Since 2020, global labor markets have been on a relentless roller coaster. Pandemic lockdowns led to the sudden rise of remote work, which gave way to overhiring followed by economic downturns and the AI revolution — all with no chance to catch a breath. Mass layoffs and rising unemployment have only added uncertainty. Now, economists are warning about a looming economic recession in late 2025 or early 2026.
Companies across industries have already begun tightening budgets, many assisted by AI optimization. Now, for millions of professionals, the question is no longer how to advance their careers. Rather, it’s how to stay afloat.
In an attempt to understand how job seekers are adapting to this moment, I’ve discovered an interesting trend: Today, remote work has shifted from being a lifestyle choice to a survival strategy.
Remote Work as Job Security
People aren’t just switching jobs; they’re stacking them. More than half of remote-job-seekers told us they’re already employed or self-employed, but they’re still looking for additional work. Differentiating sources of income is a wise move in today’s uncertain economy, so it’s not surprising many professionals are building safety nets out of side contracts, freelance gigs or part-time roles.
What’s really striking is that 97 percent are willing to accept jobs below their qualifications. This statistic suggests that far fewer people are today driven by ambition than an attempt to find stability. Recalibrating their expectations and taking a low-skill job as a source of extra money doesn’t feel like a big loss. The most frequent searches today include data entry, administrative support and customer service roles. These positions all offer stability and flexibility.
So, remote work isn’t just another “Gen-Z trend.” Our data says otherwise. Nearly two-thirds of respondents have more than 10 years of experience, and 30 percent have more than 20 years. These are managers, engineers, consultants and analysts. They’re professionals who built careers long before remote work was mainstream. Their actions are driven by practical need, not some sudden whim.
Job Hunting Is a Full-Time Job
Job search itself has changed too. For one in three people, it became a full-time job itself: They spend three to four hours every day applying, networking and following up on leads. Another 39 percent of respondents devote one to two hours daily. People share that the process is grueling and often discouraging, especially because recruiters frequently ghost applicants.
AI’s Paradoxical Impact on the Job Market
With AI actively integrating work processes, one might assume that AI tools would equally dominate job hunting. Surprisingly, 71 percent of respondents said they still prefer a hands-on approach, manually searching, customizing resumes and writing applications themselves.
With headlines speaking of AI-driven layoffs, building trust in AI tools is quite hard for much of the workforce. Recruiters, however, tend to be less skeptical, using the technology for candidate screening and CV analysis. Over time, we expect job seekers will become more comfortable using AI to analyze market demand, identify opportunities aligned with their skills and goals and communicate their value more effectively.
What Job Seekers Can Do Now
So, what does all this mean for professionals navigating this evolving landscape? Based on our research and the conversations we have every day with job seekers, here are three practical strategies that can help.
3 Ways Workers Can Use Remote Work for Career Stability
- Reframe remote work as a long-term strategy.
- Diversify your income streams.
- Leverage AI selectively.
1. Reframe Remote Work as a Long-Term Strategy
Remote work is evolving and offers flexibility that adapts to various career journeys. Treat remote roles as a foundation for future stability.
2. Diversify Your Income Streams
Don’t rely on a single employer for financial security. “Modular” careers aren’t just for freelancers anymore. They’re a pragmatic way to maintain stability when markets fluctuate.
3. Leverage AI Selectively
Job hunting today isn’t about letting AI run your search. Instead, use it as a strategic companion. Tools that help tailor applications, analyze job descriptions or identify transferable skills can save valuable time while keeping your search human-centered.
Balance is the key, so try to lean on AI more for insights and less for shortcuts. Recruiters can spot a resume that’s been optimized to death but lacks a human touch. A winning strategy is to identify the major keywords of the vacancy and update your resume, without losing a personal voice.
Analytics is where AI is completely underused. First of all, it can help a job seeker see the hidden links between roles, like how an administrative assistant, event coordinator and project manager share a common skill set. This opens up more career paths than one might expect.
LinkedIn is another untapped goldmine. Today, an active profile is vital for both recruiters’ and ATS visibility, but it may be quite time-consuming. Here, AI can act as your social media sidekick at building a content plan, polishing posts and helping you share your expertise with the professional world.
The Human Side of the Data
Behind every percentage point in our survey is the story of a real person, and any one of us could be that person. By chasing remote roles, these people are searching for agency in a labor market that feels increasingly unstable and still in flux.
If there’s one message from our findings, it’s this: Companies can’t afford to leave people behind while blindly chasing efficiency. As automation and AI reshape processes, employers must focus on adaptation to help teams learn, evolve and find confidence in using new tools. Supporting workers through education, training and meaningful dialogue about AI is a long-term investment.
And for individuals, the best strategy is to make friends with AI — the sooner, the better. The professionals who learn to work with technology rather than fear it will be the ones shaping what comes next. Because in the end, the future of work isn’t just about AI, but about all of us learning how to thrive alongside it.
