While 37% of US employees are looking for a new job in 2024, only 28% believe there are more opportunities in their field than a year ago — down from 34% when asked a year ago, according to a survey by Express Employment Professionals.

Mixed feelings exist regarding the difficulty of landing a job, with 51% of job seekers deeming it easy and 49% considering it difficult. Still, 69% of job seekers believe it will take them six months or less to find a job, up from 62% in the previous survey.

The survey notes that while employed job seekers have been at their current company for an average of eight years, more than one-third are actively searching for a new job.

What is driving the searches for new jobs? Express’ survey found that 85% of job seekers had concerns about their current company. Top fears include not getting the salary increase/raise they deserve, 48%; changes in team structure, 29%; and risk of losing their job before finding a new one, 28%. Other fears include a slowdown in work opportunities because of the economy, never being promoted or the company reducing its workforce due to the economic climate.

“The good news for employers is quality talent is out there and ready to make a move if the circumstances are right,” Express Employment CEO Bill Stoller said in a press release. “While openings have decreased from their record high, it appears job seekers are still optimistic about securing positions in the next six months, hoping to connect them with the perfect opportunity.”

The online survey includes responses from 1,002 US adults. It was conducted from Nov. 9 to Nov. 26, 2023, by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals.