According to a new survey from staffing agency Express Employment Professionals, 73% of job seekers agree that no job is secure, no matter how well an employee performs, and 71% say job security is becoming a thing of the past.

The survey of 1,000 adults ages 18 and older, which was conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals, reveals:

  • 67% of employed job seekers say they used to feel stable in their careers, but now everything feels uncertain.
  • Gen Z workers are especially affected, with 33% strongly agreeing, compared to 22% of millennials and Gen X.

While only 50% of job seekers expect a recession in the next 12 months, and 24% believe it will happen within six months, nearly one in 10 (9%) say we’re already in one. These fears are driving significant changes in job search strategies:

  • 74% are concerned about finding a job during a potential or ongoing recession, with 32% saying they’re very concerned.
  • Concern is highest among those with household incomes under $50,000 (82% versus 72% for those earning more).
  • 73% worry that any job they accept now may be at risk if the economy worsens.
  • 71% feel the current job market forces them to settle for less than they’re qualified for.
  • 51% are more concerned about job security than they were a year ago.

Faced with economic uncertainty, job seekers are adapting in real time. Sixty-five percent of respondents say fear of a recession influences their willingness to negotiate salary or benefits. Many are changing their job search strategy, according to the survey:

  • 38% are more open to different work environments.
  • 31% are applying to roles outside their target industry.
  • 27% are applying to roles they’re overqualified for.
  • 23% are willing to relocate.
  • 21% are more open to lower salaries.

Additionally, 65% believe contract and freelance work offer more control over their future than traditional full-time jobs.

But despite widespread anxiety, the survey found that most employed job seekers still express confidence in their current employers:

  • 73% are confident in their company’s ability to provide short-term job security, with 28% very confident.
  • 69% are confident in long-term job security, with 26% very confident.
  • However, 74% say changes in government policies have a bigger impact on job security than decisions made by company leadership.

“In times of economic uncertainty, job seekers should focus on adaptability and self-investment,” Bob Funk Jr., CEO, president, and chairman of Express Employment International, said in a statement. “Expand your search, sharpen your skills, and stay open to new opportunities—even those outside your comfort zone. The most successful candidates aren’t just looking for jobs; they’re building resilience for whatever comes next.”

Illustration credit: Andry Djumantara/iStock

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