When the Job Market Stalls, It’s Time to Invest in Yourself
- Hillary HuffordTucker
- Jun 30
- 2 min read
The Glassdoor Employee Confidence Index tracks how optimistic employees feel about their company's and the broader economy's six-month outlook. In May 2025, that optimism hit a record low—only 44.1% of employees reported a positive outlook.
We’re a long way from the energy of the Great Resignation in 2022, when job seekers had leverage and opportunities felt abundant. In mid-2025, the U.S. quit rate dropped to 1.9%, the first time falling below 2% since June 2020. These numbers coincide with declining employee ratings of career opportunities and a growing sense of feeling "stuck" in current roles.
As a transitions coach, I help people turn uncertainty into progress. While hiring has slowed and some roles have disappeared, this is actually the right moment to refocus. When external opportunities stall, building skills and momentum gives you an edge over those stuck or waiting passively.
During these downtimes, you can get serious satisfaction in a focused project or learning goal, which can set you up for success when the market rebounds or get you noticed while things are still slow.
Three Steps to Stay Ready for What’s Next
1) Earn a Micro-Credential
Why it matters: Employers value relevant skills, even in a volatile job market. Completing a short-term course or certification in fields like data analytics, UX design, or digital marketing can set you apart and prepare you for when hiring opens up again.
How to do it: Platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and edX offer affordable, flexible options. Choose an industry-aligned course to boost your resume and confidence.
2) Freshen Your Personal Brand
Why it matters: An estimated 70% of career opportunities come from the hidden job market. Strong connections, a compelling LinkedIn profile, and a personal website can open doors even when jobs are scarce.
How to do it: Update your LinkedIn to highlight your value, post regularly on topics in your field, and engage with professional groups. A polished digital presence speaks volumes about your readiness. Spend time building relationships without an ‘ask.’ Strengthening connections when you don’t need anything makes requesting help much more natural later.
3) Explore a Passion Project
Why it matters: When things seem a bit bleak at work, diving into a project you’re passionate about builds skills while reigniting your enthusiasm. Whether launching a blog, creating art, or learning a new language, passion projects show versatility and drive.
How to do it: Dedicate a set weekly time to your project. Share your learnings or results on LinkedIn or in interviews to show growth outside traditional work environments.
I help clients assess their skills, clarify goals, and design learning plans. The market may be sluggish right now, but your progress doesn’t have to be. Small steps now lead to stronger positioning later.
Hillary Hufford-Tucker is the founder of Relevated Brands. Since 2019, she’s helped professionals grow visibility and relevance through distinctive resumes, LinkedIn profile optimization, and individualized personal brand plans. Hillary holds certifications in career coaching, transitions, digital strategy, and reinvention, along with an MA in strategic communications and a Level Two Award in Wine from WSET. Splitting time between Illinois and California, she’s a cyclist, author, traveler, and Syrah enthusiast, sometimes all at once.
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