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With the recent evolution of the labor market, emerging adults with no diploma are particularly exposed to unsatisfying jobs and barriers to access decent work. The aim of the research was to identify their representations of work, based on the psychology of emerging adulthood and the psychology of working theory. Differences related to each country’s level of development and to the work situations met by the participants were expected. Ten emerging adults aged 20–25 were interviewed in seven countries ( N = 70). Data were processed using a thematic content analysis. The results stress that these emerging adults associate “decent work” with two specific qualities: the extent to which work allows survival needs to be met and the experience of positive social relationships in the workplace. This article discusses the similarities and differences in their representations of work and their role on identity development.

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Argentina’s labor market conditions hinder the possibilities for social integration and the securing of decent work. This particularly affects vulnerable emerging adults without a high school diploma. This study aims to understand the meanings of work in general, actual work experiences, and expectations for the future of young urban unskilled workers with no high school diploma. Using a qualitative approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with 10 men and women, and an inductive content thematic analysis was carried out. The main results show that (1) there is acceptance and resignation of highly precarious working conditions due to the unstable general context and the lack of quality employment, (2) there is a distinction between work and personal interests, and (3) future prospects are presented as a “crossroads” between your expectations and the options available. All this affects the meanings of work, the future, and therefore affects their well-being and identity construction.