#United States #Oklahoma City #Job Security #Employment Trends #Economic Uncertainty

Job Security in Crisis

As the specter of recession looms larger, U.S. job seekers face a reality where job security is increasingly perceived as a thing of the past. According to a recent survey conducted by Express Employment Professionals and Harris Poll, a striking 73% of respondents affirm that no job is secure, regardless of an employee's performance. This trend signals a significant shift in how Americans view their careers, with many feeling a diminished sense of stability compared to previous times.

Shift in Perceptions and Behaviors

The survey revealed that 67% of current job seekers previously felt stable in their jobs; however, uncertainty now prevails. Young professionals, particularly those in Generation Z, are feeling the pressure most keenly, with 33% of them strongly agreeing that their job security feels compromised, contrasting with 22% of millennials and Gen X.

Interestingly, while only 50% predict a recession within the next year, 24% anticipate it could happen as soon as six months. Alarmingly, about 9% believe that the recession is already here. These fears are reshaping job search strategies, with 74% of participants expressing anxiety over their ability to secure employment amidst potential economic downturns. Notably, those earning under $50,000 are feeling this fear more acutely, with 82% expressing concern.

Changing Job Search Strategies

Many job seekers are adapting their approaches due to these economic uncertainties. A notable 65% indicate that their willingness to negotiate terms such as salary and benefits has decreased out of fear of a recession. The survey shows a significant pivot in strategy among candidates: 38% are open to roles in different work environments, 31% are applying outside their target industries, and 27% are even pursuing jobs they are overqualified for. Furthermore, 23% are willing to relocate for a job, and 21% express readiness to accept lower salaries than they would have before.

Additionally, 65% of job seekers feel that pursuing freelance or contract work could provide better control over their future compared to traditional full-time positions.

Confidence in Employers

Despite the pervasive uncertainty, most employed job seekers maintain a level of confidence in their current employers. The survey found that 73% trust their company can provide short-term job security, while 69% are optimistic about long-term stability. However, a majority—74%—believe that government policy changes hold more sway over job security than decisions made by corporate executives.

Bob Funk Jr., CEO of Express Employment International, underscores the importance of adaptability during these challenging times. He encourages job seekers to enhance their skills and remain open to new possibilities, even those that might lie outside their conventional career paths. “The most successful candidates aren’t merely searching for jobs; they are fortifying their resilience against whatever comes next,” he stated.

Methodology and Insights

The Job Seeker Report was conducted online in June 2025 by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals, reaching 1,000 adults aged 18 and older across the United States. This data highlights not just a momentary concern but a fundamental shift in the employment landscape, prompting a reevaluation of strategies and expectations by job seekers everywhere.

As we navigate through these uncharted waters, maintaining a proactive and adaptable mindset could be the key to securing not only employment but a satisfying and stable career.