As workplace trends shift in 2025, the viral notion of “quiet quitting” is giving way to a new phenomenon called job hugging, where employees hold tightly to their current roles instead of seeking new opportunities due to economic uncertainty and labor market caution. In a recent Entrepreneur feature, Chris Graham, executive vice president of workforce and community education at National University, explains that while job hugging can create short-term stability, it also carries the risk of career stagnation if workers remain too comfortable in roles that no longer challenge or fulfill them. In this evolving job landscape, consistent learning and professional growth remain key to long-term success.
Graham advises that employees who find themselves in job-hugging patterns actively pursue upskilling opportunities, such as certifications, training programs, and company-sponsored education, to stay relevant in a rapidly changing workplace. He also highlights the value of mentorship and cross-team collaboration for expanding skills and visibility within an organization. “Continuous learning helps employees reduce risk of displacement and gain confidence to pursue new opportunities created by workplace transformation,” Graham notes and reinforces how educational pathways designed for working adults support both workforce resilience and individual career momentum.
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Read the full Entrepreneur article on job hugging and career strategy here: Entrepreneur: Job-Hugging Is Replacing Quiet Quitting. Learn more about National University’s workforce education and lifelong learning mission at nu.edu.
