Harm, opportunity, optimism: Young people’s negotiation of precarious circumstances

Drawing on data from a longitudinal study of young people’s transitions to adulthood, this article explores the experiences of young people who face high levels of adversity. These young people had experienced challenging circumstances from an early age (exposure to harm and to impoverished social and material conditions). This article draws on the qualitative phase of the study. Young people and a trusted other, nominated by the young person, participated in three annual qualitative interviews. The article explores experiences in two domains: education and employment. It concludes with a discussion of the implications for practice with young people who face adversity.