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 2002 2003 2002 2003 2002 2003 2002 2003 2002 2003 2002 2003 Total not in the labor force............ 72,707 74,658 12,976 13,800 20,358 20,980 39,373 39,878 27,085 28,197 45,621 46,461 Do not want a job now (1)............. 68,029 69,932 11,254 12,079 18,286 18,857 38,489 38,996 24,994 26,073 43,035 43,859 Want a job (1)........................ 4,677 4,726 1,722 1,721 2,071 2,124 884 882 2,091 2,124 2,586 2,603 Did not search for work in previous year............................... 2,673 2,631 910 882 1,112 1,129 651 620 1,135 1,127 1,538 1,503 Searched for work in previous year (2)........................... 2,004 2,096 812 838 960 995 233 262 956 996 1,048 1,099 Not available to work now......... 565 564 272 274 252 248 41 43 227 231 338 333 Available to work now............. 1,439 1,531 540 565 708 747 191 220 729 765 710 766 Reason not currently looking: Discouragement over job prospects (3)................... 369 457 110 134 209 248 51 75 226 266 143 190 Reasons other than discouragement............... 1,070 1,075 430 431 499 499 141 145 503 499 567 576 Family responsibilities..... 150 153 31 37 99 94 20 22 34 35 116 118 In school or training....... 238 239 195 194 41 42 2 3 126 125 112 114 Ill health or disability.... 107 113 16 15 61 72 30 26 50 51 56 62 Other (4)................... 575 570 188 184 299 292 88 94 292 288 283 282 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. NOTE: Beginning in January 2003, data reflect revised population controls used in the household survey.