A new labor market survey reveals mounting anxiety among American workers as they face increasing job insecurity and economic uncertainty heading into summer 2025.
According to research by My Perfect Resume, an overwhelming 81% of U.S. workers fear losing their jobs this year, with one-fifth feeling substantially more worried about unemployment compared to 2024. The survey of over 1,100 workers paints a stark picture of workplace concerns.
The apprehension appears justified, as U.S. employers announced 275,240 job cuts in March alone - the highest monthly total since the initial COVID-19 layoffs in 2020. Federal government reductions accounted for over 216,000 of these positions, a scenario reminiscent of the /news/dc-housing-crisis-looms-as-federal-workforce-faces-mass-layoffs/.
"The job market isn't falling apart, but people's trust in it is," notes Patrice Williams Lindo, CEO at Career Nomad. She points out that workers face anxiety not just about job loss, but also about losing health insurance and financial security.
The unstable environment has created a "stay put" mentality, with many employees choosing to remain in current roles rather than risk career moves. About 76% of workers expect layoffs to increase throughout 2025, while 92% are preparing for a potential recession.
This climate of uncertainty has sparked a focus on career development, with 61% of workers planning to enhance their skills this year to remain competitive. However, workplace stress continues to mount - over half of survey respondents predict worsening burnout rates, with job insecurity cited as the primary factor.
Executive coach Adriana L. Cowdin suggests the situation may stabilize later in the year. She advises workers to stay proactive rather than "freeze in fear" by updating professional profiles, maintaining workplace engagement, and focusing on personal development.
The current wave of layoffs has surpassed all monthly totals in Challenger, Gray & Christmas records since 1989, except for the historic cuts of April and May 2020. With 63% of workers anticipating more business closures in 2025 compared to last year, Americans continue to navigate an increasingly unpredictable job market.