The 2024 elections have drawn attention to the puzzling scenario of American economic anxiety, despite positive indicators such as low unemployment rates and declining inflation. Research on American workers indicates that fear of job loss and the potential inability to rebound afterwards contribute significantly to this anxiety. This is even true for highly qualified, college-educated professionals.

Post the World War II era; it was common for employees to remain with a single company for extended periods. However, job stability has seen a sharp decline since the 1980s, causing nearly 3 out of 4 American workers to face unemployment at some point in their careers. In fact, according to a 2013 Economic Policy Institute study, college-educated, experienced individuals face the same risk of long-term unemployment as any other worker. The fear of downward mobility is less reflected in unemployment statistics but significantly contributes to the prevailing economic anxiety.

Another contributing factor is the stigma attached to unemployment, which devalues past educational and professional achievements. Research has shown that employers generally prefer what they believe to be ‘passive job seekers’ - individuals who are already employed. This general assumption oppresses unemployed job seekers, sidelining them during interviews despite their capabilities and qualifications. The stigma extends to various aspects of life, affecting personal relationships and adding to the anxiety.

The belief in meritocracy prevails. However, it ironically scapegoats the unemployed for their situation, overlooking hiring biases and practices. This leaves intact societal shortcomings and perpetuates economic anxiety. Unless we change our perception to recognize that unemployment doesn’t necessarily reflect negatively on the individual but is instead a product of the economy and the hiring system, economic anxiety will persist.