Lazy season to change jobs

“Instead of looking for better opportunities, they try to endure boring winter jobs,” said John Mullinix, head of marketing at employment firm Ladders.

Trendjob cuffingThe term is synonymous with tying yourself to a job you don’t love, which is common among American workers during the winter. It’s similar to the concept of people being too lazy to get into new relationships during the colder months. They’ll look for a partner during the warmer months.

Workers are also choosing to “love the person they’re with” until spring for a variety of reasons including inflation, rising interest rates and economic risks, so hiring typically slows during the holiday season.

“They are less confident in finding new jobs. Many companies, especially in the technology and media sectors, are significantly reducing their workforce,” said Mr. Mullinix.

Joe Galvin, director of research at Vistage Worldwide, a workforce training firm, notes that employees often use year-end bonuses and paid time off to look for jobs in the spring.

“They’re stuck where they are and hoping for a better job market in the new year,” Galvin said.

Trendjob cuffingIt has many negative aspects but it also gives employees the opportunity to balance work and personal life during the holiday season.

Jamie, 40, a data entry clerk for a human resources firm, said she saved energy and time by being lazy about switching jobs.

“I work remotely so I don’t have to spend money on gas,” Jamie says. “I don’t want to go through training for a new job, and employers don’t pay much.”

Jamie's current job is what she describes as boring and repetitive, but comes with good benefits and a good salary. "Spring is when I'm looking for something new that fits my professional experience," she says.

The US job market is still facing inflation and rising interest rates, with employers adding 204,000 jobs each month from August to November 2023.