On: America's True Unemployment Rate

[refurb]

But that’s exactly how the survey works. They ask people if they are available to work and if they are actively seeking work, regardless of age.

https://www.bls.gov/cps/cps_htgm.htm#unemployed

[NovemberWhiskey → refurb]

You can want a job, but not be looking for a job because your prior attempts to secure one have been unsuccessful. This is called discouraged unemployment and figures into the overall category of marginally-attached workers.