Gen Z stays buoyant on career paths amid AI-driven shifts

An Indeed/YouGov survey finds Gen Z is surprisingly optimistic about careers despite a widening gap between employees and employers: Gen Z shows a 77% net positive career outlook (65% for millennials), and 59% of job seekers overall feel confident they can reach their goals, while 85% of employers expect to meet their 2026 talent goals. However, 35% of job seekers cite AI adoption as their top concern, with 40% of employers labeling AI as a 2026 priority, signaling a no-hire, no-fire labor market and a friction between cautious workers and optimistic management. The report also notes rising gig stacking and suggests Gen Z could help lead AI efforts, though firms risk losing young talent if the disconnect isn’t addressed.