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American workers are not chasing promotions, new companies, or fresh opportunities in 2026. They are holding on. A new national survey from MyPerfectResume reveals that workers are still bracing for economic instability, rising burnout, and potential layoffs.
What began as a temporary pause in job-hopping has evolved into a long-term shift toward career self-preservation. This is the “Great Stay”: a workforce choosing security over ambition, stability over exploration, and calm over career moves.
The data shows a workforce waiting out uncertainty rather than leaning into opportunity.
Key Findings
- 32% are worried about losing their job in 2026.
- 49% believe the labor market will worsen in 2026 (up from 34% in 2025).
- 42% believe layoffs are likely at their company next year.
- 59% expect layoffs to rise nationally in 2026.
- 65% say they don’t plan to look for a new job in 2026.
- Inflation and the cost of living (38%) top workers' worries in 2026.
A Workforce Anchored by Economic Anxiety
Workers remain wary. Economic optimism has not returned, and caution is shaping career behavior. According to the data:
- 49% anticipate a worsening labor market in 2026.
- 51% expect more business closures.
- 80% are worried about a recession.
Why it matters: Financial stress and macroeconomic uncertainty continue to suppress mobility and ambition. Workers are not planning for a rebound; they are preparing for turbulence.
Workers Are Staying Put, Not Stepping Forward
Mobility has stalled. Confidence has stalled. Ambition has paused. Well over half (65%) of workers say they don’t plan to look for a new job in 2026.
Top reasons for staying include:
- Satisfied with current job or pay: 23%
- Economic uncertainty: 14%
- Believe that better roles do not exist: 11%
This mirrors behavior from 2025, signaling a lasting shift in worker psychology.
Why it matters: A cautious workforce means slower talent movement, less upward mobility, and fewer internal promotion opportunities. Employers cannot rely on turnover to refresh teams; engagement and development must become intentional priorities.
Top Worker Concerns for 2026
Workers are not driven by ambition. They are driven by fear of job loss. As U.S. worker layoff concerns rise, survey data from MyPerfectResume uncovered the following:
- Rising costs are squeezing workers. 38% say inflation and the cost of living are their biggest worry.
- Burnout is hitting a breaking point. 17% cite mental health and exhaustion as a top concern.
- Fear of unemployment is growing. 14% worry they won’t be able to find a job if they need one.
- Pay isn’t keeping up. 12% are most concerned about salary stagnation and stalled earnings.
Burnout Is Still Rising
The stress of instability is compounding instead of easing. Burnout remains a significant issue in the workplace, and workers anticipate it will intensify.
Top anticipated worker burnout drivers for 2026 include:
- Increased workload: 31%
- Poor work-life balance: 24%
- Job insecurity: 23%
- Poor management or culture: 20%
Why it matters: A cautious workforce means slower talent movement, less upward mobility, and fewer internal promotion opportunities. Employers cannot rely on turnover to refresh teams; engagement and development must become intentional priorities.
Upskilling & Gig Work: Interest Is High, Action Is Lagging
Workers recognize the need for new skills and additional income streams, but enthusiasm does not always translate into meaningful action. According to the survey:
- 54% say they plan to upskill.
- 52% are open to gig or freelance work.
Yet participation in training, certification programs, and side hustles remains limited.
Why it matters: Economic stress and burnout are dampening workers’ ability to execute on growth plans. Many people want to prepare for uncertainty but lack the time, resources, or energy to take action.
Return-to-Office Anxiety Has Eased
Return-to-office (RTO) concerns are easing, indicating a stabilization in workplace expectations. MyPerfectResume found that:
- 49% expect more mandates in 2026 (down from 88% forecasted for 2025).
- 41% expect no major changes.
- 9% expect fewer RTO mandates.
Why it matters: Hybrid work appears to have settled into a sustainable balance. The era of aggressive RTO policies may be fading.
The Takeaway: A Workforce in Survival Mode
The 2026 labor landscape is characterized by caution rather than confidence. Workers are staying, not because they feel settled, but because they fear the risks associated with moving.
The mindset has shifted from getting ahead to holding on, from chasing opportunity to protecting stability, and from a growth mindset to survival mode.
Employers who recognize this shift can take meaningful action:
- Provide transparency during uncertain periods
- Offer real development pathways, not symbolic ones
- Proactively address burnout and workload distribution
- Reinforce job security when possible
- Implement support for financial stress and mental health
Workers are looking for reassurance, grounding, and stability. When employers deliver it, loyalty and productivity follow.
For press inquiries, please contact Nathan Barber at nathan.barber@bold.com.
Methodology
The findings presented in this report are based on a nationally representative survey conducted by MyPerfectResume using Pollfish in October 2025. The survey collected responses from 1,000 U.S. adults who are currently employed full-time or part-time. Respondents answered a mix of single-selection and multiple-choice questions about job security, economic outlook, burnout, and workplace expectations for 2026.
Demographic breakdown
Respondents were evenly split by gender (51% male, 48% female). The age distribution was diverse:
- 6% aged 18–24
- 15% aged 25–34
- 20% aged 35–44
- 18% aged 45–54
- 15% aged 55–64
- 25% aged 65 or older
Education levels included 15% with graduate degrees, 24% with bachelor’s degrees, 17% with associate’s degrees, 41% with high school diplomas or equivalents, and 3% with less than a high school degree.
About MyPerfectResume
MyPerfectResume Resume Builder with professional templates is designed to help job seekers elevate their careers. The easy-to-use platform was created to eliminate the hassle of resume writing, offering professionally written examples, free expert tips, step-by-step guidance to make a resume, and valuable interview advice to create an outstanding job application effortlessly. Since 2012, MyPerfectResume's Resume Builder has helped more than 11 million job seekers create their perfect resumes online. Its comprehensive employment surveys have been featured in Forbes, Yahoo! Finance, CNBC, Newsweek, USA Today, BBC, Workable, and more. Stay connected with MyPerfectResume’s latest Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, X, and Pinterest updates.
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The Great Stay: 1 in 3 Workers Fear Job Loss in 2026
Jasmine is certified career coach and recognized expert in job search strategy. She is committed to helping job seekers navigate the job market and succeed in their careers.
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