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.
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.