Essex, Suffolk
- Hertfordshire:
Youth unemployment (16–25) is currently around 10.2%, with higher rates in Stevenage and Watford (up to 12%).Hertfordshire LEP Labour Market Intelligence
- Essex:
Youth unemployment sits at 12.5%, with hotspots in Thurrock and Southend-on-Sea reaching 14%.Essex County Council, Skills & Labour Market Reports
- Suffolk:
Youth unemployment is about 11.8%, with Ipswich and Lowestoft showing the highest levels (13%+).Suffolk Observatory Labour Market
Founder’s Note
A note from Frankie, founder of inyourroots®:“Building inyourroots® has been a journey of listening, learning, and seeing the real challenges young people face in finding work that truly fits. Every story I’ve heard, from those excited about their first job to those feeling lost or overlooked, reminds me why this mission matters. We’re not just here to help you get any job, but to help you find the right one, in a place that values you for who you are. I’m grateful for everyone who’s joined us so far, and I can’t wait to see what we can achieve together.”
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Primary Keywords:
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Secondary/Long-Tail Keywords:
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2. Meta Description (for Google, max 160 chars)
Empower young people to find meaningful, strengths-based jobs in the UK. Discover how inyourroots® tackles youth unemployment and job mismatch for 16–25s.