Do Immigrants REALLY Need to Choose Between Survival and Thriving in 2025?

Are you a first- or second-generation immigrant navigating the challenges of building a career in today's unpredictable job market? With recent sweeping federal job cuts, the stakes are higher than ever. Should you settle for a survival job or hold out for a career that aligns with your passions and skills? It's a tough question that many immigrants are wrestling with, especially when economic uncertainty looms large.

This post is for you if you're striving for more than just a paycheck. We'll explore the pros and cons of pursuing a thriving career as an immigrant and share actionable insights to help you make informed choices about your future.

The broken shackles at the Statue of Liberty symbolize freedom and the journey toward opportunity.

The broken shackles at the Statue of Liberty symbolize freedom and the journey toward opportunity.

The Current Job Landscape: What’s Happening?

Recent federal job cuts have resulted in tens of thousands of workers being let go, with estimates suggesting that the total could eventually reach up to 300,000 jobs—potentially one of the largest layoffs in U.S. history. This surpasses notable historical layoffs, including IBM’s 60,000 cuts in 1993 and Citigroup's 50,000 in 2008.

These cuts have affected multiple sectors, including the Internal Revenue Service, National Park Service, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and departments like Agriculture, Education, and Health and Human Services. Economists suggest that while the national economic impact may be minimal, local economies, especially in Washington, D.C., are already feeling the effects and may face recession-like conditions.

It's important to note that as of the time of writing, residents and naturalized citizens are not being affected due to their immigration status. However, many communities of color are experiencing this period as one of increased vulnerability. The combination of large-scale job cuts and shifts in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies has created a climate of uncertainty and fear for many immigrant professionals. When livelihoods feel at risk, and DEI initiatives are under threat, it can feel like an attack on identity and belonging.

For immigrants, especially those aspiring to enter federal or government-adjacent roles, this climate adds another layer of complexity to career planning. Understanding the landscape is crucial to finding opportunities and avoiding setbacks.

Pros of Pursuing Thriving Careers

Courage is a choice, not just a reaction—an empowering reminder for immigrants facing tough career decisions

1. Personal Fulfillment: Thriving careers provide a sense of purpose and satisfaction. Doing work that aligns with your skills and passions isn't just good for your bank account—it's good for your soul.

2. Long-Term Security: Thriving careers often come with better wages, benefits, and job security, offering stability that survival jobs can't always match.

3. Economic Contribution: Immigrants in skilled positions significantly contribute to the economy, often boosting local wages and supporting broader economic growth.

4. Breaking Cycles of Disadvantage: Pursuing a thriving career can help break multigenerational cycles of poverty and trauma often associated with survival jobs.

5. Skill Utilization: Meaningful work allows immigrants to utilize their qualifications and experience—skills that are often undervalued in survival jobs.

   
   

Cons of Pursuing Thriving Careers

1. Immediate Financial Pressure: Survival jobs provide immediate income to meet basic needs. With so many job cuts, holding out for a dream job can feel riskier than ever.

2. Increased Scrutiny: The current political climate can make securing skilled positions more difficult, with increased scrutiny over business immigration petitions.

3. Time and Resource Investment: Transitioning into a thriving career while working a survival job is exhausting. It takes time, resources, and persistence.

4. Potential Policy Changes: Immigration and labor policies can change rapidly, affecting work authorization benefits and visa processes, adding uncertainty to long-term career plans.

5. Cultural and Systemic Barriers: Immigrants often face challenges like unrecognized credentials and lack of local experience, making career transitions more complex.

Every career journey starts with one bold step. Progress may be slow, but every move forward counts.

Finding the Balance: Key Considerations

Rather than seeing survival jobs and thriving careers as an either/or scenario, consider a balanced approach:

• Use Survival Jobs Strategically: In this volatile job market, survival jobs can provide essential income and valuable local work experience. They can be stepping stones to more meaningful work.

• Stay Connected to Networks: Join immigrant professional groups, attend workshops, and seek mentors. Networks can provide both emotional support and job leads.

• Build Skills Gradually: Take advantage of online courses, workshops, and local training programs to build skills that align with your long-term career goals.

• Stay Informed on Policy Changes: Understand how immigration policies and job market trends impact opportunities, and stay updated on potential reforms.

• Focus on Financial Planning: Set aside savings when possible and explore entrepreneurship opportunities. Financial literacy is key to stability and career growth.

  
  

Strategies for Moving Forward

1. Leverage Supportive Social Networks: Social connections can help navigate job markets, overcome language barriers, and find mentorship.

2. Utilize Government Programs: Look for local organizations offering resources like language classes, career counseling, and mental health services.

3. Invest in Financial Education: Building financial literacy can empower better decision-making for long-term security.

4. Advocate for Reform: Engage in advocacy for better immigrant work conditions and legal protections to build a more supportive environment for future career growth.

5. Gradual Career Advancement: Work toward certifications, licenses, or degrees that can improve job prospects while maintaining survival job security.

A reminder that every step forward is worth it—immigrants didn’t come this far to stop short of their full potential.

Balancing financial stability with career aspirations is challenging but achievable—even in today’s uncertain climate. By leveraging networks, utilizing available resources, and strategically planning for long-term goals, immigrants can move beyond survival jobs and into thriving careers. The journey may be hard, but the rewards—in terms of personal fulfillment, financial security, and breaking cycles of disadvantage—are worth it.

Remember, it's not just about finding a job. It's about building a life and a legacy in your new home.

Join Our Town Hall on March 23rd!

Want to dive deeper into strategies for moving beyond survival jobs? Join our virtual town hall on March 23rd, where we’ll explore real solutions for immigrants navigating today’s job market. This is your chance to ask questions, share experiences, and learn actionable steps for transitioning into a thriving career. Register Now

Want to learn how to strategically move beyond survival jobs? Book a consultation with AdnohrDocs today and let's chart a career path that aligns with your skills, passions, and long-term goals.

References

• U.S. Office of Personnel Management (2024)

• Associated Press Reports on Federal Layoffs (2025)

• Ritholtz Wealth Management Analysis (2025)

• Piper Sandler Research Note (2025)

• Capital Economics Estimates (2025)

• W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research Analysis (2025)