Ninety-three percent of workers say they would leave their jobs if money weren’t a factor — a striking sign of widespread dissatisfaction, according to the FlexJobs 2025 Financial Pulse Report. The data shows a workforce increasingly anxious about job security, financially strained, and unwilling to give up well-being for higher pay.
Layoff Anxiety Is Increasing
More than a quarter of workers (26%) feel more concerned about losing their jobs than they did six months ago, and another 23% say their anxiety hasn’t changed.
Even with rising uncertainty, many believe they could rebound: 70% feel at least somewhat confident they could earn income on their own, and 67% think they could find a new job within three months.
Most Employees Would Leave Their Jobs if Money Weren’t a Barrier
Job dissatisfaction remains widespread. If finances were not a factor, 93% of workers say they would walk away from their current roles.
Their top alternate paths include switching industries (19%), starting a business (19%), or pursuing creative work full-time (19%). Financial strain still influences choices, with 41% frequently considering a job change for better pay.
Six-Figure Pay Becoming the Marker of Success
Workers now associate financial security with salaries above $100,000. Sixty-four percent define success at more than $101,000, even though only a minority of U.S. adults earn that level. Inflation, housing costs, and debt appear to be driving this.
Financial Stress Is Reshaping Job Searches
Money pressures are weighing on nearly every job decision.
Key sources of stress include bills and debt (78%), inflation (64%), housing costs (63%), and limited savings (56%). These strains are pushing many to weigh pay, stability, and long-term security simultaneously.
Well-Being Still Outweighs a Bigger Paycheck
Despite financial pressure, most professionals prioritize balance over money. Sixty-five percent say they would turn down a higher-paying role if it lacked flexibility or well-being support, signaling continued demand for sustainable work environments.
