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Career and function switching on the rise

Career and function switching on the rise

Amrita Ahuja
| January 22, 2025

Main article

Career or function switching is on the rise among US job seekers, according to a survey released Jan. 22 by Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll.

It found that more than half, 56%, of US job seekers are eager to switch industries, and 52% are open to switching functions.

While 58% of job seekers have already switched careers at least once, 76% believe it is never too late.

Conversely, 14% reported they have never switched careers and have no plans to do so.

The survey also found that 22% of job seekers observed a rise in career switching over the past three years, while 67% said the rate remained about the same.

However, the survey noted the current job market may slow this trend, with 75% of respondents stating that fewer job opportunities make employees more hesitant to switch careers.

Generational differences emerged. Gen Z and millennial job seekers are significantly more open to switching job functions, with 66% and 58% showing interest, respectively. On the flip side, only 39% of Gen X and 37% of baby boomers express similar inclinations.

However, older generations have changed careers more frequently. Among them, 39% of Generation X and 44% of baby boomers reported multiple career shifts.

Top reasons for career changes among job seekers include:

  • Desire for more flexibility, 51%
  • Lack of advancement/fulfillment, 46%
  • Inadequate compensation, 31%
  • Skills better suited for another career, 28%
  • Desire for more time off, 27%
  • Looking for a more positive work culture, 26%
  • Transferring skills to faster-growing industries, 22%

While 87% of job seekers would switch careers if they had the resources, 76% cited that seeing others working in non-traditional settings, such as working from home and flexible hours, influenced their desire to pursue similar opportunities.

Top sectors of interest to job seekers include:

  • Health care and social assistance, 11%
  • Professional, scientific and technical services, 8%
  • Finance and insurance, 8%
  • Arts, entertainment and recreation, 8%
  • Education, 8%

When it comes to barriers to switching careers, 38% of job seekers cited having to start over as the most common barrier, followed by accepting a lower salary due to lack of experience, 27%; fewer job opportunities in the desired field, 25%; accepting a lower-level position due to lack of experience, 25%; and being too invested in their current career, 23%.

Overall, 67% of job seekers said they are less likely to switch careers given the current scarcity of job opportunities.

“In an era where career paths are increasingly non-linear, it’s essential to cultivate a workplace that values adaptability and continuous growth,” Express Employment International CEO Bill Stoller said in a press release. “This mindset not only attracts top talent but also drives long-term success.”

The Job Seeker Report includes responses from 1,039 US adults ages 18 and older. It was conducted from Nov. 21 to Dec. 10, 2024.