Data from longitudinal school leavers' surveys in France and Ireland were compared to determine types of transition pathways leading to unsuccessful conclusions. Focus was on outcomes of the transition process for school leavers unemployed five years after leaving and for employed young people whose earnings did not allow them to be financially self-sufficient. Early labor force history analysis showed both countries had pathways characterized by quick access to stable employment and others dominated by inactivity or unemployment. Differences were that French young men's transition process was affected by compulsory national service, return to education happened less often in France, unemployment was more frequent than in Ireland, and unemployed young Irish were more often than the French in long-term unemployment. Five years after leaving school, young women and the not qualified in both countries had a significantly higher probability to be jobless and were more at risk of being low-wage workers. The French education and training system provided stronger market signals, both to job access and to avoid of low wage positions. Family context affected joblessness in France. Working part-time or in a small firm increased significantly the risk of earning low wages. Occupational segment and social position were significant determinants of low wages in France. (A 23-item bibliography and data charts are appended.) (YLB)