In 2026, workers are clinging to their jobs for dear life. Rather than padding their resumes with different roles, Americans are increasingly “job hugging”—staying in jobs longer than they ordinarily would, even if they’re ready for a change.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the “quit rate” dropped to 2% in December 2025, compared with 3% during the “Great Resignation” of 2021. 34
In a report from the job board Monster, 75% of workers said they expect to stay in the same job for at least two more years. Almost half of respondents (48%) said they’re staying longer than they otherwise would for comfort, security, or stability.
