Workers on Edge: 80% Fear Wage Loss, 71% Expect Trade Fallout, 42% Anticipate Layoffs

A new national survey from MyPerfectResume reveals that American workers are bracing for economic turbulence. From inflation and stagnant wages to trade tensions and layoffs, employees are increasingly anxious—and making career decisions accordingly.

The 2025 Career Confidence Index surveyed 1,000 U.S. workers and found that most are worried about declining financial stability, growing job insecurity, and the unpredictable effects of global trade policies. Many are taking active steps to protect their careers, including updating resumes, delaying job moves, or learning new skills.

Key findings: 

Financial Stress Is Undermining Confidence

Workers are feeling the squeeze of inflation, and they’re worried it’s only getting worse.

Key stats:

• 80% are concerned that inflation will reduce their real wages or standard of living.
  • 38% are very concerned that inflation will reduce their real wages or standard of living. 
• 35% say their current salary is already failing to keep up with the cost of living.
• 21% report stagnant wages or salary growth at their company.

Trade Tensions Are Fueling Job Market Anxiety

Global trade disruptions and tariffs are looming large in workers’ minds.

Key stats:

• 71% believe tariffs will negatively affect their job or industry.
  •  27% expect major consequences like job cuts or reduced demand.
• 70% say global trade issues could hurt their future job prospects.

Layoff Fears Are Spreading

Job security is becoming a luxury as fears of cutbacks ripple across sectors.

Key stats:

• 42% believe layoffs are likely in their company or industry within the next three to six months.
  • 10% say layoffs are “very likely.”
• 17% have already seen layoffs or downsizing at their workplace.
• 15% report hiring freezes.
• 13% say promotions have been delayed.

Here is a visualization of the data from above:  

The Job Hunt Isn’t Looking Promising

For those considering a change, conditions aren’t encouraging.

Key stats:

• 33% say it’s harder to find a job in their field than it was six months ago.
• Only 21% say it’s gotten easier to find a job.
• Nearly half (47%) say there’s been no change at all.

Workers Are Acting Preemptively

In response to growing uncertainty, workers are taking steps to protect their careers.

Key stats:

• 76% have taken some form of precautionary action:
  • 18% updated their resume.
  • 18% created a financial backup plan.
  • 16% pursued new skills or certifications.
    
    
• 35% have changed their career plans due to the economy:
  • 24% reconsidered switching roles or industries.
  • 11% postponed a job change.

Trust in Employers Is Eroding

In uncertain times, communication skills matter, but many employees aren’t feeling informed.

Key stats:

• Only 33% trust their employer to be transparent about layoffs or financial issues.
• 62% say internal communication is limited, delayed, or misleading.

What Workers Are Worried About Most

Employees aren’t just concerned about the economy in general; they’re thinking about how these challenges will impact their careers.

Top concerns:

• 35% are concerned about their salary not keeping up with inflation.
• 21% are concerned about burnout or poor work-life balance.
• 15% are concerned about job security.
• 14% are concerned about a lack of advancement opportunities.
• 12% are concerned about company instability or poor leadership.

The 2025 job market is defined by instability, and employees are responding with caution. Many are shelving major career moves, writing resumes for new opportunities, or diversifying their job skills to stay ahead of whatever comes next.

While the data paints a sobering picture, it also signals resilience. Workers are adapting, watching the signs, and taking steps to protect their futures, such as learning high-income skills to prepare for career moves. In a landscape shaped by inflation, trade turmoil, and economic uncertainty, preparedness may be the strongest asset they have.

For press inquiries, contact Nathan Barber at nathan.barber@bold.com. 

Survey Methodology

The findings are based on a national survey of 1,000 U.S. employees, conducted on May 12, 2025, via Pollfish. The sample included a diverse group of full-time, part-time, and contract workers across industries and geographic regions. The survey explored perceptions of job market stability, inflation, trade policy, layoffs, and employer trust.