Even with a good education, research experience, and constant job searching, unemployment can become a serious problem. The story of Jack Wise from the USA illustrates this complexity. After obtaining his doctoral degree (PhD) from Princeton University, he made numerous attempts to find work in various fields but has not yet succeeded. He is currently considering the possibility of studying at a law school while simultaneously developing an artificial intelligence (AI) project.
Wise's situation arose when American companies became cautious about new hiring. The increasing use of AI tools in recruitment and the reduction of entry-level vacancies have created new difficulties for applicants.
What makes Wise's situation even more unusual is that, according to a report by Seoul Economic Daily citing The Wall Street Journal, Wise initially received his education at Rice University. He then enrolled in the PhD program at Princeton University in 2018. During his studies, Wise researched the process of ice formation; his scientific findings were mentioned in the context of using machine learning as an example of scientific application related to the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics.
Despite such strong education and career experience, he could not secure positions in research or postdoctoral roles. Subsequently, he sought work in areas such as software engineering and consulting, including applying to a company that produces crab-flavored frozen cupcakes.
In January 2026, Wise obtained a temporary position at the AI startup Marcor, where he was training AI models for $70 per hour. However, this job did not last long. According to The Wall Street Journal, the scope of his work gradually decreased, and the job concluded by mid-March. After this, he resumed his job search.
Wise's experience also draws attention to problems existing in the American labor market. Seoul Economic Daily, based on data from the New York Federal Reserve, reported that in the second quarter of 2026, 5.6 percent of young people who recently graduated from college were unemployed. During the same period, the proportion of college graduates working in low-skilled jobs reached 42 percent, meaning that many young people employed held duties that typically do not require a university degree.
Companies in the American labor market remain hesitant about hiring. In this environment, changing jobs or getting a new position can be a difficult process for candidates. The rise of AI tools has also changed the hiring process. Some firms are attempting to automate routine and entry-level tasks using AI, although this impact is not uniform across all sectors and professions.
Despite applying for over 2,300 vacancies, Wise does not cease his efforts. He is now contemplating pursuing a legal education. Concurrently, he is working on developing an AI-based drone to combat rapidly spreading weeds. His story demonstrates that despite high academic qualifications and attempts in various fields, uncertainty in securing employment can persist. Nevertheless, Wise's experience serves as a personal example of the challenges facing the American labor market.
