America’s paycheck pause: Why workers are choosing job security over raises

America’s workforce is navigating a new reality where stability outweighs ambition. Zety’s 2025 “Pay on Pause Report” shows 41% of employees haven’t received a raise in over two years, while 61% accept stagnant pay for job security. As companies tighten budgets and workers fear layoffs, career success is being redefined—measured less by raises and more by resilience.