How Project 2025 hurts current employees who are early in their careers

A couple of days ago, we started to discuss Project 2025, a 900-page blueprint created by key figures within the Republic Party and supported by its Vice Presidential candidate, JD Vance. Today, we’re going to dive into a discussion about how Project 2025 will negatively impact those who are currently employed and early in their careers.

Supporters of Project 2025 argue that it will streamline government and boost business growth by cutting red tape, those in the early stages of their careers may be disproportionately hurt by the changes. The initiative aims to cut federal jobs, deregulate industries, and weaken labor protections—changes that could upend the career trajectories of young professionals who recently graduated or otherwise are early in their careers.

For early-career professionals, the federal government has historically offered stable, entry-level positions that provide a stepping stone to long-term career growth. The civil service is known for offering opportunities for skill development, job security, and solid benefits. However, with Project 2025’s aim to downsize the federal workforce, many of these positions could be cut or eliminated. Young professionals hoping to build a career in public service may find fewer opportunities as government agencies are scaled back or dismantled. These job cuts would leave many early-career workers scrambling to find alternative employment in a job market that may not offer the same level of stability and career development.

Additionally, Project 2025’s emphasis on deregulation could lead to a shift in the types of jobs available, especially in industries like energy, healthcare, and manufacturing. While deregulation may open up some new roles, these may be concentrated in industries that offer less stability and fewer worker protections. For example, early-career professionals in environmental science or renewable energy may find their career prospects limited as Project 2025 rolls back government support for clean energy initiatives. Meanwhile, jobs in more deregulated sectors could offer lower wages, less job security, and fewer benefits, which can be a major challenge for those just starting their professional lives and looking for long-term career growth.

Another area of concern is the weakening of labor protections. Project 2025 aims to roll back regulations that protect workers’ rights, which could disproportionately impact those who are early in their careers. Entry-level professionals, often unfamiliar with workplace dynamics and less equipped to advocate for themselves, may find it more difficult to secure fair wages, safe working conditions, and career development opportunities. Without strong worker protections, many early-career employees may be forced into precarious, low-wage positions that offer limited growth potential and little security.

Moreover, the current job market is already competitive for young professionals, many of whom are burdened with student loan debt and facing skyrocketing housing costs. If Project 2025 is implemented, the combination of fewer federal jobs and a shift toward lower-quality private-sector jobs could leave many early-career professionals with fewer options and less stability. This could lead to higher rates of underemployment, where young professionals are forced to take jobs that don’t match their skills or aspirations, delaying their career advancement and financial stability.