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.

阿根廷的劳动力市场状况阻碍了社会融合和确保体面劳动的可能性。这尤其影响了没有高中文凭的脆弱的新兴成年人。这项研究旨在了解一般意义上的工作含义，实际工作经验以及对没有高中文凭的年轻城市非熟练工人的未来的期望。使用定性方法，对10名男性和女性进行了深入访谈，并进行了归纳性内容专题分析。主要结果表明：（1）由于不稳定的总体环境和缺乏优质的就业机会，人们对不稳定的工作条件有所接受和辞职；（2）工作与个人利益之间存在差异，（3）未来的前景是您的期望与可用选项之间的“十字路口”。所有这些都会影响工作，未来的意义，从而影响他们的福祉和身份建构。