Seems more to me that people are realizing how replaceable their jobs are and that many are dead end career paths. If they look into the future a bit, what will they really have from working there? Is the experience of a job that is going to disappear in 15 years worth anything? Is it going to provide an appreciable amount of income that can be put towards retirement investments? Why would you choose a path that has the high potential of you still being poor 10 years later, especially during the prime of your life? Some might see the potential for better opportunities arising if they are patient and are ready to jump at just the right moment.