This is part 1 of a 2 part series. Part 1 shows that there’s uncertainty in the market. Part 2 will speak of how to negotiate “final and no further discussions warranted” offers.
Recession indicators show up in trends
Sometimes, they show up in shopping carts, travel plans, and what’s trending on Instagram. And of course the LinkedIn Workplace Confidence Report tells us that the market is soft. Read the report
Across generations, people are noticing something different in 2025. A unique recession indicator emerges beyond Wall Street. Brothels in Europe and Nevada see declining revenue. The ‘stripper index’ reveals lower earnings in Las Vegas clubs. Online dating app subscriptions shift towards free options. Experts suggest these trends reflect economic anxiety. People are cutting back on discretionary spending. They are opting for cheaper entertainment. (Read more)
This may sound frivolous, but it’s not. Young Americans, especially Gen Z, are drinking less and prioritizing health, contributing to lower alcohol sales and making it harder for venues to profit. Rising costs for food, drinks, and transportation have made nights out prohibitively expensive for many, further reducing attendance. (Read more)
The internet is full of searches for #Y2Kfashion – check it out. Low rise jeans are the fashion statement. Wall Street Journal says that Gen Z views low rise jeans and baby tee-shirts as an early warning sign of a recession.
People behave differently when they feel uncertain
We postpone big expenses. Choose road trips over international vacations. Opt for practicality in fashion. Employers do the same. They slow down hiring, freeze increments, and make job offers feel more rigid.
In India, we’re seeing this too.
- Job offers are becoming more transactional. Budget constraints are cited as the biggest hiring challenge by 27% of employers. That changes the nature of the offers.
- Startups are holding back on expansion. Startup funding in India hit a 2025 low of $745 million in April, a sharp 34.65% decline from April 2024. (read more)
- Large purchases—from cars to weddings—are being delayed. Downsizing guest lists, canceling expensive events like receptions, and opting for smaller, more intimate gatherings are increasingly common.
But a slow market is not a stopped market. It’s a signal to move differently.
Here’s what to focus on when the economy feels unsure:
- Sharpen the skills that are still in demand
- Watch not just job listings but how industries are shifting
- Build your story around resilience, adaptability, and value creation
- Track sentiment, not just statistics
Every slowdown brings hidden opportunities. And those who learn to read early signals—without panic—can position themselves ahead of the curve.
What patterns are you noticing in your workplace or industry?
Let’s crowdsource the signals that matter.
#CareerStrategy #WorkplaceTrends #JobSearchIndia #EconomicSignals #GenZWorkforce #FutureOfWork #TalentWatch
Want to read
How to Negotiate a Job Offer in a Tight Job Market (go to part 2)
