Young Americans Lose Faith in US Job Market, Poll Finds

Younger Americans are becoming dramatically more pessimistic about the U.S. job market, according to a new poll that highlights a widening generational divide over economic opportunity.

The new survey from Gallup found that Americans between ages 15 and 34 are now far less optimistic about finding work than older generations — a major reversal from historical trends.

Young Americans are now less optimistic than older workers

According to the Gallup World Poll, only 43% of younger Americans said it is “a good time” to find a job where they live.

By comparison, 64% of Americans aged 55 and older said the same.

Researchers said the United States now shows the largest age-related confidence gap in the labor market among 141 countries surveyed.

Globally, younger people are usually more optimistic about employment opportunities than older adults.

Confidence among young workers has collapsed since 2023

Gallup researchers said the shift happened rapidly over the last two years.

The share of younger Americans who felt positive about the job market dropped by 27 percentage points between 2023 and 2025.

Analysts compared the decline to confidence levels seen during the 2008 financial crisis.

“It’s an incredibly new phenomenon,” said Benedict Vigers from Gallup.

The report noted that younger Americans are now more pessimistic about jobs than their peers in many other developed countries.

Younger voters remain frustrated about the economy

The findings reflect growing concerns among younger Americans about affordability, housing, wages, and career opportunities.

An earlier Associated Press-NORC poll found that roughly 8 in 10 adults under 35 believe the U.S. economy is performing poorly.

Only about 6 in 10 older Americans shared that view.

Pollster John Della Volpe said many young adults feel previous generations underestimate the economic challenges they face today.

“My parents don’t understand that their pathway at this stage in life was so much easier,” Della Volpe said younger voters often tell researchers.

Artificial intelligence and inflation add pressure

Researchers said the decline in confidence coincides with growing concerns about inflation and the rapid rise of artificial intelligence technologies.

Many younger workers fear AI could eliminate entry-level jobs or reshape industries before they establish stable careers.

The poll found some of the most pessimistic groups included:

• Young people without their first job
• College graduates
• Young women

However, pessimism extended across nearly all demographic groups among younger Americans.

Older Americans remain more financially stable

Experts say older Americans may feel more secure because many already own homes, have retirement savings, or are no longer actively job hunting.

Younger adults, meanwhile, continue struggling with:

• High housing costs
• Student debt
• Expensive healthcare
• Rising living expenses

The divide has become increasingly visible in American politics.

Economic frustration could shape future elections

Economic anxiety played a major role in the 2024 election cycle, especially among younger voters.

President Donald Trump improved his support among younger Americans during the campaign by focusing heavily on inflation and affordability concerns.

However, recent polling suggests many younger voters have grown increasingly dissatisfied as inflation pressures continue.

According to AP-NORC polling, roughly 8 in 10 adults under 35 disapprove of Trump’s handling of the economy and cost of living.

US stands out globally

Gallup said the United States is now one of only five countries where younger people are significantly more pessimistic than older generations about local job opportunities.

The others include:

• China
• Hong Kong
• Norway
• Serbia
• United Arab Emirates

Researchers warned the growing generational divide could continue influencing politics, economic behavior, and public trust in institutions for years to come.