The phenomenon of job hugging (the tendency to remain in a job despite a lack of interest or motivation) has emerged among some Indonesians. This choice is often made to survive in the face of persistent labor market uncertainty, the threat of mass layoffs, and mounting economic pressures.
A professor at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (Fisipol UGM), and labor observer, Tadjuddin Noer Effendi, explained that this phenomenon is not new but has long existed. A difficult labor market is one of the main factors causing people to stay in their jobs.
“Looking for new work carries high risks, so they tend to remain where they are,” said Professor Effendi on Wednesday (Sep. 17).
He added that financial security and stability are the most dominant reasons behind job hugging, even when work conditions fall short of expectations.
“It is like the saying, ‘better a bird in the hand than two in the bush,’” he remarked, likening today’s situation to the proverb.
“It is better to hold on to a current job than to take risks with uncertain prospects in the future,” he continued.
According to Professor Effendi, the labor market has been volatile over the past five years, with high unemployment, weak purchasing power, and a slowing economy.
These challenges have created a domino effect on the absorption of new workers, particularly fresh graduates.
“This is what drives unemployment to reach 7.4 percent, the highest in Southeast Asia. The majority of the unemployed are job seekers aged 15 to 24,” he noted.
A common shortcut, he added, is to take on additional work while keeping a primary job. This option is considered less risky than leaving a secure job to pursue uncertain new opportunities.
“People are choosing to boost their income through side jobs such as freelancing or small businesses,” Professor Effendi concluded.
Author: Jelita Agustine
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya
Illustration: Freepik