Zety, a resume templates service, has released the findings of its Gen Z Reroute Report—a national survey of 1,000 Gen Z employees uncovering how artificial intelligence is reshaping early-career decision-making.
The data paints a sharp picture of a generation in transition: Gen Z workers are questioning the value of college, rethinking corporate paths, and increasingly considering hands-on, AI-resistant careers. As traditional pipelines feel less secure, many are actively rerouting their careers—switching industries, upskilling, and turning to trade work—solidifying their role as the Reroute Generation.
Key Findings:
- Degrees don’t feel like a safety net anymore. Nearly two-thirds (65%) of Gen Z say a college degree won’t protect them from AI-related job loss.
- Confidence in career longevity is slipping. Nearly 1 in 5 (18%) have little to no faith that their current career path will remain relevant over the next 10 years.
- AI is actively reshaping Gen Z’s career decisions. 43% have already changed or adjusted their career plans because of AI’s growing influence.
- Trade work is becoming a serious option. More than half of Gen Z workers (53%) say they’re now seriously considering blue-collar or skilled trade work.
- Cultural influences are fueling the shift. Social media (53%) and family encouragement (47%) are the top drivers shaping Gen Z’s perception of blue-collar work.
“Gen Z is facing one of the most uncertain job markets in decades, and many feel that traditional routes like college and corporate jobs no longer guarantee a stable future,” said Jasmine Escalera, career expert at Zety. “Their interest in trade work and hands-on careers shows a desire for purpose, security, and control in an AI-driven world. I call this shift the ‘AIxiety Pivot’—a growing movement of professionals who are proactively changing course because of AI-related fears and instability.”
Early Career Anxiety in the Age of AI
Concerns about long-term stability are widespread as AI reshapes the job market:
- 72% believe AI will reduce entry-level corporate job opportunities in the next 5 years, and 17% believe these roles will be eliminated outright.
- 65% don’t believe a college degree offers protection from AI-driven job loss.
- Nearly 1 in 5 (18%) have little to no confidence their current career path will be relevant in the next 10 years.
How Gen Z Is Responding to AI Disruption
As AI accelerates, many Gen Zers are taking action:
- 40% are teaching themselves new skills or earning certifications.
- 29% are looking at entirely new industries.
- 18% are rage applying to jobs out of frustration.
What Feels AI-Proof? Gen Z’s Views on Safer Careers
Nearly half (43%) of Gen Z workers have already changed or adjusted their career plans due to AI. When asked which paths feel more secure, their answers reflect a desire for roles grounded in human connection, creativity, and physical skills:
- 53% – Blue-collar and skilled trades (e.g., construction, plumbing, electrical)
- 47% – People-focused professions (e.g., healthcare, education, social work)
- 31% – Creative careers (e.g., content creation, graphic design, branding)
- 30% – Tech and AI-related roles (e.g., cybersecurity, data science, software development)
- 28% – Self-employment (e.g., entrepreneurship, freelancing, consulting)
- 12% – Operational or administrative roles (e.g., finance, HR, project coordination)
What’s Driving Gen Z Toward Blue-Collar Jobs?
More than half of Gen Z workers (53%) say they’re now seriously considering blue-collar or skilled trade work. AI is a major factor, but it’s not the only one:
- Higher pay than expected in current roles (50%)
- More job opportunities (44%)
- Greater flexibility and independence (35%)
- Faster entry into the workforce without a degree (19%)
- Avoiding student loan debt (18%)
Barriers to Entering Blue-Collar Careers Still Remain
Even with growing interest, not all Gen Zers are ready to embrace skilled trades, and several barriers are slowing the shift:
- 38% cite physical labor demands as their biggest hesitation.
- 19% worry about limited upward mobility in these roles.
- 16% admit they don’t know enough about trade careers to pursue one.
- 14% feel there’s a lack of prestige in blue-collar work.
Various cultural and social influences are shaping their perceptions:
- 53% say social media influencers (e.g., Trades TikTok) have influenced their views.
- 47% cite family background or encouragement.
- 27% feel disillusioned with corporate culture.
- 21% cite a lack of diversity in white-collar fields as a factor.
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