New survey shows rising anxiety across U.S. workforce as federal cuts and economic disruptions challenge labor stability.

By yourNEWS Media Newsroom

A recent Newsweek report reveals that 81 percent of Americans fear losing their jobs in 2025, as economic instability driven by sweeping trade policies and federal downsizing reshape the national labor landscape. The data, drawn from The Great Stay: 2025 State of the Labor Market report by My Perfect Resume, comes as the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) continues mass terminations of federal workers and President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs alter global commerce.

The My Perfect Resume survey, conducted on December 22, polled 1,115 U.S. workers and found that 76 percent believe layoffs will increase this summer, while 92 percent expect a recession to hit. The economic uncertainty has left even secure professionals hesitant to make career moves.

“Layoffs are still happening — in an unpredictably regular fashion since the start of the year,” Patrice Williams Lindo, CEO of Career Noma, told Newsweek. “The economy feels unpredictable. Tariffs are shifting. The news cycle is nonstop. Workers are tired of being caught off guard, and the anxiety is palpable.”

Lindo said the fear extends beyond job loss itself. “It’s not just fear of job loss. It’s fear of being forgotten, left behind, or forced to start over without a safety-net income, financial security, health insurance — just to name a few.”

Since the start of the DOGE-led workforce reduction, spearheaded by Elon Musk, over 56,000 federal workers have been laid off, an additional 75,000 have taken buyouts, and another 146,000 job cuts are planned. The New York Times reported that these displaced workers are flooding an already strained labor market, with stiff competition expected for comparable roles in the private sector.

Adriana L. Cowdin, entrepreneur and coach at Be Bold Executive Coaching, said the psychological toll of the cuts is far-reaching. “This period in time is uniquely destabilizing,” she said. “Even traditionally safe institutions — like the federal government — are sending signals that nothing is guaranteed.”

Cowdin added, “I’ve seen how political and economic shifts shape job security perceptions — whether it was the dot-com crash in 2000, the ripple effects of 9/11, the 2008 financial collapse, or the COVID disruptions. When that sense of predictability vanishes, people naturally start to wonder: If I can’t count on the market, the government or long-tenured companies to stay steady, what can I count on?”

In a separate interview with Newsweek, Amanda Goodall, founder of The Job Chick, warned that many federal workers transitioning to the private sector may find their roles and compensation expectations out of sync.

“Is the job market going to be tough for federal workers? You bet it is,” she said. “What may be a director in the federal world is a manager in many private sectors. I have spoken to dozens of federal workers that assume because they were manager or director in their federal role, they will be able to land a VP position, no sweat. Unfortunately, that is not how it works. So we have a big disconnect on roles, titles and the salaries that go along with them.”

With summer approaching and more layoffs looming, millions of displaced professionals may be forced to forgo vacations in favor of navigating a fierce employment landscape. As workers brace for continued uncertainty, career experts suggest retraining, reskilling, and adopting flexible expectations to survive the current transition period.