58% of Employed Workers Are Looking to Make Career Change

Lead career service releases Changing Careers Guide to provide comprehensive roadmap to career transitions

Boulder, CO, July 5, 2023 – Changing careers has become increasingly common as professionals seek better work-life balance, job advancement, and new work opportunities. In fact, FlexJobs’ 2023 Spring Work Insights Survey of over 2,600 currently employed workers found 58 percent of employed workers said they’re actively trying to make a career change, with an additional 25 percent stating they’ve already attempted or successfully made a career change.

A “career change” is defined as moving across industries, such as from marketing to customer service or finance to legal. Recognizing the challenges and complexities associated with career changes, FlexJobs has published the Ultimate Guide to Changing Careers to help job seekers make their career change a success.

“Whether you’re seeking career growth, better work-life balance, or simply trying something new, making a career change is a huge decision that needs careful thought and attention,” said Keith Spencer, Career Expert at FlexJobs. “We’re excited to offer this guide as a helpful resource to anyone on a career change journey,” Spencer added.

Survey Findings: Career Changes

While there are many reasons behind a career move, FlexJobs’ survey found some of the top reasons driving a career change were:

1. Remote work options (50%)
2. Higher pay (48%)
3. Better work-life balance (46%)
4. More meaning or fulfillment (40%)
5. Expanding their skillset (30%)
6. Lack of advancement opportunities in the current career (28%)
7. Approaching retirement, looking for a “second act” (16%)
8. Pursuing a passion or hobby (16%)
9. Current career has never been a good fit (13%)
10. Turning a side hustle into a full-time position (12%)

The survey also revealed:

• 83% of employed professionals are either trying to make a career change or have tried to make a career change. More specifically:
  • 58% of workers are actively trying to make a career change
  • 25% reported that they have already attempted to make a career change
  • Only 17% of workers said they have not been/are not interested in making a career change

• 42% of workers are actively considering quitting their jobs right now, with another 20% reporting that they had recently quit their job––meaning that nearly two-thirds (62%) of employed workers have recently quit or actively want to quit their jobs.

FlexJobs’ Ultimate Guide to Changing Careers

Developed as a comprehensive roadmap for career transitions, FlexJobs’ Ultimate Guide to Changing Careers is broken into the following five parts that align with the common career change phases. Related resources offering expert guidance to help individuals overcome common career change obstacles, as well as essential know-how and actionable advice for transitioning careers successfully, are included in each section of the blog post.

1. Recognizing the Right Time for a Career Change

Acknowledging common reasons to change careers, must-ask questions, and tell-tale signs it’s time for a career change, examples of resources include:

• 5 Reasons People Don’t Change Careers (Even When They Should)
• 5 Questions to Ask Before Changing Careers
• How to Find Your Unique Path to Career Success

2. Planning & Prepping for a Career Change

Covering common obstacles and how to overcome them and building an action plan, including checklists and a career transition budget, examples of resources include:

• Millennial Career Changers: How to Get the Career You Want
• Planning a Career Move: Tips for Young Professionals
• The Ultimate Career Change Checklist for Job Seekers at Any Age

 

3. Job Search Tips & Advice

Sharing the most common career change mistakes to avoid, cover letter and resume tips, and networking during a career change, examples of resources include:

• How to Change Careers With No Experience
• How to Find Job Retraining Programs for Your Career Change
• Job Interview Tips for Career Changers: 5 Questions to Ask Yourself

4. Maintaining Motivation in Career Transitions 

Addressing the doubts and anxieties that may arise during the transition process to maintain motivation, examples of resources include:

• 9 Famous Career Changers and How They Did It
• 9 Ways Volunteering Can Be a Step Toward Changing Careers
• 21 Childhood Dream Jobs for Adults That Are Remote-Friendly

5. Connecting to Jobs as a Career Changer

Leveraging expert insight and lists of companies to help job seekers research, identify, and connect to career opportunities, examples of resources include:

• 25 Companies Hiring for Remote, Work-From-Home Jobs Right Now
• How to Find Online Jobs That Require Little or No Work Experience
• What Is a Bridge Job? Pros and Cons

The Ultimate Guide to Changing Careers is free to access and available on the FlexJobs blog for anyone seeking guidance and support during their career transition. For more information, please visit https://www.flexjobs.com/blog/post/flexjobs-ultimate-guide-to-changing-careers/ or contact Shanna Briggs at sbriggs@flexjobs.com.