WILL THE JOB MARKET PICK UP IN 2025?

The job market has been on quite a rollercoaster over the past few years. During the Great Reshuffle, it felt like jobs were everywhere, but now things are more competitive, and many people feel stuck. According to a LinkedIn survey, 43% of Americans say they’re in that boat, with fewer opportunities and rising competition making it tougher to land something new. The numbers back it up—there are now 2.5 applicants for every open job compared to 1.5 in 2022. While hiring is expected to pick up in 2025, it won’t be an overnight fix. Key industries like defense, energy, tech, and healthcare are set to grow, but others, like retail and government, will likely stay slow.

AI is also going to be a big deal in 2025. Right now, most companies are playing catch-up, with only 10% of executives saying they’re leading in AI adoption. But that’s starting to shift. Companies are realizing they can’t afford to sit on the sidelines anymore. As they double down on AI, we’ll start seeing real results—early adopters will show what’s possible, and everyone else will have to get on board or risk being left behind. This is where the workforce will need to stay sharp, learning how to work alongside these tools and turning them into an advantage.

On top of that, leadership is changing too. Millennials are moving into top roles, and they’re bringing a fresh perspective. They’re not just climbing the same old corporate ladders—these new leaders have more diverse experiences and place a higher value on soft skills. It’s a shift that reflects where work is headed: less about rigid career paths and more about transferable skills and adaptability. So, while the job market might feel challenging right now, there’s still plenty of opportunity for those willing to embrace change and stay ahead of the curve.