Incoming questionable, yet practical opinion: Young adults can get entry positions at large corporations if any exist nearby. The sooner they see the fraction that is take home pay, the sooner they will drop the infatuation with socialism. Furthermore they can start an IRA earlier even if they need to pause contributions later (set and forget). Lastly there will most likely be tuition reimbursement programs offered by the employer so they can continually raise their skill stack. I expect to be skewered for not recommending they throw themselves on the gears on the machine.