What happened to the 'secure job'?

Bulgarian people are losing faith in long-term employment

The concept of 'secure job' has long been synonymous with stability, predictability, and career realization. But today's labor landscape is changing drastically – technologies, flexible forms of employment, economic upheavals, and cultural transformations are rethinking this concept. In a recently published our survey we asked the question:

“How is the idea of “secure job”?“, and the answers they outlined the growing sense of insecurity.

 

Survey results:

Answer	Percentage
It no longer exists	35%
Without flexibility, it is impossible	23%
It even sounds strange now	22%
It is a matter of internal attitudes	19%

Trend Analysis

1. The disappearance of the 'secure job' as a concept (35%)

The largest share of participants believe that secure job no longer exists. This reflects a deep distrust in long-term commitment from employers. Reasons may include:

• Frequent layoffs even in 'stable' companies;
• Automation and outsourcing;
• Frequent restructuring in corporations;
• Changing economic cycles and global crises.

2. The need for flexibility (23%)

Nearly a quarter of participants believe that without flexibility, security is impossible. This is a sign that today's professionals are not seeking permanence at all costs, but rather the ability to adapt their career path. It becomes important:

• Hybrid and remote work;
• The ability to retrain;
• Portfolio careers and freelance models.

3. Devaluation of the term (22%)

For many, the idea of 'secure job' even sounds strange now – a term that has lost its real value. This indicates a generational and cultural shift – from values like long-term commitment to autonomy, sense, and balance.

4. Individual attitude (19%)

The smallest share of participants believes that everything is a matter of internal attitudes. However, this answer should not be underestimated – it highlights the role of personal perception and mental resilience in today's work reality.

 

What conclusions can we draw and what follows for employees and employers?

For employees:

• Security is no longer an external guarantee, but an internal capability.
  The ability to retrain, develop new skills, and adapt is the new 'insurance'.
• Career planning = planning for flexibility.
  Instead of seeking one 'ideal' job, it is necessary to think in terms of diversification and resilience.

For employers:

• Security is built through trust, transparency, and development.
  Do not promise 'lifetime' jobs – offer an environment where employees feel valued and are developing.
• Flexibility is the new competitive advantage.
  Flexible work policies and support for personal growth will determine your success as an employer.

 

What is our conclusion:

In a world of dynamic changes, 'secure job' is no longer norm, but an illusion for many. But this does not mean that professional stability is impossible – it is simply achieved in a new way: through skills, networks, adaptability, and proactivity. Employers and employees need to rewrite the definition of professional security together to respond to realities of the 21st century.