Nearly half of the US workers plan to look for a new role in the first half of 2023, according to a survey released today by Robert Half International Inc. (NYSE: RHI). The survey points to increased job optimism despite economic uncertainty.

The company‘s biannual Job Optimism Survey of more than 2,500 professionals in the US showed 46% of respondents are currently looking or planning to look for a new role, up from 41% six months ago.

“Noise around hiring freezes and layoffs at some companies hasn't seemed to faze workers — many are just as confident in their job prospects as they were six months ago,” said Paul McDonald, senior executive director of Robert Half. “The labor market remains tight, and professionals are curious about exploring new and more fulfilling career paths.”

According to the report, those most likely to make a career move in early 2023 are 18- to 25-year-olds (60%), human resources professionals (58%), employees who have been with their company for two to four years (55%) and working parents (53%)

The report found that increased demand for contract talent may be why nearly three in 10 professionals (29%) are considering quitting their job to pursue a full-time contracting career. For the fourth time in the job optimism survey, money ranked as the top motivator for making a career move.

The independent online survey was conducted from Oct. 17 to Nov. 7. It includes responses from more than 2,500 adult workers in finance, technology, marketing and creative, legal, administrative and customer support, human resources and other areas at companies with 20 or more employees in the US.