to a lack of opportunity

[Ksenia]

They (generation Y) often officially put their decision to leave a job down to a lack of opportunity.

Please explain this sentence in other words, as it is not clear to me.
What is meant by 'to a lack of opportunity'?

Thank you.

 

[teechar]

Where did you find that sentence?

 

[Ksenia]

Teechar, this is 'Y this Generation?' text (Business Result Advanced Online Workbook).

 

[GoesStation]

They (generation Y) often officially put their decision to leave a job down to a lack of opportunity.

Please explain this sentence in other words, as it is not clear to me.
What is meant by 'to a lack of opportunity'?

Thank you.

"To" is the second part of the BrE idiom "put something down to", meaning "attribute something to." The sentence means that members of Generation Y often say they leave a job because the job doesn't offer the chance to advance.

 

[Skrej]

I wouldn't necessarily consider that an exclusively BrE expression, however. It's used in AmE as well, and likely other variants.

I frequently use it myself.