People are feeling lousy about work. The internet’s career advice expert has some tips

Feelings about the current economy, job market, and work environment are mixed.
Employee confidence is at a low point, with a surge in reviews mentioning “uncertainty” following the November election and introduction of the Trump administration’s tariff policy, as per Glassdoor data.
In essence, things are looking “bad,” according to Alison Green.
Green, the author of the career column and website Ask a Manager since 2007, describes the current situation as bleak, comparing it to the financial crisis in 2008.
Recently, Green has noticed an increase in panicked messages, with people fearing potential job losses and uncertain career prospects.
She emphasizes that the job market appears frightening to many individuals.
Green receives numerous inquiries, with most falling into three main categories: concerns about job security due to federal workforce reductions, advice on transitioning to a new field, and coping with unpleasant work situations.
She acknowledges that providing advice in such challenging circumstances can be difficult.
Despite the gloomy outlook, Green offers some positive perspectives, encouraging individuals to remember that external factors influence career outcomes and that situations can change rapidly.
She advises those navigating an uncertain job market to think broadly about their skills and explore potential opportunities in different industries.
Overall, Green suggests staying open-minded and proactive in seeking new career paths during these challenging times.