American workers face worst job pessimism since the 2009 crisis

American workers are now more pessimistic about jobs than at any time since 2009. A growing number struggle to find quality work, with unemployment figures outpacing available positions. The shift marks a stark contrast to the optimism seen just a few years ago.

In November 2025, the hiring rate fell to 3.2%—its lowest level since March 2013. This decline suggests finding work is far tougher than the unemployment rate alone implies. Meanwhile, the number of unemployed people (7.4 million) has surpassed the number of job openings (6.9 million), reversing the trend from early pandemic years.

Only 28% of Americans now believe it's a good time to find a quality job. This is a sharp drop from mid-2022, when 70% felt optimistic. Younger workers, aged 18 to 34, are particularly gloomy, with just two in ten confident about job prospects. In contrast, about four in ten workers aged 65 and older still see opportunities. Pessimism is also high among college graduates, with only 19% feeling positive about securing a good job. The downturn extends beyond general employment, affecting specific industries. For example, demand for glass-forming machines and wine-making equipment has slumped, with orders down 17% and revenue falling 19% year-over-year in 2025. Weak global grape harvests have further reduced demand for Bucher Vaslin's wine-making machinery.

The job market's decline has left many workers uncertain about their future. With fewer openings, weaker hiring rates, and shrinking opportunities in key sectors, the outlook remains bleak. The data reflects a broader economic slowdown, impacting both employment and industry-specific demand.