2025 Job Market Exposed: The Truth They Don’t Want You to Know

Power Plays & Career Insights from The Job Chick - No BS Version

Ok, can we just start with the FORECASTED Full Time Employment levels for 2025. This is absolutely terrifying. Stay with me on this - and don't shy away from these scary stats - because you can learn how to find success in a dismal job market. 👇👇👇

The forecasted drop in full-time employment to 133.7 million by the end of this quarter is a cary one for the U.S. labor market. Now a lot of that will be attributed to part time seasonal hiring, but still, as hiring continues to cool and layoffs increase in certain sectors as they always do in January, I get people asking me - Is this the time to make a career leap—or stay put? Also- what is happening with inflation and the labor market? I dive into that here. READ after you finish this article.

Let’s talk about why quitting your job right now WITHOUT ANOTHER LINED UP might not be the power move you think it is (because we have all seen the headlines), and how you can position yourself to weather this shifting landscape.

The fallout on jobs and unemployment is real.

Harvard Business Review tells us: The so-called war for talent is still raging. But in that fight employers continue to rely on the same hiring and retention strategies they’ve been using for decades, even though those approaches aren’t working: People may be enticed to stay a bit longer than they otherwise would have, but they still leave.

WANT the REAL, REAL from The Job Chick? I'm on X and I deliver it straight... if you are strong enough to handle the truth.

The Rising Quit Rate

Over the past few years, the “Great Resignation” inspired millions to leave roles in search of greener pastures. And while some media paints the concept of the "Great Stay", more are starting to quit unexpectedly due to RTO mandates and bad management. As full-time employment shows signs of contraction, the stakes are higher. Jumping ship without a clear strategy is BAD, especially with the words inflation, recession and depression popping into view.

Here’s why:

• The competition is fierce. With fewer roles available, every open position attracts top-tier talent. Employers have the upper hand and are being selective.

• Economic uncertainty. Industries like logistics, tech, and manufacturing are seeing turbulence, and some of the fastest-growing sectors are increasingly relying on temporary or gig-based roles—not the stable, full-time jobs many of us rely on.

The Jobless Claims Reality

At first glance, December’s labor market data looks fabulous—an 8-month low, with initial jobless claims dropping to 211,000. Headlines are buzzing with optimism, declaring the labor market resilient and strong.

California and Texas led the declines, while Michigan saw a notable rise

But here’s The Job Chick reality check: December is a historical outlier, and its rosy data can be misleading.

So, Amanda, what really happens in December?

December’s labor market metrics are shaped by seasonal trends, not necessarily by underlying economic strength. Retail, logistics, and hospitality sectors hire en masse to meet holiday demand, artificially boosting employment figures.

Layoffs, meanwhile, tend to pause as companies avoid disruptive staffing changes during the holidays and delay restructuring until the new year.

Once the calendar flips to January (Happy 2025 everyone!), those seasonal dynamics vanish.

• Temporary holiday hires are let go.

• Companies implement layoffs deferred from December.

Hiring activity often slows, leaving many job seekers competing for fewer openings. Want to know WHY you aren't getting interviews -- here's why.

The 4-week moving average from December might paint a picture of stability, but by mid-January, that façade typically crumbles.

If you really want to understand jobless claims, know this: January tells the real story. The seasonal employment spike fades, and the reality of company restructurings comes into view.

The Job Chick's Advice for the Job Search in 2025

Instead of falling into the quits category or finding yourself in long term unemployment, or worse yet, the stats showing how low FULL TIME employment will be in 2025, here’s what you can do to protect your career and stay ahead of the curve.

1. Audit Your Current Role.

Sounds like a job right? It should be something you look at all the time and not just when you have a S#!% day at work. Before considering a move, evaluate your current job. Does it offer opportunities to upskill, take on new projects, or align with your long-term goals? Often, the best growth opportunities are right where you are. More and more companies are also trying to retain their staff, which sounds a bit pie in the sky with all the layoffs news right... but it is true. When they can, keeping talent and knowledge is WAY better for them.

