Between urbanization, automation, and globalization, there simply isn't enough work that needs to be done to gainfully employ the entire population. In 1850, 60% of the labor force had to farm just to feed the population. Today, less than 2% of the workforce can feed the population. Likewise, we need fewer people to manufacture the goods we consume. Even in China, employment in manufacturing peaked in the mid-90s.

We have to accept that there isn't enough work to gainfully employ the entire population, and seriously look to alternatives, least we become like Japan that seems to have more parking-lot-attendants than customers!