As June arrives, many professionals in Vietnam are reaching the halfway point of the year and asking an important career question: Am I still on the right path?

The Vietnamese job market in 2026 remains active, but it is also becoming more competitive and selective. While companies are still hiring, employees are becoming more thoughtful about what they want from their careers, compensation, and workplace culture.

For professionals in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and other major business hubs, mid-year is the perfect time to evaluate whether it is better to stay in a current role, negotiate for better opportunities, or explore a new direction.

Vietnam’s Workforce Is More Open to Change in 2026

According to a 2026 labour market survey by Cốc Cốc Research, Vietnamese employees are increasingly open to changing jobs, but they are doing so more cautiously than in previous years. The study found that 77% of workers are open to new opportunities if the right offer appears, while 28.1% are actively searching for jobs.

However, nearly half of respondents said they would only leave if a truly attractive opportunity became available. Salary and benefits remain a major reason employees resign, but career development and work-life balance are also becoming increasingly important priorities for Vietnamese workers.

This reflects a growing shift in employee expectations. Today’s workforce is not only asking, “How much does this job pay?” but also, “Will this role help me grow?” and “Does this company support my wellbeing?”

Should You Stay in Your Current Role?

Staying in your current job may still be the right decision if your role continues to provide growth opportunities, learning, and career progression.

In Gallup’s 2026 State of the Global Workplace, 78% of Vietnamese employees believe it is a good time to find a job where they live, suggesting workers are aware they have options. Yet only 9% of employees in Vietnam describe themselves as engaged at work, which is lower than both the Southeast Asian and global averages. This suggests many professionals may feel disconnected from their current roles despite broader economic stability.

Before deciding to leave, consider whether your current company still offers:

• Opportunities for promotion or leadership development
• Supportive management and mentorship
• Skills training or digital upskilling
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Healthy work-life balance

If your company continues to invest in your growth and you still see a future there, staying may be the smarter long-term decision.

When Is the Right Time to Ask for a Raise?

For many Vietnamese employees, mid-year is also an ideal time to reassess compensation.
Vietnam’s hiring market in 2026 continues to face salary pressure. Findings from a 2026 hiring study by Reeracoen Vietnam indicate that 86% of employers identified rising salary expectations as one of their biggest hiring challenges, while 84% expected to increase salaries for new hires.

This creates an important opportunity for employees who:

• Have taken on additional responsibilities
• Consistently deliver strong performance
• Possess in-demand digital or leadership skills
• Contribute measurable business value

Before asking for a raise, prepare clear examples of your contributions, market benchmarks, and future value to the company. Timing also matters. Mid-year performance reviews, project completions, or positive business results often create better opportunities for salary discussions.

When Might It Be Time to Move On?

While some employees may benefit from staying or negotiating, others may realise their current role no longer supports their career goals.

According to the Cốc Cốc Research survey, 33.7% of Vietnamese workers leave jobs because of limited career growth opportunities. The study also found that 76.9% of workers would even accept lower salaries in exchange for healthier, more respectful, and balanced workplaces.

At the same time, a 2026 report by Manpower found that 60% of employees are actively seeking new opportunities despite remaining employed. The report also highlighted rising stress and emotional exhaustion in the workplace, with nearly half of surveyed workers reporting high levels of daily stress.

These findings suggest that employees are becoming more intentional about career satisfaction. Moving on may be worth considering if:

• Your career progression has stalled
• Your salary is significantly below market rates
• You feel consistently undervalued
• Your workload is affecting your wellbeing
• Your company no longer aligns with your long-term goals

However, leaving should still be approached strategically. Vietnam’s labour market remains competitive, especially for high-quality positions. According to a 2026 Vietnam Briefing report, employers are becoming more selective in hiring while also facing skill shortages in specialised areas. Professionals who continue developing technical, leadership, and AI-related capabilities may have stronger long-term career opportunities.

As companies compete for specialised talent, many are partnering with a recruitment agency in Vietnam to secure experienced professionals more efficiently. Demand for services such as talent acquisition sourcing in Ho Chi Minh, for example, has also increased as employers seek faster and more strategic hiring solutions.

Make Your Next Career Move with Confidence

Whether you decide to stay, negotiate for better compensation, or explore new paths, the middle of the year is the perfect time to reflect on your career direction. This is a good time to reach out to a trusted headhunting company in Vietnam.

If you are considering your next career move, ASW Consulting can help you better understand the market and identify options aligned with your goals. We support candidates across multiple industries through executive search, recruitment, and workforce solutions in Vietnam. Our expert recruitment consultants in Ho Chi Minh are here to connect you with the right career opportunities.

For senior professionals and executives, we also provide c-suite recruitment in Ho Chi Minh City and recruitment process outsourcing in Vietnam to help businesses secure highly skilled talent efficiently.

Contact us today to explore the next step in your career journey.

 

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