A career cold front

“Fear, uncertainty, and discomfort are
your compasses toward growth.” 
– Celestine Chua

On paper, the job market looks strong. In practice, many professionals feel stuck. With economic and political uncertainty casting a long shadow, employees are staying put—and employers are hesitating to hire. Worse, around 45% of companies anticipate layoffs in addition to indefinite hiring freezes.

The result? Career momentum has stalled for many, especially early- and mid-career talent.

An Advantage thought leader partner in career development, Christine DiDonato calls it The Big Freeze — a moment where job movement has slowed, and even high performers feel unsure of their next step. It’s not a lack of ambition—it’s a market that’s hit “pause.”

So what can talent leaders do? Help people make their own momentum. Encourage career ownership through upskilling, mentoring, and internal mobility. Career development can’t wait for stability—it’s what helps people feel empowered despite the uncertainty.

Start by asking: What does growth look like for my team today, even if no one’s leaving—or hiring?

Contact us or talk to your Advantage partner about AccelerateME career development program, which empowers your employees to take charge of their careers, keeps them engaged, and improves retention.

One great thing for 04.22.25 – AccelerateME – Empowered employee growth