As a staffing firm that specializes in marketing, creative, digital, and design, we’re talking to many marketers every single week and one thing is clear: this is a challenging job market. I was excited to read Content Marketing Institute’s new “2025 Career Outlook for Content and Marketing Professionals.” This survey of more than 700 marketers provided helpful insights that are driving careers as we head into 2025. Four years after the Great Disruption (a.k.a. global pandemic), marketing careers remain unstable, with one in three marketers experiencing layoffs. Despite the layoffs, most marketers find new jobs within six months, though the process can be slow. Let’s explore 5 more key takeaways from CMI’s report.
AI is Changing the Way We Work (But Not Taking Over Just Yet!)
While AI is certainly making waves for the world of marketing , it hasn’t yet led to the massive job losses many feared. Only 3% of marketers reported that AI tools replaced employees, though 23% said they’ve had to adapt their roles to work with AI. Instead of eliminating jobs, AI is helping teams work more efficiently, especially with smaller teams. Even though AI is making things easier, some marketers are still cautious about how much of an impact it might have in the long run.
Beware of “Phantom Jobs”
One of the more frustrating trends in the job market is the rise of “phantom jobs.” These are positions that seem open but aren’t actually being filled. Companies post them to meet internal requirements or gather information on potential candidates, leading to confusion for job seekers. If you’ve ever applied for a job that went nowhere, you’re not alone! This growing trend has left many marketers feeling like they’re chasing ghosts in their job search, adding to the stress of finding new roles.
People Love Their Jobs—But Are Still Open to New Opportunities
Even though the job market has been a bit rocky, the good news is that most marketers are still pretty happy in their jobs. In fact, 76% of marketers say they’re satisfied with their current job. That said, a lot of people are still keeping an eye out for new opportunities, with over 35% considering a career move. Interestingly, fewer than half would choose marketing as their career if they had to do it all over again, which suggests that while people enjoy their jobs, they’re also feeling the pressure of the industry’s fast-changing demands.
Remote Work is a Must for Most Marketers
The desire to work remotely or in a hybrid setting isn’t going away anytime soon. Only 16% of marketers work full-time in the office, with the majority working from home at least part-time. And here’s the kicker: 68% of those who work remotely or hybrid said they’d consider leaving their job if they were forced to return to the office full-time. This sentiment is even stronger among women, with 55% saying they’d quit if required to be in the office every day. Employers who want to keep their teams happy will need to offer flexibility with remote work.
Freelancing is a Great Way to Boost Income
Freelancing has become a fantastic way for marketers to earn extra cash. About 22% of full-time marketers take on freelance gigs, making an average of $8,250 per year. Writing, content strategy, and editing are some of the most popular services they offer. For most, freelancing is a way to supplement their income, but some also see it as a fun side project. Interestingly, women are 50% more likely than men to freelance on the side, making it a great option for those looking to diversify their income streams.
These points highlight how marketing careers are evolving in 2025. With AI, remote work, and freelancing growing more central to our industry, marketers are finding new ways to stay competitive and enjoy their work. Staying flexible and open to change will be key for those looking to thrive in this fast-moving field.
If you’re seeking that next chapter in your career, align yourself with an experienced and specialized marketing recruiter, like our team at Elevation Talent Group. Whether you’re seeking temporary/contract/freelance opportunities or direct hire placement, we want your job search to be positive and inspiring. Let’s start a conversation!
