For anyone who’s been feeling guilty about not looking for a new job lately, take a look at Friday’s jobs report and let go of those misgivings.
It’s getting rough out there as businesses grapple with slew of economic uncertainties and slow-downs. Staying put in your job seems like a wise choice in most cases and many people are doing just that.
But sticking around doesn’t have to mean that your career is stagnating. There are ways workers can build their career and professional experience without job-hopping, experts say.
“When looking for professional change, most employees immediately look outside their organizations,” said John Morgan, president of LHH’s Career Transition, Career Mobility and Leadership Development business.
“Reinvention doesn’t always require outside opportunities. Many companies are evolving and restructuring to keep pace with AI and changing business needs, which can open up new internal opportunities for those looking for change,” Morgan said.
“I think too many people feel like you have to leave in order to advance your career and skills set,” said Michael Steinitz, senior executive director, professional talent solutions at Robert Half
, also in the recruiting and placement industry.
In the right circumstances, staying with a current employer can be more rewarding, he said. That depends on factors including the company’s leadership, the growth potential for the person and the business as a whole, he said.
Around one-quarter, 27%, of people said they were actively looking for a new job in the second half of the year, according to a Robert Half survey out this week. That’s down from 29% in January and 35% one year ago.
While labor economists have pointed to a “Big Stay” for the past few years, the trend may intensify as the job market weakens.
The economy added fewer jobs than expected in July, adding 73,000 new jobs when forecasters were looking for 100,000. Bureau of Labor Statistics officials significantly lowered the number of jobs added in June and May.
Meanwhile, more people searching for work have spent at least half a year looking. In July, there were 1.8 million people in those ranks, up from 1.5 million one year earlier.
There were fewer “job leavers” in July who voluntarily left their current role for something else, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last month, 784,000 people counted as “job leavers,” down from 825,000 people making a move in June and down from 855,000 people who did so last July.
“Today’s jobs report officially ripped the mask off the market. The underlying weakness that had been apparent just under the surface came into full view,” said Laura Ullrich, Indeed’s director of economic research for North America.
“With fears of being ‘last in, first out,’ employees are hunkering down, leading to lower attrition and naturally slowing the pace of hiring,” said Lauren Mason, U.S. workforce solutions leader at Mercer, a human resources consulting firm. “Hiring is focused rather than frozen, with companies prioritizing critical roles essential for business growth.”
Hustle culture urges people to always keep their eyes open for the next job opportunity. That’s now coming up against a weakening labor market. Here’s how to manage the moment and set yourself up to thrive without leaving your current job.
Seek out side projects at your company
Employers typically have a range of side projects, internal committees and panels to explore new business opportunities or approaches to problems, Steinitz noted. Volunteering to participate may build different skills and put someone in contact with new people within their employer. It’s valuable experience and exposure that may pay off in the future, he said.
“The important thing is to be vocal and transparent with your leader,” Steinitz said. Seeking to help with side projects is searching for more challenges and ways to be helpful, rather than complaining, he noted.
Be open to lateral moves and in-house training opportunities
Morgan advises workers to use the skills training that their employer offers. They should also stay open to lateral moves in the business. The skills training and lateral job shifts may open new doors and create new experiences. Seven in 10 people are thinking about their future career plans, including their next job move and the state of their skills, at least quarterly, according to a report from LHH, a recruiting, outplacement and HR advisory firm.
Employees looking to level up should talk to their manager, Morgan said. “More often than not, they’ll be able to connect you with existing resources.” It’s a win on both sides, he continued. “By strengthening both your hard and soft skills, you become a greater asset to your company as it adapts to the new world of work.”
The focus on upskilling current workers is becoming pronounced in companies with hiring difficulties, he said. “Digital and AI-related skills are in incredibly high demand, and offering training opportunities in these areas can help you keep top talent by signaling that you’re invested in your workers’ long-term growth.”
Make time for introspection — and networking
But suppose a person doesn’t feel comfortable talking to their manager about skills or side projects. There’s some deeper reflection a person may have to do about themselves, their goals and their current role, Steinitz said.
It’s good to have the mental bandwidth to mull those important topics while staying employed. “Just being introspective and assessing your situation is always a really good thing,” Steinitz said.
Likewise, it’s always a good time to continue networking, Steinitz said. That’s especially when someone isn’t scrambling to pick up work. “The worst time to look for a job is when you are desperate.”