The Productive Pessimist

  "People who grew up in financial hardship more likely to be NEETs." "People diagnosed with ADHD or autism in childhood more likely to be NEETs." "Teens with depression and anxiety more likely to be NEETs." "Kids who were chosen last for school team sports more likely to be NEETs." "Children who spend breaktimes alone more likely to go on to be NEETs." NEETS - people, especially those aged 18-25, who are N ot in E ducation, E mployment, or T raining - are a persistent fretting point for politicians, and a frequent hand-wringing focus in the media. Almost every week, we see yet another "X type of child more likely grow up to be NEET" headline.  It seems as though there are so many  social problems causing people to shy away from paid employment, higher education, or worthwhile training pursuits.  So many problems, that need so many  schemes and organisations set up to address the problems  (often by Friends of People in Whiteh...