Ever feel like the 2025 economy is playing a game of “what’s gonna happen next?” One minute it’s up, the next it’s shaky, and meanwhile — you still have a business to run, customers to serve, and people to hire.
Good news: JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon has a few thoughts on what’s really going on out there in the 2025 economy, and they’re worth paying attention to. While the headlines are all over the place, Dimon’s advice is refreshingly straightforward — keep investing in your people, stay flexible, and hire smart.
Let’s break down what he’s saying and how you can stay ahead without hiring headaches, even if inflation and interest rates keep acting like they’ve had too much coffee.
Jamie Dimon’s Take: Inflation, Rates, and Spending — Oh My
Dimon isn’t sugarcoating it — the economy’s in a weird spot. Inflation’s sticking around longer than anyone hoped, interest rates could creep up even more, and while people are still spending money, it’s mostly on credit cards and what’s left in their savings accounts.
Jamie Dimon puts it bluntly:
“Inflationary forces may last longer than people think. Interest rates may go higher than people think. And while the consumer is still strong, you’re going to see some cracks down the road.”
Translation:
- Things aren’t going back to “normal” anytime soon.
- Money’s getting tighter.
- Be smart, stay alert, and hire carefully.
Why Big Players Like JPMorgan Are Still Hiring
Now here’s the interesting part — while some businesses are freezing hiring, JPMorgan is doubling down on people, tech, and training. Why? Because tough markets don’t last forever, but strong teams do.
As Dimon puts it:
“Companies that invest during times of stress and uncertainty will likely emerge stronger, faster, and more capable than those that retreat.”
Jeff Straub, Co-Founder of Catalyst Career Group, agrees:
“In a changing job market, showing up matters. Whether you’re hiring or job hunting, getting face-to-face with people is one of the fastest ways to create opportunity—and that’s exactly what our job fairs deliver.”
Bottom line: If you’re sitting this one out, you’ll fall behind. Keep growing your team — smartly.
Hiring Smart Without Overcommitting
Dimon says it’s not about hiring like it’s 2019. It’s about flexibility. Think part-time, freelance, contract, and remote options to get the work done without putting too much on the line.
Jamie Dimon puts it like this:
“You have to be prepared for a wide range of outcomes, which means being disciplined in costs while remaining opportunistic in your people strategy.”
Smart Moves:
- Bring in part-timers to keep projects moving.
- Use freelancers or contractors for those “need it done now” jobs.
- Hire remote talent to widen your candidate pool and save overhead.
Jeff Naugle, Co-Founder of Catalyst Career Group, adds:
“Small and mid-sized businesses don’t have to hit pause when things feel uncertain. Catalyst Career Group offers virtual and in-person hiring events designed to help you fill key roles quickly and cost-effectively—even in a tight market.”
How to Stay Agile Without Losing Your Mind
Dimon’s big on agility — not just in hiring, but in how you run your whole business. That means cross-training your team and upgrading your tech tools so you can pivot when the market zig-zags again.
Dimon says:
“You can’t run a business as if you know the future—you need to be agile, efficient, and ready to pivot when conditions change.”
Try This:
- Cross-train your staff so people can step in where needed.
- Use AI and scheduling tools to simplify your workflow.
- Cut the clutter — what’s slowing your business down? Get rid of it.
Who Makes a Great “Tough Times” Hire?
Forget flawless resumes and shiny credentials — Dimon’s looking for people who thrive in chaos. The ones who figure things out, stay cool under pressure, and don’t panic when plans change.
Dimon’s advice:
“What matters most is hiring people who are resilient, curious, and capable of navigating ambiguity. Those are the ones who thrive when things get tough.”
Look for candidates who:
- Solve problems before they land on your desk.
- Are comfortable with technology and learning new tools.
- Can wear a few different hats without losing their cool.
- Build strong, reliable relationships with customers and teammates.
Wrapping It Up: How to Stay Competitive (and Keep Your Sanity)
The takeaway here? You don’t need a crystal ball — you need a plan. Keep hiring, stay flexible, and surround yourself with the kind of people who make your business stronger, not just bigger.
And if you need help finding those people, that’s what we do.
Catalyst Career Group offers:
Virtual and In-Person Job Fairs — Fast, affordable access to quality candidates. Private Hiring Events — Customized recruiting events for your company. Contingent Job Search — Pay-for-results hiring help without upfront risk.
We’ll help you fill those key roles with people who are built for this economy — and ready for whatever comes next.
See how we can help you hire smarter in 2025.
Want more career insights? Check out Catalyst Career Group for upcoming job fairs and expert hiring advice. 
Sources:
https://www.jpmorganchase.com/ir/annual-report/2023/ar-ceo-letters
https://siepr.stanford.edu/news/jamie-dimon-us-global-economic-outlook-its-all-inflationary
https://www.jpmorganchase.com/ir/annual-report/2023/ar-ceo-letters
https://siepr.stanford.edu/news/jamie-dimon-us-global-economic-outlook-its-all-inflationary