As AI advances quickly and college degrees lose their perceived value, young professionals are currently reexamining what a “safe” career is. Many of them are actively rerouting their careers by changing industries, upskilling, and turning to trade work. This pattern solidifies their role as the Reroute Generation, according to new research from Zety. Zety is an online platform offering career resources.

The firm's Gen Z Reroute Report, based on a national survey comprising 1,000 Gen Z employees, reveals how the generation is navigating AI anxiety and redefining job security while changing the future of work. 

Zety career expert Jasmine Escalera, has coined this shift as the AIxiety Pivot, which is a growing movement of young professionals proactively changing course as a response to AI’s rapid rise, causing instability to traditional career paths.

The survey found that GenZers' perception of college diplomas have evolved. For them, degrees do not feel like a safety net anymore. Close to two-thirds—65 percent—of Gen Z state that a college degree is not protection from AI-related job loss.

Additionally, the confidence in career longevity is eroding. Roughly 1 in 5—18 percent—have little to no faith that their current career path will remain relevant in the next 10 years.

AI is now reshaping Gen Z’s career decisions as 43 percent have already changed or adjusted their career plans because of AI’s increased influence. As a result, trade work is becoming a serious option as over half of Gen Z worker—53 percent—note they are now seriously considering going into or doing blue-collar or skilled trade work.

Cultural influences are causing these view changes. For example, social media (53 percent) and family encouragement (47 percent) are the top drivers shaping the generation's perception of blue-collar work.