economy

January 14, 2026

Workers are officially burned out by the thought of getting a new job

Less than half of workers say they plan to look for a new job this year, a dramatic decline from 2025.

Workers are officially burned out by the thought of getting a new job

TL;DR

  • Only 43% of U.S. workers plan to job search in 2026, a steep drop from 93% last year.
  • Workers are facing financial pressures but lack optimism about finding new, better-paying jobs.
  • The U.S. is experiencing a "hiring recession," with 2025 being the worst year for job gains outside of a recession since 2003.
  • Pessimism about the job market leads to "job hugging," where people stay in their current roles due to fear.
  • A majority of surveyed workers (52%) expect layoffs to increase in 2026.
  • Nearly two-thirds of workers are seeking extra income streams, with a substantial percentage already having or planning to start a side hustle.
  • Workers are prioritizing job stability and income protection while quietly pursuing side hustles and upskilling.
  • Experts advise workers to leverage current job resources, learn new skills, and network, or to be strategic and intentional in their job search if they are actively looking.

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