Does this sound like you?
You’re showing up, doing the work, and meeting deadlines… but you’re also quietly refreshing job boards and sending out feelers with your contacts.
You’re not alone. ManpowerGroup recently surveyed workers across the U.S. and globally to understand how people feel about their jobs and what they plan to do next.
What we found surprised us.
While 65% of respondents plan on staying at their jobs for the next six months, 64% admitted that they’re job hunting.
The job hugging movement
If you’re staying in your post while keeping your options open, you may be “job hugging.” This isn’t hugging your job because you love it, it’s more like hanging on for dear life. You fear letting go because the job market feels unsettled.
There’s a basis for those fears.
The U.S. added fewer than 200,000 jobs to the economy in 2025; a sharp slowdown after a robust 1.24 million increase in 2024.
And expectations have declined to match. A monthly poll from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York asks a cross-section of workers how confident they would be in finding a new job. That confidence level has trended down for well over a year.
Against that backdrop, hesitation makes sense.
Job hugging isn’t necessarily bad. In fact, it can be a smart bridge strategy—a way to stay financially stable while you prepare for your next move. The risk is letting it quietly turn into a stall strategy, where fear keeps you frozen longer than you intended.
Self-assessment: Why are you job hugging?
The first step is honesty. How seriously do you want out — and why?
There are two main types of motivators.
Fear
- “I’m staying because I’m afraid I won’t find anything.” This reaction reflects broader economic signals and real hiring slowdowns.
- “I’m afraid of being laid off.” This is a persistent fear across job types. According to our research, 35% of U.S. workers expect possible job loss soon.
- “I’m not sure what my next move should be.”
Strategy
- “I’m staying to gather experience, complete a credential or hit a savings goal.”
- “I’m developing my skills and see a clear career path here.”
Overcoming fear-based job hugging
Fear-driven job hugging is legitimate — but it can be hazardous to your health.
If you feel flat, disengaged, or cynical — if work feels like something to get through rather than participate in — it’s worth paying attention. Prolonged emotional exhaustion becomes burnout, and if not addressed, it can have long-term health effects. Burnout also affects your ability to do your job properly, potentially increasing your chances of being laid off.
Making an Action Plan
Whatever your motivation, don’t wait for the market to turn around. You can take practical steps now to put your best foot forward.
- First, ask yourself if you’re being realistic about your own leverage. Many job huggers are working with outdated assumptions—either underestimating their value or overestimating demand for their skills based on how the market looked a few years ago.
A simple way to determine this is to look closely at current job postings for roles you’d actually want. Patterns emerge quickly. You see which skills are repeatedly required and which ones you may need to strengthen to stay competitive.
- If your skills aren’t a good match for your target role, this is a good time to look into upskilling. Many employers offer training or reskilling opportunities, and there’s no shortage of free online courses and certifications to help close gaps. Manpower associates also have access to a broad catalog of online learning options to build in-demand skills.
- Feel like you’re a good match for your dream job? Make sure you’re visible in the digital world. In the age of AI, it’s crucial that your resume and LinkedIn profile are optimized. Here are some tips.
How to be a Strategic Job Hugger
You may want to jump ship right now, but resist. Not only is it a tough market out there, but gaps in employment aren’t a good look on your resume.
Instead, take advantage of opportunities at your current job while you have the chance. Many organizations provide access to learning platforms, tuition assistance, certification reimbursement, mentorship programs or even informal stretch opportunities that go unused. You may even discover a new career path within your organization.
Here’s an action plan for moving from passive awareness to intentional use.
Day 1-30
The goal in the first month isn’t to overhaul your career. It’s to create breathing room and direction.
- Do your job well. Stay reliable, meet deadlines and avoid unnecessary stress. Strong performance gives you time and flexibility.
- Get clear on your target. Decide what roles you’re interested in, what industries appeal to you, and what your must-haves and dealbreakers are.
- Reality check your skills. Look at current job postings for roles you want. Compare the skills they ask for with what you have today.
- Pick your top two gaps. Focus only on the most important skills you need to strengthen right now.
Helpful tip: Write this down in a simple one-page document that outlines your target role, key skills and a few examples of your work or results.
Days 31–60: Build Skills and Make Connections
Once you know where you’re headed, it’s time to start building proof.
- Choose one skill to develop. This could be a certification, course, new tool or stretch assignment.
- Create something you can show. A short case study, project summary or measurable result works better than just saying you learned something.
- Update your resume and LinkedIn. Focus on outcomes—what improved or changed because of your work.
- Start light networking. Aim for one or two informal conversations each week with people in roles or fields you’re curious about. These are learning conversations, not job asks.
Days 61–90: Explore Options and Apply with Purpose
By month three, the goal is to create choices, not pressure.
- Apply selectively. Focus on a smaller number of roles that truly fit, and tailor your resume for each one.
- Use your network. Referrals and connections can help your application stand out.
- Build a backup plan. Contract work, part-time roles or adjacent positions can reduce risk and increase confidence.
- Prepare for offers. Brush up on your interviewing skills. Know your salary range, non-negotiables and what would make you walk away before conversations begin.
A Final Thought — and a Next Step
Job hugging can be a smart move in an uncertain market. The key is making sure it’s helping you move forward, not holding you in place.
You don’t need to quit tomorrow — but you do need a plan.
Looking for support as you plan your next move?
Take the next step with confidence. Connect with a Manpower recruiter for career guidance and a window into how your skills mesh with the job market.
