The economy looks strong, yet job searches feel endless and hiring managers say no one’s qualified.In this episode of Why This Exists, we unpack why hiring feels broken even as growth continues, how demographics, AI, and policy collided to create this freeze, and who quietly benefits from the slowdown.Along the way, a few surprising facts reveal why this frustration might not be temporary at all.

The economy looks strong, yet job searches feel endless and hiring managers say no one’s qualified. In this episode of Why This Exists, we unpack why hiring feels broken even as growth continues, how demographics, AI, and policy collided to create this freeze, and who quietly benefits from the slowdown. Along the way, a few surprising facts reveal why this frustration might not be temporary at all.

Why is Hiring Hell persisting in a growing economy?

Ever stopped and thought, “Why did this become normal?”

Why This Exists breaks down one everyday product, rule, or system per episode — whether it’s overdraft fees, airline miles, gym contracts, wedding pricing, or something else you’ve definitely wondered about.

We explain how these systems actually came to be, who they’re designed for, and why they still work the way they do.

If you've got a question you'd like us to unpack, please drop us a comment!

Society & Culture

Ever stopped and thought, “Why did this become normal?” Why This Exists breaks down one everyday product, rule, or system per episode — whether it’s overdraft fees, airline miles, gym contracts, wedding pricing, or something else you’ve definitely wondered about. We explain how these systems actually came to be, who they’re designed for, and why they still work the way they do. If you've got a question you'd like us to unpack, please drop us a comment!

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Why is Hiring Hell persisting in a growing economy?

Why is Hiring Hell persisting in a growing economy?