You’ve probably noticed the growing talk about rising unemployment. Maybe you’ve seen friends between jobs or felt that uneasy buzz in your own industry. The truth is, more people are out of work right now — but that doesn’t mean the economy is collapsing or that opportunity has disappeared. Let’s break down what’s actually happening, what’s likely ahead, and how you can stay centred and optimistic during uncertain times.
What’s Driving the Rise
According to recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), the national unemployment rate ticked up to 4.5% in Q3 2025, compared to 3.8% at the same time last year. On paper, that sounds worrying. But here’s what it really means. Economists call this a “cyclical adjustment” — a fancy way of saying the job market is cooling after running too hot. Over the past two years, we saw record hiring, wage pressure, and staff shortages. Now, as businesses refocus on productivity and cost control, hiring has slowed. In plain terms: employers are catching their breath, not cutting the air supply.
Busting the Biggest Myths
To stay grounded, it helps to separate fact from fiction. Let’s tackle a few common misconceptions.
Myth 1: “Unemployment equals economic decline.”
Not necessarily. A moderate lift in unemployment is often a sign the economy is rebalancing. It creates space for sustainable growth, not recession.
Myth 2: “No one’s hiring anymore.”
Actually, many sectors are still crying out for talent—particularly healthcare, education, transport, logistics and clean energy. These areas are resilient because they meet long-term national needs.
Myth 3: “Being unemployed means I’ve failed.”
Absolutely not. Unemployment is often a temporary state, not a personal flaw. The market has shifted—your skills can shift with it.
When we remove the emotional weight from these myths, we see a clearer picture: this isn’t about losing your worth, it’s about repositioning it.
What the Future Looks Like
Most forecasts suggest unemployment will stabilise around 4.6–4.8% by mid-2026 before trending slightly lower as inflation subsides and new industries expand. That includes growth in “green collar” roles (clean energy, circular economy), digital infrastructure, and care sectors. These fields all have one thing in common: they value adaptability over job titles. Investing in transferable skills — communication, digital fluency, problem-solving — will future-proof your career no matter where the market heads. If you’re interested in learning about the future of hiring, refer to my previous blogs which you might find helpful or please do reach out to me.
Staying Grounded and Productive
When you’re between roles, it’s easy to feel unanchored — like your days have lost their rhythm. The key is to rebuild that sense of purpose, even in small ways.
Here are a few steps that can help steady the ship:
- Start your mornings with intention. Whether it’s exercise, planning, or job searching, routine brings focus and calm.
- Keep learning. Spend an hour a day on micro-courses, webinars, or certifications — especially in growth industries. Consistency beats intensity.
- Stay connected. Reach out to old colleagues and mentors. Many opportunities still come from conversations, not job boards.
- Celebrate small wins. Finished a course? Nailed an interview? Updated your CV? Those moments count — track them.
- Explore new interests. I recently dove into astronomy — which, somehow, led me to astrology. Fun detour! Did you know the word “lunatic” comes from luna, Latin for moon? People once believed full moons could spark madness, have you ever noticed heightened emotions during a full moon? There’s something oddly poetic about how curiosity in one area can open unexpected doors in another. Maybe I’ll write more on this topic someday…..
Your Next Move
This moment of higher unemployment doesn’t have to be a story of setback — it can be one of recalibration. The future of work will reward curiosity, adaptability, and continuous learning more than ever before.. Use this time to refine what you know, explore what excites you, and invest in the skills the next economy will need. The data may look uncertain, but your next move isn’t about waiting for confidence to return — it’s about creating momentum yourself.
Every new beginning starts with a small, deliberate step forward.