Job Market Perceptions: Contrasting Views of Younger and Older Adults in the U.S.
The job market perceptions of younger adults in the United States are significantly less positive compared to older adults, with a 21-percentage point gap in favor of the latter. This trend is unique to the U.S., as only a few other countries exhibit a similar pattern where younger adults lag behind older adults in job market optimism by at least 10 points. Globally, younger adults are generally more positive about finding a job locally compared to older adults, with a median gap of 10 points in the opposite direction.
In the U.S., the disparity in job market perceptions between younger and older adults is notable, with younger Americans ranking 87th out of 141 countries in terms of optimism about finding a job. This shift in sentiment among younger Americans is a recent development, as they were previously more optimistic than older adults. The decline in job market optimism among younger Americans has been significant since 2023, with a 27-point decrease, particularly impacting young women, the most educated, and those not working full-time.
While other advanced economies have also seen a decline in job market optimism since 2023, the U.S. stands out for the stark contrast between younger and older adults' perceptions. The trend in the U.S. reflects a unique pattern where younger adults have become less positive about the job market, unlike their counterparts in most other advanced economies. The pessimism among highly educated young Americans not yet in full-time employment is particularly pronounced, possibly influenced by concerns about automation and artificial intelligence displacing entry-level roles.
The State of the Global Workplace Report by Gallup provides further insights into the views of the U.S. and global workforce. For ongoing updates and insights, follow @Gallup on X and Instagram. For detailed methodology and survey dates, refer to Gallup's Country Data Set details and learn more about the Gallup World Poll.