New report shows more than half of Gen Z considering shift to blue-collar work
Job losses stemming from artificial intelligence adoption are making Gen Z employees rethink their career decisions, according to a new poll.
Zety's latest survey among 1,000 Gen Z employees in the United States found that 43% have already changed or adjusted their career plans because of AI.
"I call this shift the 'AIxiety Pivot' — a growing movement of professionals who are proactively changing course because of AI-related fears and instability," said Jasmine Escalera, career expert at Zety, in a statement.
According to the report, more than half (53%) said they are most interested in blue-collar and skilled trades roles, such as construction, plumbing, and electrical.
Other roles that they are considering include:
- People-focused professions (47%)
- Creative careers (31%)
- Tech and AI-related roles (30%)
- Self-employment (28%)
Another 12% said they are more interested in operational or administrative roles, such as HR positions, under the belief that they are AI-proof.
"[Gen Z] interest in trade work and hands-on careers shows a desire for purpose, security, and control in an AI-driven world," Escalera said.
Why blue-collar work?
But AI isn't the only reason why Gen Zs are considering blue-collar work, as 50% believe these jobs offer higher pay than expected. According to the report, Gen Zs also believe they provide:
- More job opportunities (44%)
- Greater flexibility and independence (35%)
- Faster entry into the workforce without a degree (19%)
- Avoiding student loan debt (18%)
Some barriers that they identified to blue-collar work, however, are physical labour demands (38%), limited upward mobility (19%), and the lack of prestige in blue-collar work (14%).
"Even with growing interest, outdated perceptions and a lack of access to information are holding some young workers back from fully embracing Gen Z blue-collar jobs," the report read.
AI anxiety hitting Gen Z
The findings come amid reports that white-collar employment will be impacted by AI implementation, with Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei previously warning that AI could wipe out half of all entry-level white-collar jobs.
Nearly three in four (72%) Gen Zs believe in the sentiment, saying AI will reduce entry-level corporate job opportunities in the next five years.
Another 65% don't believe their college degree offers protection from AI-driven job losses, while 18% have little to no confidence that their current career path will remain relevant in the next 10 years.
As a result, Gen Zs aren't just considering alternative career paths. Another 40% said they are teaching themselves new skills or earning certifications.
Some 18% also said they are "rage-applying" to jobs out of frustration.
"Rather than waiting for the job market to shift beneath them, many Gen Zers are taking preemptive action—upskilling, pivoting industries, and, in some cases, reacting emotionally to rising instability," the report said.
