Navigating a Confidence Crisis: Why U.S. Workers Feel Uncertain and How to Take Charge

Over the past five years the job market has swung from the hiring frenzy of the Great Resignation to an era of layoffs and caution. Data from LinkedIn’s Workforce Confidence Index illustrates just how much sentiment has changed. In early 2025, this index fell to +5 on a scale from –100 to +100, its lowest point since LinkedIn began tracking it in 2020, and it nudged up only slightly to +6 in early summer. In fact, even during the early pandemic -when businesses were closing and the economy was in free fall - active job‑seekers were more optimistic (+9). Today’s uneasiness runs deeper than pandemic anxiety, and understanding the forces behind it can help job‑seekers regain control. This is where staffing agencies like Visium Resources, Inc. can play a vital role providing expert guidance, job leads and a personal touch in a sea of uncertainty.

A downward trend with generational divides

Surveys reveal that workers’ confidence isn’t just about finding a job it also reflects how secure people feel in keeping their current role, advancing in their careers and withstanding economic shocks. Workforce confidence is down two points since January, as pessimism about job prospects and career advancement grows. For unemployed Americans, confidence is especially fragile; after a brief spike in January (+12), their confidence plunged to –2 by April. By the second quarter of 2025 the index for all workers averaged +23, seven points lower than the early‑pandemic low of +30. Younger workers feel the downturn the most: Gen Z and millennials report confidence around +19, whereas Baby Boomers still average +28. This generational divide likely reflects both differing economic experience and older workers’ longer tenure and networks.

Why confidence is sinking

Economic uncertainty and policy shocks are the biggest sources of anxiety. Most workers worry that inflation will erode their wages, believe tariffs and trade tensions will negatively affect their job or industry, and expect layoffs within the next three to six months. A third say it’s harder to find a job than six months ago. Many have taken precautionary steps such as updating résumés, building financial cushions or pursuing new skills, while over a third have put career plans on hold.

Hiring slowdowns and 'ghost jobs'

During the Great Resignation there were roughly two job openings for every unemployed person. By April 2025 that ratio had fallen to about one vacancy per job‑seeker. Fewer open roles mean more competition, and employers have regained leverage. Many unemployed job‑seekers went through all of 2024 without a single interview, and most feel the application process is like sending a résumé into a black box. Many companies keep job ads up with no intent to hire - so‑called ghost jobs - further eroding trust. Partnering with a staffing agency like Visium Resources can help job-seekers bypass some of these barriers by connecting them directly with employers who are actively hiring and pre-qualified leads that match their skills and goals.

Wage pressure and career stagnation

Stagnating wages and rising costs are also denting morale. More than a third of workers say their salaries aren’t keeping pace with living expenses, and 21% report stagnant wages at their employer. Younger workers feel blocked from promotions, while many retirees report that employers overlook their experience.

Broken communication and trust

Confidence is not just about economics. Only a third of respondents trust their employer to be transparent about layoffs or financial troubles, and many say internal communication is limited or misleading. Such opacity breeds rumor and anxiety. Some professionals feel the traditional promise of a stable “good job” is broken, prompting a shift toward self‑employment and consulting.

The human impact: long searches and widening gaps

Beyond statistics, falling confidence shows up in lived experiences. Many adults plan to seek a job in the next six months, yet few feel confident they can secure a permanent role, and very few are confident in finding full‑time temporary work. Over half believe it would take more than a month to land a job; some expect it to take more than five months. Gen Z respondents felt the least confident about their prospects and are more likely to see their early careers stalled. Many job‑seekers apply to ten or more positions in a year, suggesting a spray‑and‑pray strategy born of desperation.

Silver linings: reasons for cautious optimism

Amid the gloom, there are signs that the labor market still offers opportunity. Job openings do remain historically high, and many sectors cannot find enough people. Employers report difficulty filling roles requiring digital fluency, AI literacy and cybersecurity expertise. Professionals who invest in these areas may enjoy bargaining power. In addition, we are seeing more people pivoting into contract, freelance or self‑employed positions, allowing these workers to control their schedules and diversify income sources, albeit while giving up traditional benefits.

Strategies to Rebuild Your Confidence and Navigate the Market

In times of economic uncertainty and low workforce confidence, partnering with a staffing agency like Visium Resources can provide job-seekers with valuable support and opportunities.

Invest in skills and learning.

Upskilling is not a buzzword, it’s necessary self‑protection. Take advantage of affordable or free courses in high‑growth areas like data analysis, cybersecurity, AI tools and project management. Demonstrating these abilities positions you for both permanent and freelance roles in growth sectors. Working with recruiters from staffing firms such as Visium Resources can help identify what skills are currently in demand and align your development with real-world opportunities.

Focus your search.

Resist the urge to mass‑apply; tailored applications yield better results. Research target companies, align your résumé to the job description and craft thoughtful cover letters. Hiring managers receive hundreds of applications; showing you understand their needs can differentiate you. Visium’s recruiters work one-on-one with candidates to craft effective applications and offer feedback that improves your chances of success.

Leverage networks and referrals.

Several job‑seekers cited slow employer responses and lack of transparency as major frustrations. Personal networks can circumvent the black box; referrals not only improve your chances of an interview but also connect you to hidden opportunities. Engage with professional communities online and offline. Staffing agencies maintain these networks daily, often giving candidates access to roles that never get posted publicly.

Embrace different work models

Consider contract or freelance gigs to build experience, broaden your network and maintain income while searching for long‑term roles. Many companies are filling gaps with contingent workers, and flexibility can lead to permanent offers when the market rebounds. Visium Resources offers both temporary and permanent placements, giving you the flexibility to explore all career options.

Workforce confidence in America has dipped to levels unseen even during the darkest days of the pandemic. Pessimism stems from economic headwinds and from the opaque hiring practices that leave résumés languishing in applicant‑tracking systems. Yet the picture isn’t universally bleak. By investing in skills, targeting job searches, harnessing networks and preparing financially and mentally, workers can navigate this challenging period. Confidence may be shaken, but with a proactive strategy it doesn’t have to remain low.