Part-time workers in the US who aspire to full-time positions have been steadily increasing. Here's the catch—when economic headwinds kick in, these folks tend to be the first ones thrown under the bus. Rising underemployment during growth phases often signals trouble ahead. As the economy cools, employers typically cut hours before outright layoffs, hitting the most vulnerable workers hardest. This shift in labor market dynamics shouldn't be ignored, especially when you're thinking about broader market cycles and where capital flows during downturns.