The Great Depression was an extended period of extremely depressed hiring in the 1930s and 1929. What we are going through now is beginning to approach the territory of the Great Depression. Hiring has been at anemic levels for over 3 years, and shows no sign of improving any time soon. We are probably looking at at least another several years before MAYBE things start to improve, and the improvement may be very slow too. The extreme levels of lack of hiring, stagnation, and extended time period that these conditions are persisting, are stifling people who are not already in their desired position in a similar way to the Great Depression. On the other hand, unemployment levels and firing are lower than the Great Depression, but there are many people underemployed, taking part-time jobs, jobs outside of their field, and gig work rather than their desired full-time job. Inflation has eroded spending power significantly, and salaries haven't even come close to keeping up.