by
Eight out of 10 unemployed Americans struggle to find the motivation to continue their job search, According to new research.
A survey of 5,000 unemployed adults explored the emotional and practical fallbacks of being displaced, finding that only 23% were consistently motivated. On the other hand, 31% admit to having stopped actively searching and 35% say their motivation changes from day to day.
One in four admit to sometimes feeling frustrated about the market (26%), and a similar percentage feel overwhelmed or stressed by rejection (24%).
Conducted by Talker Research for PelgoThe average unemployed American has been looking for a job for six months, but 30% have been working longer.
Gen X and Baby Boomers were out of work the longest.
The data found that almost half of those who left a previous employer did not feel that their departure was handled sympathetically (48%).
Allotment of time on Daily Job Hunt
“When someone feels that their employers were unsupportive, and failed to manage change with compassion, it exacerbates the emotional toll of job loss and hinders a person’s ability to move forward,” said Chih Huang, co-founder and CEO of Pelgo.
Job hunters spend about 65 minutes per day looking for a job, with Gen X spending the longest time looking.
During their time, they applied to 20 jobs during their search, and millennials are doing the most — an average of 23 job applications.
The search is difficult for many, with one in five saying they could use some mental health support during their job search (18%), and 14% saying they wish it were easier to get higher skills.
Gen Z will also find value in having motivational tools, constructive feedback and a mentor (18% each).
Millennials (15%) and Baby Boomers (11%) did well with long-term employment benefits, while Gen X preferred additional resume or interview coaching (11%).
The survey found that the journey to unemployment has proved robust and reflective for many.
A third of those surveyed use their network to land leads or interviews (36%), and 44% still feel confident about their skills in today’s job market.
As AI grows, many find it a helpful resource when searching for jobs (37%), getting help preparing for interviews (35%) and keeping up to date with what jobs are looking for in their field (40%).
“As the job market continues to evolve with the rise of AI, it’s encouraging to see that many job seekers are adapting and using it as a valuable asset,” Huang added. “Tools that help identify current industry needs, upskill or reskill where needed and streamline the search process are critical to securing their next role.”
The majority of respondents feel that AI in the workplace is the “new normal” (57%). In fact, one in eight think their most recent layoff was directly due to AI. Gen Z respondents are the most likely to think so (21%).
Resilience and reflexivity in inquiry
But many are using it to their advantage. As times change, 48% of respondents agree that you’re better off learning how to use AI for work than trying to oppose its use.
Of those surveyed, a third would still advocate for their expertise, but 46% are ready to explore further how AI is changing their market needs.
While 36% worry that AI will eliminate more jobs than it creates, 45% are convinced that their skills are not replaceable by AI.
While there is a greater reliance on technology and AI (25%), 17% see a greater need for creative thinking in the workforce.
Research Methods:
Talker Research surveyed 5,000 unemployed Americans with Internet access; Commissioned by Survey Pelgo and among others conducted by Talker Research and conducted online March 10 and March 17, 2026. A link to the questionnaire is available here.
To view the full methodology as part of AAPOR’s transparency initiative, please visit Talker Research Processes and Procedures Page.
–
This post was Previously published on Wealth of Geeks.
–
If you believe in the work we’re doing at The Good Men Project, please join us as a Premium Member today.
All premium members can watch The Good Men Project without any ads.
Need more information? A full list of benefits is here.
–
Photo credit: iStock.com
