Concerns about job security among American adults have risen significantly, according to the Federal Reserve’s latest annual survey. The data, drawn from the Fed’s Survey of Household Economics and Decisionmaking, indicates that 42% of respondents now express anxiety over finding or retaining employment, a notable increase from 37% in the previous year. This trend spans across various income brackets and age groups, signaling a widespread sentiment of insecurity.
The survey, conducted in October 2025, polled 12,934 adults. Findings revealed that 18% of respondents categorized job security as a major concern, up from 14% in 2024. The current economic climate reflects a cooling job market, with layoffs increasing slightly to 7% of adults reporting a job loss in the past year. Additionally, confidence among workers in their ability to secure quality jobs has diminished sharply; just 28% believed it was a good time for job-seeking, down from nearly 70% in mid-2022.
Young adults, notably those under 30, face the greatest challenges, with 15% unable to find work, a rise from prior years. Contributing factors include high living costs, rising student loan debts, and a shortage of entry-level positions. The gap in job-market optimism between younger and older adults has widened, with only 43% of younger individuals feeling positively about local job availability.
Amid these employment anxieties, inflation remains a prominent financial concern, with over half of adults indicating price increases have negatively affected their finances. Although there are slight signs of easing inflation worries, its continued prominence indicates economic pressures that complicate financial stability.
Why this story matters:
- The rising anxiety around job security reflects broader economic concerns affecting a wide demographic.
Key takeaway:
- The labor market’s stagnation is leading to significant anxiety among workers, especially younger adults, as job opportunities dwindle.
Opposing viewpoint:
- Some analysts argue that despite perceptions of job insecurity, the overall stability in unemployment figures suggests a resilient labor market.
