Young Americans see job market differently than their older peers
Americas, USATue May 12 2026
For a long time, younger Americans stayed cheerful about finding work, even when the economy hit tough times. But now their mood has changed fast. A recent worldwide survey shows young people in the U. S. feel much less hopeful about jobs than older Americans. Only 43% of those aged 15 to 34 think now is a good time to find work where they live. That’s way lower than the 64% of people 55 and older who say the same.
This gap is bigger in America than in any of the 141 countries polled. Most places see younger workers more optimistic than older ones. But not in the U. S. The sudden shift has widened a gap between generations. Younger voters care a lot about money issues like housing and don’t trust institutions as much as before.
Experts say this drop in confidence is new. Older workers normally trust the job market more because they have experience and fewer risks. But young workers face rising costs, fewer entry-level jobs, and worries about AI replacing entry-level roles. Their frustration shows in recent polls. About 8 in 10 adults under 35 call the economy poor. Older adults aren’t as negative, with only about 6 in 10 seeing the economy poorly.
The decline in optimism started after 2023. Young people’s faith in the job market fell fast—by 27 points in just two years. That’s close to the drop during the 2008 financial crisis. But older Americans didn’t lose faith as much. The biggest drops were among those without jobs, college grads, and young women. Still, every young group feels worse now than three years ago.
Many young Americans feel misunderstood. They say older generations had it easier. High costs and job worries affect their mental health. Even though the economy grew after COVID, young workers still struggle. The rise of AI and inflation add to their stress. A recent poll found 8 in 10 young adults disapprove of how the government is handling money issues. That’s much higher than older adults.
The survey also found older workers who feel good about jobs are more likely retired or own homes. Many young people can’t afford homes, which adds to their stress. Big issues like inflation played a role in the last election. Some younger voters switched sides, hoping for better economic changes. But recent polls show many are still unhappy.
