HOUSEHOLD DATA ANNUAL AVERAGES 35. Persons not in the labor force by desire and availability for work, age, and sex (In thousands) Total Age Sex Category 16 to 24 25 to 54 55 years Men Women years years and over 2001 2002 2001 2002 2001 2002 2001 2002 2001 2002 2001 2002 Total not in the labor force.................... 71,359 72,707 12,347 12,976 19,814 20,358 39,198 39,373 26,396 27,085 44,962 45,621 Do not want a job now (1)..................... 66,769 68,029 10,616 11,254 17,797 18,286 38,355 38,489 24,403 24,994 42,366 43,035 Want a job (1)................................ 4,590 4,677 1,730 1,722 2,017 2,071 842 884 1,993 2,091 2,597 2,586 Did not search for work in previous year.... 2,731 2,673 939 910 1,150 1,112 642 651 1,134 1,135 1,597 1,538 Searched for work in previous year (2)...... 1,859 2,004 791 812 867 960 201 233 859 956 1,000 1,048 Not available to work now................. 593 565 300 272 256 252 37 41 228 227 365 338 Available to work now..................... 1,266 1,439 492 540 611 708 163 191 631 729 634 710 Reason not currently looking: Discouragement over job prospects (3).. 321 369 104 110 170 209 47 51 192 226 129 143 Reasons other than discouragement..... 945 1,070 388 430 441 499 116 141 440 503 505 567 Family responsibilities............. 133 150 32 31 89 99 13 20 29 34 105 116 In school or training............... 203 238 172 195 30 41 1 2 111 126 92 112 Ill health or disability............ 96 107 16 16 56 61 25 30 45 50 51 56 Other (4)........................... 513 575 168 188 266 299 77 88 255 292 257 283 1 Includes some persons who are not asked if they want a job. 2 Persons who had a job in the prior 12 months must have searched since the end of that job. 3 Includes believes no work available, could not find work, lacks necessary schooling or training, employer thinks too young or old, and other types of discrimination. 4 Includes those who did not actively look for work in the prior 4 weeks for such reasons as child-care and transportation problems, as well as a small number for which reason for nonparticipation was not ascertained.