4 in 5 Americans fear job loss in 2025: MyPerfectResume survey

GUAYNABO, PUERTO RICO — The American workforce is bracing for a challenging 2025, with the majority expressing deep concerns about their job security.

Job security concerns reach historic levels

MyPerfectResume’s “The Great Stay: 2025 State of the Labor Market Report,” gathered from a December 2024 survey of 1,115 U.S. workers, reveals that 81% of workers fear job loss.

This phenomenon, known as “The Great Stay,” underscores a growing reluctance among U.S. workers to switch jobs amidst an unpredictable economic climate. The report highlights an alarming 20% of workers who are “much more worried” about job security than last year, with only 4% not worried at all about job loss in 2025, unchanged from 2024.

Economic outlook and workforce trends

The prospect of increased layoffs is also on workers’ minds, with 76% predicting more layoffs and 63% expecting more business closures than in 2024. Additionally, 53% foresee a rise in the unemployment rate.

With 52% of workers anticipating worsened burnout rates due to factors like job insecurity and heavier workloads, the stress on U.S. employees is palpable. 

Furthermore, 92% of respondents are bracing for a potential recession. This outlook is compounded by 57% of workers believing that finding new employment will be as difficult, if not more so, than in the previous year.

Future of work: Gig economy and skill development

In response to these challenges, workers are increasingly turning to the gig economy, with 85% expecting businesses to lean more on freelance and contract workers. 

Upskilling emerges as a key strategy, with 61% actively pursuing new skills to remain competitive. 

“Facing an unpredictable labor market, workers must approach 2025 with a mindset of resilience and innovation,” said Jasmine Escalera, career expert at MyPerfectResume. 

“Exploring new career pathways, staying informed about industry trends, and building a strong professional network can provide the stability and confidence needed to thrive in uncertain times.”