A new AP–NORC poll conducted in October 2025 reveals a concerning trend: nearly half of all Americans are unsure about their ability to find a desirable job, reflecting a pervasive sense of financial stress and anxiety about the broader economy. This eye-opening survey highlights a growing chasm between conventional economic indicators—such as low unemployment rates and a thriving stock market—and the everyday confidence Americans have in their personal and national financial stability during the initial months of President Donald Trump’s second term.
Job Market Confidence Takes a Hit
The poll’s findings are stark: 47% of U.S. adults candidly admit they feel either “not very” or “not at all” confident in their capacity to secure a good job if they were to need one. This marks a significant jump from just 37% reported in October 2023. In contrast, only 21% of respondents now express extreme or strong confidence in their job prospects, a notable drop from 36% four years prior. Experts suggest this decline may be attributed to a combination of factors, including stagnant wages, the increasing prevalence of automation, and persistent economic uncertainties.
Public’s Economic Outlook Remains Bleak
Despite official figures touting historically low unemployment and buoyant stock market performance, public perception of the national economy remains overwhelmingly pessimistic. A substantial 68% of Americans characterize the economy as “poor,” while a mere 32% believe it is performing well. Many individuals point to the relentless surge in living costs and ongoing policy uncertainties as primary drivers of their gloom, indicating that top-line economic statistics often fail to reflect the harsh financial realities faced by households.
Employees Caught in a Cost-of-Living Crunch
For many working Americans, the daily grind of rising expenses is directly impacting their work life and overall financial security. A significant 54% of respondents identify escalating grocery prices as a major source of stress. Meanwhile, 36% are burdened by soaring electricity and utility bills, a problem exacerbated in part by the increased energy demands of rapidly expanding AI data centers. Housing and healthcare costs are a source of worry for approximately 40% of the population, and about one-third are feeling the pinch from rising gasoline prices.
Among those employed, these financial pressures manifest as palpable workplace anxiety. A concerning 28% of workers feel they are falling behind financially, even though they are actively working, with only 12% reporting they are truly getting ahead. More than half (52%) are anxious about their retirement savings, and a staggering 63% believe that purchasing a home today would be an insurmountable challenge. Compounding these worries, many employees report feeling compelled to work longer hours or take on additional jobs simply to keep pace with their mounting expenses.
Slower Job Growth Fuels Worries
This dip in public optimism runs parallel to a slowdown in job creation. Since the introduction of new tariffs in April 2025, the average monthly job gains have hovered below 27,000. While the Labor Department indicates that job openings remain around 7.2 million and the unemployment rate stands at 4.3%, consumer confidence, as measured by the Conference Board, saw a dip to 94.2 in September—its lowest point since April. These combined trends solidify Americans’ concerns about their economic prospects, even in a labor market that, on the surface, appears relatively stable.
The Growing Disconnect: Data vs. Reality
The AP–NORC poll starkly reveals a widening gap between official macroeconomic data and the genuine financial sentiment of the public. Despite indicators suggesting economic stability, a large segment of Americans feels financially vulnerable and apprehensive about their future. Worries stemming from inflation, the impact of tariffs, stagnant wage growth, and the ever-increasing cost of essential goods are fueling this widespread anxiety. This presents a significant challenge for policymakers who are tasked with rebuilding public trust and confidence in the nation’s economic direction.