47% of American adults lack confidence in finding a good job: Millions fear falling behind despite working

A new AP–NORC poll (October 2025) finds that nearly half of Americans are doubtful about their ability to find a good job, reflecting rising financial stress and anxiety about the economy. The survey highlights a widening gap between economic indicators, such as low unemployment and stock market gains, and public confidence in personal and national financial security during the first months of President Donald Trump’s second term. The poll reveals that 47 percent of U.S. adults say they are not very or not at all confident in their ability to land a good job if they needed one. This represents a significant increase from 37 percent in October 2023. Only 21 percent of respondents feel extremely or very confident about job prospects, down from 36 percent four years ago. Analysts say this