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Workplace doubt
Late-2025 surveys show rising impostor syndrome, recession fears, and growing reliance on side income among U.S. workers.
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Staff Reporter - Sun, 15, Mar 2026
- 04:49 EDT
- 17
Representative image / Courtesy: Pexels
Three national surveys from MyPerfectResume, an AI-powered career service, fielded in late 2025, depict an American workforce defined less by ambition than by pressure, caution, and financial strain.
First, in the “Confidence Theater” survey, 43 percent of employees say they experience impostor feelings on the job, while 66 percent feel pressure to appear more confident or knowledgeable than they are.
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Self-doubt is not isolated: 74 percent cite comparison or high expectations as a primary driver, including 26 percent who compare themselves to high-achieving peers and 26 percent who point to personal perfectionism. Another 22 percent blame high management expectations, and 24 percent say lack of feedback or recognition fuels doubt.
So, 58 percent report that impostor syndrome has hurt their career growth, and 7 percent have turned down major opportunities. Leadership silence compounds the issue: 65 percent say leaders rarely or never discuss their doubts or mistakes.
Second, economic anxiety is reshaping career decisions. In “The Great Stay” survey, 32 percent of workers worry about losing their jobs in 2026, and 42 percent believe layoffs are likely at their company. Nearly half (49 percent) expect the labor market to worsen, up from 34 percent the year prior, while 80 percent fear a recession.
As a result, 65 percent do not plan to look for a new job in 2026 because they fear the risks associated with moving. Inflation and cost of living are top concerns at 38 percent, followed by mental health and exhaustion (17 percent) and fear of being unable to find work (14 percent).
Third, side income has become structural. The secondary income survey finds that 72 percent of workers rely on at least one additional income source, with 38 percent saying inflation significantly increased their need for more. Nearly 52 percent say side income makes them feel more secure, and 26 percent believe it could eventually replace traditional raises. Half say only a significant raise would persuade them to stop.
Burnout pressures are also mounting: 31 percent expect increased workloads in 2026, 24 percent cite poor work-life balance, and 23 percent point to job insecurity as a key driver of anticipated stress next year.
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