Also, know what is happening where you are looking for a job. Before starting your job search, check your state’s and metro area’s unemployment rates. Areas with lower rates (lighter blue) might mean more competition for jobs, while higher rates (darker blue) could mean fewer opportunities. Understanding local market trends helps you plan smarter.

2. Become Indispensable.

Employers are prioritizing value. Now’s the time to showcase your impact: take ownership of projects, bring innovative solutions to the table, and make yourself someone the company can’t afford to lose.

You can always set up a meeting with your manager and talk to them about what you want to achieve. Are you seeking growth opportunities, new projects, or better alignment with your career goals? Jot down specific examples of what you’ve accomplished and how you’ve contributed to the team. This will help you frame the conversation as constructive and forward-thinking. Even if it ends up just being a 'keep me in mind for more' - this can help your chances when it comes down to layoffs and managers having to decide who stays and who goes.

3. ALWAYS Network with Career Goals in Mind

Always be open to opportunities. Network like you are looking to hit your career goals. Most people wait until they’re job hunting to reach out. Don’t be that person. Seriously- DON'T. Countless executive recruiters and headhunters will say the same thing- if you are not prepared before- your job search will be longer for NO reason at all. Visibility equals opportunity.

4. Keep Your Resume Ready & LinkedIn

I would say 99% of the job search candidates I work with have a 5+ yr old resume and don't even have their LinkedIn profile filled out. There are literally recruiters that only bring you in for an interview based on your LinkedIn profile- so why are you making this harder on yourself and losing out on fab jobs? Even if you’re not actively job hunting, having an optimized, results-driven resume (I don't mean crappy ChatGPT / AI written resumes - those are like nails in the coffin.) ensures you’re ready for any unexpected opportunities—or layoffs. Update it every month. Oh, and if you want my advice- every week before you shut up shop on Friday- write down the cool things you did each week. Small projects, results, anything metrics-- you will forget those later and they will come in handy when you need to update your resume every month, and also on #2 above...

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5. Tap Into Workforce Intelligence Mapping.

This is where The Job Chick difference comes in. My Workforce Intelligence Mapping service gives you a 360° view of companies so you know exactly what you’re walking into—or walking away from.

No one has time to waste on dead-end applications or chaotic work environments. With this personalized service, you’ll get a 360° insider’s view of potential employers:

• Leadership stability and boardroom dynamics

• Company earnings, layoff patterns, and hiring trends

• High turnover or toxic cultures you’d rather avoid

• Insights on workforce churn, from senior execs to entry-level roles

I dig and uncover the facts that job postings and Glassdoor reviews won’t tell you. From the hidden red flags to the opportunities you’d otherwise miss, Workforce Intelligence Mapping ensures you’re making decisions with confidence -- not hope.

This isn’t just about avoiding the wrong job either, it’s about finding the right one.

My clients have reported up to a 50% increase in interview requests after using Workforce Intelligence Mapping. Why? Because you’re not just applying—you’re approaching the right people, armed with targeted insights that set you apart. Ready to really get serious about your job search? Let's talk.

The Hidden Secret Most Miss

Here’s something most people don’t realize: stability breeds opportunity. Employers value loyalty now more than ever. It's going back to the 1950s 3rd industrial age, and I'm not gonna lie - I'm loving seeing this. Employees who demonstrate resilience during tough times are often rewarded when things improve. Play the long game.

That said, don’t stay in a role where you’re undervalued or at risk. The key is balance—know when to hold ’em, and when to fold ’em.

Focus on strengthening your current position, building your professional network, and gaining clarity on potential opportunities.

Keep up with me on X for the REAL REAL on what’s happening in the job market and how I can help you get ahead in your career. Don’t just read the headlines—know the story behind them.

6-8% Unemployment? It's a real outlook. Bankruptcies are surging.

Layoffs are rampant. Companies are doubling down on automation. “The stakes are high” - Sundar Pichai.

If you’re job hunting, it’s not just about getting hired—it’s about choosing the right company. Here's the breakdown of what is happening and what you need to look out for.

Amanda Goodall

Founder of The Job Chick | Workforce Intelligence Mapping Expert

Helping you turn career uncertainty into opportunity.

What’s your take on the labor market right now? Are you staying put, or considering a move? Let’s discuss!