What is 'doomjobbing'? The career trend fuelling workplace anxiety

A few years ago, doomscrolling became the defining habit of our digital lives. We refreshed our social media feeds in search of updates, only to be left feeling more anxious than before. And now, a similar behaviour has made its way into our professional lives. Enter 'doomjobbing', the habit of endlessly browsing job listings, updating LinkedIn profiles, and opening recruitment emails without any real intention or plan to apply.

It is not that people suddenly want to quit their jobs every day. Rather, doomjobbing is driven by uncertainty. Layoffs have become a recurring headline, AI is reshaping industries at lightning speed, and economic instability has left many professionals wondering if their current role is truly secure. Looking at job listings offers a temporary sense of control, even if no application is ever sent.

Much like doomscrolling, however, the habit often leaves people feeling more overwhelmed than empowered.

Doomjobbing is less about finding the perfect role and more about managing workplace anxiety. Reports and studies state that many professionals browse jobs as a form of reassurance. Seeing opportunities online creates the comforting illusion that there is always a backup plan, especially during periods of organisational change or when work feels stagnant.

The rise of remote work has also fuelled the behaviour. Job opportunities are no longer limited by geography, meaning professionals have access to thousands of openings at any given moment. Recruitment platforms send personalised alerts, LinkedIn highlights new vacancies daily, and social media constantly pushes career success stories. It has become incredibly easy to compare your work life with someone else's highlight reel. As a result, many people find themselves checking job portals almost out of habit, even after a productive day at work.

Generational attitudes play a role too. Millennials and Gen Z are more willing than previous generations to change jobs in pursuit of better pay, flexibility, or purpose. That openness to career movement is positive, but it also means the search for "something better" can become never-ending.

There is nothing wrong with exploring career opportunities. In fact, keeping an eye on the market can help you understand salary trends, in-demand skills, and emerging roles. The problem begins when browsing becomes compulsive and leaves you feeling dissatisfied with your current position without offering a realistic path forward.

Instead of endlessly refreshing job boards, ask yourself what you actually want to change. Is it your salary, your manager, your workload, or your industry? A clear answer will make your search more intentional. Setting aside a dedicated hour each week for career planning rather than checking vacancies throughout the day can also help reduce unnecessary stress.

Today, work has become deeply tied to identity, while uncertainty has become part of everyday life. Browsing job listings may feel productive in the moment, but real career growth comes from making decisions rather than endless searching. The healthiest career move is not always finding the next opportunity but knowing when to stop scrolling and start planning.

Lead image: IMDb

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