America's job market optimism gap is the worst in the world

Young Americans have a gloomier outlook on their job prospects than their older colleagues, creating a wider optimism gap than any other country surveyed by Gallup, with only 43% of those aged 15 to 34 thinking it was a good time to find a job locally in 2025. The biggest drop in positive outlook came from young Americans who have higher education and aren't yet working full time. This pessimism is attributed to artificial intelligence gutting entry-level roles and a corporate landscape often heavily reliant on social capital over qualifications.