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Immigration policy. Economic uncertainty. Unemployment. Tariffs. AI.
All these factors — and others — are shaping the U.S. job market right now, says Elizabeth Renter, NerdWallet’s senior economist. They’re also making finding a new job more difficult.
In February, the economy lost 92,000 jobs, after adding 126,000 in January 2026. The labor market remains on uncertain footing, she says.
“When there is an overall lack of available jobs, many workers are left feeling trapped in their current roles,” Renter says. This stagnation isn't only bad for job satisfaction, but professional growth and better pay.”
Nerds have interviewed experts and written about tech layoffs, monthly job numbers, AI, burnout, career growth and work/life boundaries.
We used those articles to create a quiz with some help from AI. Take it to consider your current relationship with your job. If you're working, are you thriving, or just surviving?
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What’s the verdict?
If your score says you're thriving in your job, share your ways, because a lot of workers are not.
Employee engagement in the United States is at its lowest rate — 31% — since 2020, according to Gallup. That’s after decades of growth.
Sometimes it’s the actual work that makes people hate their jobs, Doug Sabella, CEO of software company Payroll Integrations, said in an email interview. But more often, it’s about not feeling seen, heard and supported.
That doesn’t mean workers want a Music Dance Experience (shoutout to “Severance”), waffle Wednesdays and free gym memberships. Those are cool and all, but most workers want more than that, he said.
“What matters most is that companies demonstrate a genuine investment in employees’ well-being, with benefits and programs that reflect an understanding of their needs.”
Because you can set all the boundaries you want, look for projects that keep you motivated and communicate openly with your manager.
“But these efforts are only as effective as the space employers create to support them,” he said.
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