Should you job hunt or job hug in 2026?
The start of the year is often a time to stop and reflect – on career, on personal goals and on life in general. You might feel inspired to search for a new role – especially if you’re one of the 12% of Kiwis SEEK research says are unhappy at work. SEEK research also shows that unhappy employees are now more than twice as likely as happy workers to frequently consider changing roles (87% vs 39%).
But is now a good time to change jobs? Does the current trend of ‘job hugging’ suggest it’s better to stay put? Here’s what our experts say about making the right career choice in 2026.
What is job hugging?
Job hugging means staying in a role for security, even if you’re unhappy or unfulfilled. It stems from the fear that it’ll be hard to land a new job, says Leah Lambart, Career Coach at Relaunch Me. According to SEEK’s latest Workplace Happiness Index, job security has climbed five spots in terms of how important it is for Australian workers’ happiness over the past 12 months.
“It’s the fear of the unknown,” Lambart says. “People might think you're better off staying where you are than potentially taking a new job and it not working out.”
The trend emerged from the economic uncertainty of early 2025, brought on by rising interest rates, says Kristine Tuazon, Founder of Good People HR.
"A few years ago, there were plenty of jobs available and fewer people looking for new roles. That meant less competition and offered the perfect opportunity for anyone wanting to start a job hunt,” explains Tuazon. “However, there’s always a point where it cycles and becomes an employer’s market, and we're in that shift now.”
“As we start to see more and more people competing for a limited number of jobs, workers are choosing to hold on to their current positions, or ‘job hugging’, rather than making a move."
Despite this, she’s now seeing the pressure ease and more roles become available, especially in industries like manufacturing, and expects this to continue into 2026.
Should you look for a new role?
If you’re wondering when’s a good time to start job hunting, there are a few questions you should ask yourself first, says Lambart. These include:
- Have you been in your current role more than two years?
- Are you still learning?
- What opportunities are there for growth in your workplace?
- Do you feel aligned to the values of your employer?
- Are you playing to your strengths and using your full potential?
If the answer to some of these is yes, perhaps it’s worth staying in your job a while longer, until you’re sure there’s nothing more it can offer you. And while money is often a part of why people choose to change roles, Lambart says it’s worth looking at the bigger picture.
“Keep in mind that, while money is important, other things are too,” she says. “If a role pays more but your values aren't aligned [with it] or it doesn’t use your strengths, then it might not solve all your problems.”
5 ways to prepare for the job hunt
If it’s time to start looking for a new role, there are things you can do to streamline the process and give you the best chances of finding, and landing, the job you want. Here’s what our experts say.
- Reflect on what you really want You’ll have more success if you're clear on what roles you’re looking for, says Lambart. That way, you can focus your applications on the jobs that truly fit you, which is especially important in a more crowded job market.
- Update your resumé. Add your recent accomplishments, certifications or other achievements and make multiple tailored versions if you’re applying for different positions or industries.
- Refresh your online profile. Update your SEEK profile with your updated resumé and employment history, making it easier for recruiters and hirers to find you.
- Tap into your network. Reach out to any peers, past employers or recruiters as part of your job search – or even just to get an up-to-date view of your industry, says Lambart.
- Practice your interview skills. It helps to be ready in case you do land an interview suddenly, says Lambart. Think about new examples or success stories you could use to demonstrate your knowledge and accomplishments.
Start searching and applying for roles when you feel ready – don’t feel like you have to delay it until after summer. There’s a misconception that there aren’t jobs available around the holidays, says Lambart, but this isn’t always the case.
“This time of year has always been a little quieter, but employers still have jobs to fill,” she says. “You might find there are fewer jobs out there, but there might also be less competition.”
Boost happiness in your current role
If you choose to stay in your current role, there are ways to improve your happiness at work. One is through ‘job crafting’, says Lambart. This is where you adapt your current role to better fit your needs.
Talk to your manager to uncover ways to get more satisfaction out of your role, whether that’s playing more to your strengths or aligning more with your interests, she suggests. If it’s more about workplace flexibility, check with management about tweaking your hours or work-from-home options.
Try to find new appreciation for the aspects of your role that you used to love, says Tuazon. “It might help reinvigorate you. While you're doing that, you can still look for a new role.”
Though 2026 is a tougher job market than we’ve seen in recent times, whether you job hunt or hug comes down to what is right for you. If you’re still quite new in your role, it might be worth staying put, to make sure you get the most from it before moving on. If you decide to job hunt, set your sights on a new role that better aligns with your goals and values. The most important thing is that you reflect on what’s best for your situation and shape your career with intention.
Research conducted by market research agency Nature on behalf of SEEK, between July and September 2025 via an online survey. Responses were gathered from more than 1,500 individuals currently in the workforce (either employed or looking for work), aged 18 to 64, and living in New Zealand.