Gen Z's heightened layoff fears: A new report indicates that 64% of Gen Z workers are worried about being laid off in the next year, a significant increase from previous months and notably higher than other generations.
Disparity between perception and data: While Gen Z's fears are rising, broader labor market indicators show relative strength with low unemployment and increased job vacancies, though recent job cut announcements contribute to anxiety.
Industry and experience play a role: Much of Gen Z's concern stems from their overrepresentation in sectors like tech, retail, media, and government, which have experienced recent job losses, and younger workers are often "last hired, first fired."
Compounding financial pressures: Gen Z is entering the workforce with substantial student debt, facing high living costs, especially in major cities, where income growth hasn't kept pace with housing prices.
AI fuels job insecurity: The rapid rise of artificial intelligence contributes significantly to Gen Z's anxiety, as many worry about their entry-level jobs being reimagined or eliminated by AI, despite some experts suggesting its immediate job-ki-ling impact might be overstated.
https://www.newsweek.com/gen-z-living-fear-layoffs-2094034