Why More Workers Are Changing Careers: A Look at the Top Fields Americans Are Leaving
In recent years, job-hopping has become a defining trend in the workforce, with a significant shift happening between 2022 and 2024. As the economy evolves and workers adjust their expectations, many are making bold career changes—not just switching jobs but moving to entirely different industries. A recent study by Indeed shows that 64% of workers who changed jobs in this period also changed careers. This growing trend highlights the evolving priorities of today’s workforce, including flexibility, work-life balance, and meaningful job satisfaction.
The COVID-19 pandemic was a key catalyst for this shift. The crisis caused massive layoffs, and as workers adjusted to remote work and reconsidered their life goals, many sought new paths that offered greater personal fulfillment. The pandemic also sparked an awareness of the need for better work-life balance, flexibility, and careers aligned with personal values. As a result, many workers, especially from industries with lower pay and limited advancement, have decided to pursue different career trajectories. For example, sectors such as hospitality and the arts saw a significant number of workers leave for more stable or higher-paying jobs.
While workers in certain fields are finding greener pastures, some industries have managed to retain their workforce by offering stability, better wages, and a more attractive work environment. Nursing and software development, for instance, have fared much better in terms of retention. These fields tend to offer higher pay, more job satisfaction, and growth opportunities that keep professionals engaged and loyal to their work.
A Shift in Career Priorities
The reasons behind the career changes are multifaceted. According to a survey conducted by FlexJobs for USA TODAY, the top motivations for workers seeking new opportunities include the desire for remote work options (67%), better work-life balance (52%), more meaningful and fulfilling careers (48%), and higher pay (48%). This shift in priorities suggests that many workers are seeking more than just a paycheck—they want to feel valued, engaged, and aligned with the goals and culture of their employers.
The economic landscape has also contributed to this shift. While many people are still seeking stable, long-term careers, the rising job market volatility has made workers more open to exploring different career paths. Interestingly, the demand for jobs in specific industries has not diminished, but the nature of these jobs has changed. Jobs that offer flexibility, the ability to work remotely, and opportunities for growth and learning have become more attractive to today’s workforce.
The Most Commonly Left Fields
Some fields saw especially high rates of turnover during this period. For instance, the hospitality and tourism industries had a staggering 91% of workers leave their jobs in the last two years. The reasons behind this exodus are largely tied to the lack of upward mobility, low wages, and unpredictable hours that often characterize these jobs. Workers in the arts and entertainment industries also faced similar challenges, with 86% leaving their roles due to the high level of competition, low chances of success, and the struggle to find more stable employment.
The child care and personal care sectors were also hit hard, with 86% of workers leaving. Despite the inherent rewards in these fields, many workers found the pay and work conditions unappealing, leading to widespread burnout and dissatisfaction. The rise of remote work opportunities and the ability to explore other industries has made these jobs even less attractive to workers seeking a better work-life balance.
Fields with the Most Loyalty
While many industries are struggling with high turnover, there are some fields where workers are sticking around. For instance, nursing saw only 28% of workers leaving their jobs in the same period. This is largely due to the high demand for nurses, increasing wages, and a strong sense of job security. Similarly, the software development field has retained 63% of its workers, thanks to the high salaries, low-stress environment, and good work-life balance offered to many in the tech industry.
Dental professionals and therapists also had relatively low turnover rates, at 38% and 51% respectively. Both professions offer competitive salaries, specialized skills that are difficult to transfer to other fields, and a strong sense of job satisfaction. Workers in these fields tend to enjoy steady employment with few challenges that might drive them to leave.
Accounting professionals also experienced a relatively low rate of turnover at 52%. Accountants often enjoy stable work environments, good work-life balance, and competitive salaries, which can explain why so many remain loyal to the field. Despite the rise of AI and automation, accounting remains a high-demand profession, especially for those who are highly skilled and capable of managing complex financial tasks.
The Impact of Technology on Career Transitions
As more workers pivot to new careers, technology is playing an increasing role in shaping both job opportunities and the skills required to succeed in these industries. With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, many workers in lower-wage or less skilled positions are finding that their roles are being automated or outsourced. This has prompted them to seek new careers that are less susceptible to technological disruption.
At the same time, technology is also creating new career opportunities in fields like software development, data analysis, and cybersecurity. The ability to work from anywhere and the demand for tech-savvy professionals are contributing to the growth of the tech industry, which remains one of the most stable and lucrative career options in today’s job market.
Conclusion: A Changing Workforce
In conclusion, the trend of career switching is not just about seeking better pay or benefits—it’s about finding more meaningful work and a better work-life balance. As technology continues to shape the future of work, it will be interesting to see how these shifts play out across industries and how employers adapt to the changing needs of their workforce. For many workers, the key to success will be adapting to the evolving job market and acquiring the skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly digital and remote world. As the landscape of work continues to evolve, it’s clear that more workers will seek out career paths that offer them not only financial security but also personal fulfillment.