People are feeling increasingly anxious about the economy, job security, and the overall state of work. Employee confidence is at or near record lows, and workplace reviews mentioning “uncertainty” have surged since the November election and the rollout of new tariff policies under the Trump administration, according to data from Glassdoor.
Alison Green, 51, career advice columnist behind *Ask a Manager*, describes the current climate in one word: bad.
“My inbox feels as bleak as it did in 2020 — and that was worse than during the 2008 financial crisis,” she tells CNBC Make It.
Since launching her column in 2007, Green has become a go-to resource for millions navigating everything from office conflicts to resigning from toxic jobs. But lately, the tone of the messages she receives has shifted — they’re more urgent and filled with anxiety.
“There's a real sense of potentially impending doom,” Green says. “People are worried their company might lay people off, that they’ll need to find a new job, or that if something happens — like a bad boss or stalled promotion — they won’t be able to leave.”
In short, the job market feels terrifying right now.
The Top Work Concerns People Are Facing
Green breaks down the most common concerns she hears into three main categories:
1. Job Security in Government and Nonprofits
Many workers in federal agencies or nonprofits tied to government funding are increasingly uneasy. They ask whether they should leave their roles for more stable environments — and how to evaluate which opportunities are actually safer.
But as Green points out, there’s no crystal ball:
> “No one knows what things will look like six months or a year from now.”
2. Long-Tenured Employees Looking to Re-enter the Job Market
Professionals who’ve stayed in the same role for years are realizing the hiring landscape has changed dramatically. Many are seeking guidance on updating their resumes, using LinkedIn, or even switching industries entirely — for example, moving from public service to the private sector.
3. Workers Stuck in Toxic Jobs
A growing number of people feel trapped in miserable work situations, whether due to a terrible boss, burnout, or lack of options. They wonder:
> “Am I just stuck? And am I stuck forever?”
Green admits these are hard cases to advise on.
> “A lot of people are in situations where there isn’t good advice,” she says.
Navigating a Challenging Landscape: Green’s Advice
Despite the grim outlook, Green offers practical and encouraging insights for professionals navigating this uncertain time:
🌟 Separate Your Value from External Circumstances
Remind yourself that setbacks aren’t personal. You can still do great work, but sometimes, external forces (like economic downturns or shifting industries) are simply out of your control.
> “What’s happening is happening because of external factors, not because of you.”
⏳ Remember That Things Can Change Quickly
Even when the future seems bleak, Green encourages people not to lose hope.
> “Things might look very dire right now, but that doesn’t mean they’ll look like that a year or two from now.”
💡 Avoid Catastrophic Thinking
It’s easy to spiral into thoughts like “my career is over” or “I’ll never find meaningful work again.” Green urges readers to avoid those traps while also preparing financially.
She recommends building an emergency fund. While experts often suggest saving 3–6 months of living expenses, **any amount helps**.
🔁 Reframe Your Skills for New Opportunities
For those actively looking for work, Green encourages thinking creatively about transferable skills.
> “You just need to get creative about it. Don’t assume that ‘this is all I know how to do, and no employer will ever consider me for another job.’”
In a time when many feel stuck, uncertain, or overwhelmed, Alison Green’s message is clear: Stay grounded, stay adaptable, and don’t give up on your potential — even when the world around you feels unstable.