88만원 세대
[88man-won sae-dae]
the $880 generation
The Flashcard
The original illustrated card, front and back.
Meaning & context
2007년, 한 경제학자가 20대 대학 졸업생의 5%만이 성공적인 직장을 갖고 나머지 95%
는 평균 월급 88만원의 비정규직으로 남게 될 것이라고 예상한 <88만원 세대>라는 책을 썼다. 이로부터 88만원 세대라는 용어가 만들어 졌으며 그 이후 현재의 치열한 취업 시장 에서 많은 사람들에게 냉혹한 현실이 되었다.
In 2007, an economist wrote a book called “The $880 Generation” predicting that only 5% of people in their 20’s who graduate college will find successful jobs, and the remaining 95% will be stuck in temp jobs that only earn an average of $880 dollars a month. Thus the 880manwon saedae was coined and has come to be a grim reality for many in the current challenging job market.
From As Much as a Rat’s Tail · book pages 218–219. Original published text; historical references and usage are retained.
STORY TIME
See it in conversation
Korean
관점
English
Perspectives
88만원 세대의 한 사람이라는 건 정말 힘들지 않니? 정말 오랫동안 구직만 하고 있잖아. 이제는 정말 편의점에서 일해야 할까봐.
It’s so difficult to be part of this 88man-won saedae? I’ve been looking for a job for ages. Now I’m going to have to work at a convenience store.
멋지다. 너 영화 Clerks 봤니?
How cool. Did you see the movie Clerks?
응, 근데 그건 그냥 20대의 고뇌와 미래가 없는 직업의 구렁텅이에 관한 거잖아. 난 고대 출신이야. 대기업의 꿈을 이루고 싶다구!
Yeah, but that’s all about 20-something angst and the purgatory of a dead end job. I studied at Kodae! I want the corporate dream!
나한테 필요한 건 남자친구랑, 그리고…; 내 용돈 뿐이야.
All I need is a boyfriend…; and my allowance.
넌이태백이되는게불안하지도않니?88만원 세대가우릴망치고말거야.
Aren’t you worried about becoming an i-tae-baek? This 88manwon saedae is going to ruin us.
나는 백수인 게 좋은데. 88만원? ㅋㅋ 난 매달 화장품에만 그만큼씩 쓰는데.
I love being a baeksu. $880? Kh, kh. I spend that much on my makeup every month.
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