The hidden crisis behind why 65 percent of workers feel trapped
In a rapidly changing job market, a recent report from Glassdoor reveals a significant trend: many workers are feeling frustrated and are ready to make a change. This sentiment is particularly pronounced among tech professionals, where nearly 75 percent of those surveyed expressed dissatisfaction with their current roles. As we move into 2025, employers may soon face a wave of resignations as employees seek more fulfilling opportunities.
Current employee sentiment
The October 2024 survey, which included responses from 3,390 employees, found that nearly 65 percent of participants felt stuck in their jobs. This feeling of stagnation has been growing, with overall employee satisfaction declining since 2022. Despite a seemingly resilient job market, many employees feel trapped due to a lack of viable job options.
According to Glassdoor’s senior economist, Daniel Zhao, people don’t feel like the job market is working for them right now. This disconnect between perception and reality may lead to a significant shift in employment patterns as workers begin to prioritize their well-being and job satisfaction over job security.
Job market dynamics
While many employees are eager to explore new opportunities, the current job market’s scarcity is forcing some to remain in their positions. However, Zhao predicts that as businesses revamp their hiring strategies for 2025, employees may soon find more job prospects. This potential shift could be influenced by various factors, including the recent presidential election, which may spur hiring in sectors such as transportation, logistics and oil and gas.
Changing employment patterns
The Glassdoor report highlights a notable trend: more employees are making lateral moves or even accepting pay cuts to find roles that better align with their career goals. In 2024, 17 percent of workers reported taking a pay cut when changing jobs, an increase from the previous year. This trend is particularly evident among management roles, where surviving layoffs often lead to increased responsibilities and burnout.
Zhao notes that many former managers are opting to return to individual contributor roles, citing stress and misalignment with their future aspirations as key reasons for this shift. This change reflects a broader reevaluation of career paths, with many workers prioritizing personal fulfillment over traditional notions of career advancement.
The rise of side hustles
As dissatisfaction with traditional employment grows, many workers are turning to side hustles to supplement their income. The Glassdoor survey found that nearly 40 percent of respondents have a side hustle, with 57 percent of Gen Z and 48 percent of millennials engaging in additional income streams. This trend towards entrepreneurship and self-employment is on the rise, with new business applications surging by 47 percent from 2019 to 2024.
Side hustles not only provide financial relief but also allow individuals to explore their passions and develop new skills outside of their primary jobs. This shift towards self-employment reflects a broader cultural change, as more people seek autonomy and flexibility in their work lives.
The findings from the Glassdoor report underscore a significant transformation in employee sentiment and job market dynamics. As workers increasingly prioritize job satisfaction and personal fulfillment, employers must adapt to these changing expectations. With a potential wave of resignations on the horizon, businesses will need to revamp their hiring strategies and create environments that foster employee engagement and satisfaction.
As we look ahead to 2025, the landscape of work is evolving. Employers who recognize and respond to these trends will be better positioned to attract and retain top talent in an increasingly competitive job market.
