Young Pennsylvanians Voice Job Fears as AI Impact Grows

Young adults in Pennsylvania are expressing significant concerns about their job prospects as they approach 2026. A recent survey conducted by the global outplacement and career development firm Careerminds reveals that this demographic ranks among the least optimistic in the United States, with fears surrounding automation, wages, and the rising cost of living shaping their outlook.

The poll, which surveyed 3,011 residents aged 18 to 25, indicates that nearly half of the respondents, specifically 48 percent, have reconsidered their career paths due to negative news about artificial intelligence. Among those currently employed, 32 percent expressed doubts about their job stability within the next two years.

According to the survey, young Pennsylvanians rated their optimism for career advancement in 2026 at 5.1 on a 10-point scale, slightly below the national average of 5.4. This places Pennsylvania among the states with the lowest levels of confidence. Notably, Allentown recorded the lowest score in the state at 3.5, followed by Philadelphia at 4.4 and Pittsburgh at 4.7. In contrast, Nevada stands out with the highest optimism score at 6.8, followed by Georgia, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming.

The survey highlights that anxiety among young workers is driven more by instability than a reluctance to work hard. Respondents identified their primary worries for 2026, with 27 percent citing the rising cost of living, 22 percent concerned about potential job displacement due to automation, and 21 percent focused on low starting salaries. Only 8 percent reported feeling entirely unconcerned about their futures.

Preparation for an AI-driven workplace is varied among respondents. While 24 percent feel fully equipped and regularly use AI tools, 40 percent consider themselves only somewhat prepared. A significant portion, 36 percent, reported feeling either not very prepared or completely unprepared for the evolving job market.

Career-related anxiety is a daily reality for many young adults. The survey found that 32 percent worry about their job prospects every day, while only 18 percent indicated that they never experience such concerns. Despite the prevailing unease, long-term goals continue to serve as a motivating factor. A notable 32 percent cited saving for future endeavors like travel, education, or homeownership as their primary incentive for working through 2026.

Preferences regarding work arrangements among young adults are also mixed. 32 percent expressed a desire for fully remote roles, while 38 percent preferred hybrid setups. The remaining 30 percent favored traditional on-site work. The rising cost of living is already influencing career decisions, with 66 percent of respondents stating that it has shaped their plans for 2026. This includes considerations to switch industries, relocate, or pursue higher-paying positions that they might not have previously considered.

Furthermore, more than a third of respondents, specifically 36 percent, anticipate needing a second job next year to cover basic expenses. In contrast, only 26 percent expressed confidence that they would not require additional employment.

The findings align with broader labor trends indicating an increase in individuals juggling multiple jobs as wages struggle to keep pace with rising living costs. Despite these challenges, most young adults do not perceive the job market as fundamentally unfair. 64 percent of respondents do not believe that the system is rigged against them, although 36 percent acknowledged that structural barriers make it more difficult for young people to advance.

Raymond Lee, president of Careerminds, noted, “Gen Z isn’t naive — they see the challenges ahead, but they are not throwing in the towel. What this survey shows is a generation that’s trying to plan sensibly in a landscape that’s shifting faster than anyone predicted. They want to succeed, but they worry the ground may move beneath them before they have even built their careers.”

As automation accelerates and living costs continue to rise, the survey underscores a growing apprehension among young Pennsylvanians. Their optimism about the future is increasingly tempered by caution, reflecting a pervasive sense that job market stability can no longer be taken for granted.