A recent Federal Reserve Bank of New York survey reveals that many people expect to lose their jobs within the next four months. The survey, conducted since 2014, shows that 4.4% of respondents anticipate unemployment soon. However, more people expect to receive job offers or switch employers, indicating increased job market turnover. 

The share of those who believe they’ll move to a new employer has risen to 11.6%, and the rate of transitioning to a different employer reached a record 7.1%.

Despite this uncertainty, workers are holding onto high wage expectations. The average “reservation wage”—the lowest salary someone would accept for a new job—remains over $81,000, a significant increase from $61,000 in March 2020. While pay demands from women have risen faster, men still expect higher salaries, averaging $94,500 compared to women’s $66,400.

The survey also indicates growing dissatisfaction among workers with their current jobs, particularly concerning wages, benefits, and promotion opportunities. This dissatisfaction is more pronounced among women, individuals without a college degree, and those with household incomes below $60,000.

Additionally, more workers are expecting to work longer before retiring. The percentage of people likely to work beyond age 62 has increased to 48.3%, suggesting that inflation and economic uncertainty may be causing some to reconsider early retirement despite rising stock markets and housing prices.