A recent survey by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) found that 58% of U.S. workers fear becoming obsolete in the workforce by 2035, with concerns particularly acute among technology and financial services professionals. The report, which polled over 1,000 U.S. workers, highlights widespread uncertainty about the future of employment as artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes job markets. 75% of respondents said they lack clarity on what jobs will exist in 2035, while 74% of technology workers and 73% in financial services share this concern.
The ETS survey underscores a broader trend: 78% of U.S. workers believe job security now requires constant adaptation, and 85% say developing new skills is essential to remain relevant. The findings reflect growing apprehension that rapid technological change could outpace workers' ability to keep pace, with many fearing their newly acquired skills may become obsolete almost as quickly as they are learned. 54% of U.S. workers feel underprepared for the next generation of jobs, compared to 49% globally.
Experts note that while technical proficiency in AI and automation is a common concern, interpersonal skills are increasingly seen as critical—especially as younger workers enter a digitally dominated professional landscape. The report aligns with broader economic discussions about the resilience of employment as a cornerstone of American life. For decades, the U.S. economy has relied heavily on employment as a primary source of economic security, including health insurance, retirement savings, and childcare arrangements. However, the rise of AI and automation threatens to disrupt this model, raising questions about whether the current system can adapt.
The survey’s findings come amid broader debates about the role of AI in the workplace. Some economists argue that technological disruption has historically led to job displacement but eventual adaptation, pointing to past transitions like the Industrial Revolution or the rise of the internet. Others warn that AI’s speed and breadth could overwhelm traditional adaptation mechanisms, particularly if job quality declines or good-paying positions become scarcer. The gig economy’s use of algorithms to manage pay, assignments, and worker performance has already provided a preview of how AI could reshape labor dynamics, with concerns about surveillance and reduced job stability.
The ETS report also highlights a generational divide. Younger workers, who have spent formative years in a digital-first environment, may struggle to recognize the value of interpersonal skills in an increasingly automated workplace. Meanwhile, older workers express concerns about their ability to pivot to new roles as older industries decline. The survey’s authors emphasize that 73% of workers believe there will be no job security without continuous upskilling, suggesting a potential shift toward lifelong learning as a norm in the workforce.
The data reflects a broader anxiety about the future of work, with implications for policy, education, and corporate strategy. As AI tools become more integrated into daily operations, companies and governments face pressure to address the skills gap and provide pathways for workers to transition into emerging roles. The ETS findings add to a growing body of research suggesting that the U.S. labor market may need structural reforms to ensure workers are not left behind in the AI era.