Lately, I’ve had the same conversation multiple times a week. “I’m not happy in my role… should I stay put?” It’s a totally valid question. The economic mood is uncertain. Redundancies are still happening across sectors. And the media isn’t exactly serving up optimism. Just last week, Business Insider declared that changing jobs in 2025 is “riskier than it used to be,” with global instability, recession fears, and tariff talk dominating headlines. But let’s zoom out and take a look at what’s really going on here in Australia and what it actually means for your career decisions.

The Market Has Shifted But Not Collapsed

Yes, the data points to a slowdown. According to the ABS, job mobility dropped to 8.5% in 2024, down from 9.5% the year prior. It’s the sharpest decline since the GFC. Job vacancies have declined by 17% since the 2022 peak and hiring activity is more cautious, particularly in corporate services. But here’s the nuance: This isn’t a crash it’s a correction. After a frenetic, overheated job market in 2021–2022 (remember when everyone had three offers and recruiters were begging for coffees?), we’re now seeing a return to normalcy. Employers have become more selective. Budgets are tighter. Risk appetite has shrunk. That doesn’t mean there’s no opportunity. It means you need to be more intentional in how you pursue it.

When “Staying Put” Feels Safer But Isn’t

I’ve seen this pattern before. When the market gets spooked, people hunker down. They tell themselves it’s smarter to just ride it out. And sometimes, that’s true. But often, it’s fear in disguise. If you’re bored, burnt out, or boxed in staying put might feel safe, but it can also stall your development. You stop growing. You stop being visible. And the longer you stay in the wrong role, the harder it becomes to tell a compelling story when you're ready to leave. Security and stagnation are not the same thing.

So Is Now a Bad Time to Change Jobs?

Here’s my take: It’s the wrong time to change jobs without a plan. Gone are the days of “I’ll just see what’s out there.” This market doesn’t reward vague. It’s the right time to move if you’re clear on what you want and what you bring. You don’t need to settle. You just need to sharpen your value proposition and align with the right opportunities. This is a strategic market. It’s not for window shoppers. It’s for people who know why they’re moving and how to navigate that move with purpose.

A Few Things That Still Ring True:

Great companies are still hiring. Especially for business critical roles in HR, transformation, operations, and workforce planning. Candidates who are emotionally intelligent, commercially sharp, and change ready are still in demand. Even in a tighter market, great talent cuts through. Career timing is rarely perfect. Don’t let headlines make your decisions for you. Let your values, your goals, and your gut guide you with a little help from someone who understands the market.