Career Change Statistics Overview
What Stops People From Making a Career Change
- Many workers considering a shift to STEM fields believe they lack the necessary qualifications (43%), and some are deterred by the lack of role models (5%).
- A significant portion of the working population struggles to identify fields where their current skills could be applied, with only a small percentage knowing how to transfer their skills (32% and 16% respectively).
- Concerns about starting over in a career, lack of knowledge in other fields, and lack of confidence are common barriers to career change (34%, 21%, and 19% respectively).
- Among younger workers aged 25-34, lack of knowledge in other fields and worries about starting over are particularly prominent (31% and 41% respectively).
Age of People Looking to Make a Career Change
- Workers aged 25-34 are more open to learning new skills and changing career paths compared to other age groups.
- A high percentage of individuals under the age of 25 plan to reconsider their job situation and potentially change careers.
- The average age for a major career change is 39, driven by factors such as mid-career stagnation and financial stability.
- Despite being less willing to change careers, a significant number of workers over the age of 50 wish to make a career change, with a majority of older adults who make such changes finding success in their new roles.
Desire for More Work Flexibility
- A majority of workers express a desire for remote work opportunities and flexible schedules.
- Many Americans looking to switch careers are seeking flexible job opportunities, with remote work being less stressful for nearly half of the workers due to various benefits.
- A smaller portion of workers find remote work more stressful due to reasons such as the inability to switch off and lack of interactions with colleagues.
- Over half of U.S. workers believe a combination of remote and on-site work is the ideal workplace model, with a large percentage wanting to retain the option to work from home post-pandemic.
Job Satisfaction
- Job satisfaction has reached a record high compared to the last two decades, with a significant percentage of workers satisfied with their jobs.
- A majority of workers report being well-paid, which contributes to their job satisfaction.
- Many workers feel they have good opportunities for career advancement and feel valued by their colleagues.
- A high percentage of workers consider their work meaningful, and a considerable number of fathers working remotely report positive mental states and effective work.
Drives for Career Change
- Better work-life balance is the primary reason for career change, with a significant percentage of people citing it as their motivation.
- A considerable percentage of workers are considering changing jobs due to their employer's lack of response to their distress during the pandemic.
- A notable percentage of workers plan to start their own business after the pandemic.
Work-Life Balance
- Work-life balance is a top priority for those seeking a career change, with a large percentage of workers wanting companies to focus more on this aspect post-pandemic.
- A significant percentage of American service professionals work over 50 hours a week, and many American workers lack work-life balance.
Number of Jobs in a Lifetime
- On average, individuals hold multiple jobs throughout their lifetime, with variations based on factors such as age, gender, and education.
- The median job tenure varies by age group, sector, and type of occupation.
In-Demand Careers for 2024 and Beyond
- Certain occupations are expected to experience rapid growth this decade, offering opportunities for those considering a career change.
- LinkedIn's list of the most in-demand jobs for 2024 includes roles such as Workplace Diversity Experts and Digital Content Creators.
Resources for Career Change
- Various resources are available to assist individuals in making a career change, including guides on writing resignation letters, job hunting, and interview preparation.
Key Takeaways
- The most common reason for not making a career change is a lack of transferable skills and knowledge.
- The average worker changes careers around the age of 39.
- Work-life balance and job flexibility are major motivations for career changes.
- Despite the pandemic, job satisfaction is high, especially in companies that prioritize diversity and inclusion.
- On average, individuals hold around 12 jobs in their lifetime.
- Certain occupations, such as nurses and digital content creators, are in high demand for 2024 and beyond.