Not so long ago, changing jobs felt a bit like changing outfits. If it didn’t fit anymore, you simply slipped into something new. Titles were upgraded, salaries were negotiated, and LinkedIn announcements flowed freely. But in 2026, that carefree job-hopping era is quietly packing its bags.
According to new LinkedIn research, Australians are officially entering the age of job hugging — staying put in roles they might not love, not because they’re thrilled, but because leaving feels risky. Comfort has become the new currency.
Only 51 per cent of Australians plan to look for a new job this year, down from 59 per cent just twelve months ago. And it’s not because everyone suddenly found their dream role. Nearly seven in ten Australians say finding a job has become harder, while a whopping 81 per cent admit they feel unprepared to job hunt in 2026. Translation? Even if you’re unhappy at work, the thought of updating your CV, facing interviews and competing with hundreds of applicants feels… exhausting.
If the post-pandemic Great Resignation was all about bold exits and main-character energy, job hugging is its quieter, more cautious cousin. The kind where you smile politely in meetings, collect your payslip, and tell yourself, “I’ll reassess later.”
Economic uncertainty is the biggest driver behind this mindset shift. Rising living costs, redundancies making headlines and a crowded job market have turned career moves into high-stakes decisions. For many Australians, stability now outweighs ambition — even if that stability comes with Sunday scaries.
But here’s where things get interesting. While Australians may be clinging to their jobs with one hand, many are quietly preparing with the other — and increasingly, that preparation involves AI.
Artificial intelligence is no longer just something employers are using behind the scenes. Job seekers are leaning into it too, with only 22 per cent saying they don’t plan to use AI in their job search at all. For the rest, it’s becoming a secret confidence booster. Half of Australians say AI tools would make them feel more prepared for interviews, while more than a third believe AI-led interviews would actually make them less nervous. For Gen Z, that number climbs even higher.
In a world where interviews can feel awkward, biased or unpredictable, AI offers something comforting: consistency. Nearly half of Australians believe AI interviews are becoming necessary to land a role, and 48 per cent see AI as a way to reduce bias and level the playing field. It’s less about replacing humans, and more about giving job seekers a sense of control in an otherwise overwhelming process.
LinkedIn Career Expert Brendan Wong describes this moment as a clear behavioural shift. After years of confidence-fuelled career moves, Australians are choosing caution — but that doesn’t mean they’ve given up on growth altogether. Instead, many are using AI tools to quietly upskill, practise interviews, polish profiles and explore opportunities without committing to a leap just yet.
And if you are thinking about making a move (even hypothetically), the data offers a glimpse into where demand is growing. Roles in AI engineering, risk management, organisational development and energy infrastructure are all climbing fast, reflecting Australia’s push towards digital transformation and sustainability. Mental health support is also on the rise, with psychotherapists making the list as workplaces continue to prioritise wellbeing post-pandemic.
The bigger takeaway? Job hugging isn’t about fear — it’s about timing. Australians aren’t disengaged; they’re cautious. They’re watching the market, building skills, and waiting for the right moment to move. And with AI increasingly acting as a safety net rather than a threat, that moment may feel a little less daunting when it finally arrives.
For now, many workers are holding their roles close — not forever, just until confidence catches up with opportunity.
