The latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that the national quit rate in the U.S. was 2.1 percent in October 2024, which was the same rate in January 2024. But, that could increase in 2025.

Why It Matters

While not as high as the peak of the Great Resignation in 2021 and 2022 when quit rates soared to 3.0 percent in some months, this stability indicates a consistent job market where millions of workers still feel confident enough to leave their positions. According to the 2025 Salary Guide from Robert Half, 63 percent of hiring managers “expect voluntary turnover to increase or stay the same through 2025.”

What to Know

The national quit rate in the U.S. has held steady at 2.1 percent, with the latest data from October the same as data from January. The period has been characterized as the Great Stay, in stark contrast to the Great Resignation.

During the Great Resignation, the quit rate surged to 3.0 percent some months as millions of workers left their jobs in pursuit of better opportunities, driven by dissatisfaction and desire for better work-life balance.

In contrast, 2024 has experienced a more stable job market, with workers being less inclined to leave their current positions compared to the Great Resignation period.

Brian Marks, executive director of the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program at the University of New Haven, told Newsweek the U.S. economy significantly transformed since COVID and the Great Resignation. Challenging conditions highlighted the resilience of businesses and labor, leading to change and innovation.

“Part of the transformation was work from home as well as opportunities for new employment at higher wages,” said Marks.

That desire for change remains, and people are still expected to explore new job opportunities in 2025. A recent survey by ResumeTemplates.com states six in 10 workers are planning to look for new jobs in 2025, and one in three people “will quit even if they don’t have another job lined up.”

Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor at the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek the steep increase in the cost of living impacted many Americans, but the mentality of employees has been forever changed by the pandemic and the Great Resignation. The flexibility offered by employers during the pandemic allowed employees to interweave their personal and professional lives, with personal aspects often taking priority.

As Beene explains, “The result is a workforce now that is more willing to make decisions based on their perception of their own needs outside the office and not just the paycheck they’re receiving.” While increased costs are slowing this trend in some areas, “it’s still mostly an employee’s market.”

What Experts Are Saying

Beene told Newsweek: “Simply put, you have a sizable segment of workers who went either fully or partially remote during the pandemic and have decided they don’t want to give that up going forward. This can certainly put some employers who are unwilling to negotiate on offering a more flexible schedule, as employees may choose the full or partial remote option, even if the pay is less.

To be fair, those who view remote work as a pandemic era luxury that should be phased out fail to consider the benefits to the well-being and financial stability of the employees who can utilize it. Remote work can save time and money in terms of daily commute, as well as have a profound effect on families who struggle with access to consistent childcare.

For some, those benefits alone are worth quitting a current and even more financially lucrative job to attain one with remote work as an option.”

Marks told Newsweek: “2025, at least as we enter into the new year, is a year of uncertainty, given the new administration’s stances are yet to be solidified and the implications of such policies are yet to be determined. Thus, I would expect quit rates to remain stable or decline, at least for some period.”

What Happens Next

Beene is optimistic about the labor market in 2025 and anticipates another strong year coupled with continued cooling of inflation. If this happens, he thinks, “you could see employees even more motivated to leave their current roles and seek positions at places that offer better pay and flexibility.”

Here are some steps to consider before you quit your current job:

Don’t quit first: Beene advises having another job opportunity lined up before quitting. Despite low unemployment rates and plenty of openings, he notes some sectors have seen job cuts, particularly in higher-paying middle-management roles. “You don’t want to assume you’ll easily find another role the day after handing in your resignation.”

Save your money: As Beene also notes, “I know too many horror stories of former students who racked up significant debt while out work and spent years having to pay it down while handling current expenses.” To avoid this, save at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses to support yourself during the transition period.

Plan ahead: Marks advises caution for the first part of 2025 and thinks it would be wise to delay any major decisions due to many uncertainties. He notes that “if you must quit, prepare for the various contingencies. The grass may or may not be greener on the other side, but preparation and resiliency will go a long way.”