Recently, Korn Ferry consultants posed a question highlighting a rising trend in the workplace. They asked: “Have you observed any colleagues recently departing for new roles, or been approached to assist someone in finding a job elsewhere?”

Many respondents answered “no,” which Korn Ferry indicates as a concerning trend of “job hugging.” This occurs when employees cling tightly to their jobs out of fear of economic uncertainty, avoiding daring career moves.

“There’s considerable global uncertainty — economic, political,” stated Matt Bohn, an executive search consultant at Korn Ferry, in a CNBC-cited article. This uncertainty mirrors in slow hiring practices as well, with fewer employers onboarding new employees. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, hiring rates have hit their lowest in ten years.

This stagnation poses challenges for both workers and companies. Employees may experience reduced earnings due to fewer job shifts that typically come with pay increases. Meanwhile, employers face a drought in new ideas and perspectives.

On a recent episode of Entrepreneur’s podcast, “How Success Happens,” Kim Perell, a founder and investor, suggested, “If you’re not earning more and not learning, it’s time to move on.”

Her advice is clear: After three years in a job, if you’re not significantly increasing your income or acquiring new skills, you have a responsibility to yourself and your career to seek change.