Layoff anxiety grips 46% of US workforce in 2025: Has career survival now replaced ambition?

On paper, the US labour market appears relatively stable. The national unemployment rate remains unchanged at 4.2%, and 139,000 new jobs were added in May, as per data released by Indeed.

But a closer look reveals cracks beneath the surface. According to Glassdoor, workplace sentiment has dropped to its lowest point since the platform began tracking in 2016.In February 2025, just 44.4% of employees reported a positive six-month business outlook—a record low. This improved only marginally to 45.1% in April, signalling deep and persistent uncertainty among workers. Hiring slowdown in recruitment is contributing to a broader mood of economic anxiety.

Layoff concerns reach nearly half the workforce

According to a nationwide survey conducted by Indeed’s Hiring Lab in partnership with Harris Poll, 46% of American employees now fear layoffs in the coming year. Of this group, nearly 48% believe they are “very” or “extremely likely” to be directly impacted if layoffs occur.The fear is not hypothetical. In a cooling job market with limited openings and slower turnover, workers increasingly feel vulnerable. Even those currently employed are making decisions rooted in caution rather than aspiration.

This growing insecurity is more than a blip—it's shaping how workers plan their careers, interact with employers, and respond to opportunities.

Workers choosing safety over satisfaction

One of the most striking findings is the contradiction between job satisfaction and job retention. Despite 40% of respondents admitting they are unhappy in their current jobs, many are staying put. The reason: fear of being laid off as the most recent hire—a phenomenon often described as the “last in, first out” effect.Half of all surveyed professionals reported staying in their current positions solely to avoid job loss in an uncertain environment. This marks a major shift from the pre-pandemic mindset, when changing jobs frequently was considered a fast track to higher pay and faster growth.Now, even a poor job is considered better than no job at all.

Redefining the job hunt

The economic pressure is also altering how job seekers approach the market. When asked how they adjust their job search during periods of instability, a significant majority admitted to expanding their criteria.61% of employed professionals said they would apply to jobs that are “not a good fit” during uncertain times. That number jumps to 69% among unemployed respondents. Instead of seeking ideal roles aligned with long-term goals, candidates are opting for positions that offer immediate stability—even if it means accepting roles below their skill level or outside their field.This shift may contribute to increased mismatches in the workforce, affecting productivity, employee engagement, and long-term retention.

Survival over ambition

What emerges from this data is a clear narrative: the career ladder many professionals once aspired to climb is now viewed as unstable. The prevailing mood has changed from building careers to preserving income and minimising risk.Employees are no longer pursuing growth with the same energy. Instead, many are taking a defensive stance—protecting what they have, avoiding visibility, and playing it safe in hopes of avoiding redundancy.Employers may find it harder to inspire innovation or loyalty in such an environment. A disengaged but cautious workforce presents long-term risks to productivity and culture.

What this means for job seekers and employers

For job seekers—especially new graduates or early-career professionals—this reality may feel discouraging. But experts suggest focusing on building skills, flexibility, and adaptability rather than fixating on linear progression.

Upskilling, side projects, and networking remain important strategies even in a cautious job market.For employers, the data should serve as a wake-up call. A workforce driven by fear is less likely to take initiative, innovate, or stay loyal. Creating a transparent culture, investing in employee wellbeing, and offering internal growth paths could help rebuild trust in an anxious job climate.With nearly half the US workforce concerned about losing their jobs, the concept of the “dream job” may be losing relevance. Workers are adjusting expectations, playing it safe, and redefining success in terms of job security, not advancement.

In 2025, the American workplace is not defined by ambition, but by adaptation and caution. And for many, the new career goal is simple: stay employed.