Data were collected from 21 youth released from YTC's into employment, 13 youth workers or parole officers working with these youth, and 12 employers of YTC releases. These youth were characterized by poor to average education, sporadic employment histories, histories of juvenile justice/welfare contact, and often no family support. At 3-month followup, just over half the youth were employed. However, 76 percent of these youth were no longer employed in the same job as at release; and 45 percent had held jobs for only a short period of time and had not obtained further employment. The most frequent reasons given for leaving employment was that the jobs were boring, poorly paid, and had unsatisfactory working conditions. The five youth who remained in their jobs were happy with them and reported supportive coworkers. Youth workers noted the difficult life circumstances of these youth and viewed emotional or personality problems and the effects of peers and institutionalization as factors for lack of job retention. Many of the employers also mentioned the influence of peers and difficult life circumstances as factors, but gave absenteeism, tardiness, or disruptive behavior at work as reasons for dismissals. Difficulties with living arrangements and transportation also were cited as factors related to job termination. 34 references.