The concept of meaningful activity is usually applied to people like me, with a long history of less then optimal treatment, and considerable resulting disability. For younger people with schizophrenia it is probably even more important that they return to school or employment as soon as possible and if they can do so successfully they can be spared the lack of meaningful activity that older people with schizophrenia commonly face. On disability benefits you don't have enough money for many recreational activities, or for the rent either. Depending on the degree of negative and cognitive symptoms, people will have trouble enjoying activities that once gave them pleasure and trouble socializing with other people.
Employment is often very difficult and can be too demanding.
Because an individual develops schizophrenia as they are assuming adult responsibilities such as marriage and employment, they have no partner or employment experience and may never develop those experiences. They may find it difficult because of low motivation to do much of anything. Dr. Weinberger compared schizophrenia to the TWA passenger plane exploding in mid air over the Atlantic. With early diagnosis, the atypical medications, community support, and family education the plane is landing instead of exploding, but not at the destination they expected. It can very hard to live with even those losses.