A Gallup survey shows most U.S. workers think it’s a bad time to change jobs

Job market confidence has fallen 42 points since mid-2022, with college graduates and younger workers the most pessimistic

The American workforce is experiencing a historic crisis of confidence, according to a late 2025 Gallup survey of over 22,000 employees. The data reveal a dramatic shift in how workers perceive their stability, opportunities, and overall well-being.

A Historic Slump in Job Confidence

The most striking finding is the 42-point collapse in job market optimism. By the end of 2025, only 28% of workers viewed the quarter as a good time to find a quality job—a massive drop from the 70% recorded in mid-2022. This represents the steepest decline Gallup has documented in four years.

Key Engagement & Well-being Metrics

For the first time in Gallup’s tracking history, the workforce is "struggling" more than it is "thriving":

Well-being: 49% of workers are struggling, compared to 46% who are thriving.
Engagement: Active employee engagement has bottomed out at 31%, the lowest in a decade.
Job Searching: 51% of the workforce is currently looking for work or monitoring the market, yet 49% of active seekers describe the process as a negative experience.

Demographic Shifts: The "College Pessimism" Gap

Traditionally, degree holders have felt more secure in the job market, but that trend has reversed. Due to a multi-year hiring freeze in white-collar sectors like software and advertising, college-educated workers are now the most pessimistic group.

Demographic Group	Favorable View of Job Market
College Graduates	19%
No College Education	35%
Ages 18–34 (Gen Z/Millennials)	~20%
Ages 65+ (Baby Boomers)	41%

While Gen Z remains the most mobile—with 60% looking for new roles—Baby Boomers are the most settled, with 74% expressing no desire to leave their current employers.

The Golden Handcuffs: Pay and Benefits

Financial security is both the primary motivator for leaving and the biggest barrier to doing so.

The Incentive: 69% of people seeking new roles are doing so for better pay and benefits.
The Obstacle: Simultaneously, 69% of those who feel "stuck" say they cannot afford to leave because the risk of losing their current salary or benefits is too high.

Sector Spotlight: Federal Employees

The federal workforce saw the most significant decline in personal well-being. Their "thriving" rate plummeted by 12 points since 2022, landing at just 48% by late 2025.