American Workers Are Not Just Switching Jobs—They’re Changing Careers
Between 2022 and 2024, changing jobs for many Americans meant more than just a new employer—it meant stepping into a completely different career. According to an Indeed analysis of 35 million job profiles, 64% of those who changed jobs during this period also shifted careers.
The sectors hit hardest by this trend? Hospitality and arts and entertainment, where workers exited in large numbers. In contrast, fields like nursing and software development saw the most loyalty.
This wave of career changes can be traced back to the COVID-19 pandemic. The crisis led to 22 million layoffs, disrupting the workforce and sparking a reassessment of personal and professional priorities. Workers suddenly found themselves with more flexibility and options, often motivated by the chance for better pay, benefits, and overall quality of life.
“People could really change jobs if they wanted to,” said Allison Shrivastava, economist at the Indeed Hiring Lab. “There was a lot more opportunity for people to change careers.”
COVID-19’s Lasting Impact on Work
Beyond job losses and instability, COVID-19 triggered deeper transformations in how Americans approach their careers. Many employees became overworked, filling in for laid-off colleagues, or became more reflective about life’s purpose. This shift encouraged people to seek greater work-life balance, job satisfaction, and flexible working conditions, including remote or hybrid setups.
“People really started wanting to align their careers with their personal visions and values,” said Toni Frana, a career expert at FlexJobs, a platform that specializes in remote and flexible jobs.
While the Great Resignation frenzy has eased, the drive for personal and professional fulfillment remains strong. A FlexJobs survey conducted in February 2024 revealed that 24% of respondents had tried to switch careers in the past year, 6% succeeded, and another 39% were planning to try. That means nearly 70% of workers were actively seeking or considering a career change.
Why Are People Changing Careers?
The top reason for switching careers was the desire to work remotely, cited by 67% of FlexJobs survey participants. Other key motivations included better work-life balance (52%), a more meaningful career (48%), and higher pay (also 48%).
While historical data on career changes is limited, U.S. Labor Department statistics show a trend: the median time workers stayed with their employer dropped from 4.1 years in January 2022 to 3.9 years in January 2024—the shortest tenure since 2002.
Generally, workers are less likely to leave occupations that require formal credentials, specialized skills, or licenses. Instead, higher turnover is more common in fields with fewer barriers to entry and typically lower wages.
Fields with the Highest Career Exit Rates (2022–2024)
1. Hospitality and Tourism
Exit Rate: 91%
Many left due to low wages, long hours, limited career growth, and erratic schedules.
2. Arts and Entertainment
Exit Rate: 86%
Despite its allure, this industry is known for its instability and low success rate. “A lot of people may try their hand at it,” Shrivastava said, “but then leave for more stable occupations.”
3. Child Care
Exit Rate: 86%
While meaningful, child care work is often underpaid and physically demanding. During the pandemic, about 373,000 child care workers—36% of the workforce—were laid off or furloughed.
4. Logistics Support
Exit Rate: 86%
Pandemic-era supply chain issues created stress and instability. Many workers sought better pay and less pressure elsewhere, according to logistics firm Intelligent Audit.
5. Personal Care and Home Health
Exit Rate: 86%
Although emotionally rewarding, these roles are often plagued by long hours, inconsistent schedules, and low wages, notes software provider CareVoyant.
Occupations with the Lowest Exit Rates (2022–2024)
1. Nursing
Exit Rate: 28%
Nurses are in high demand, benefit from rising wages, and are less likely to leave after investing in their education and licensing, Shrivastava explained.
2. Software Development
Exit Rate: 37%
With high salaries, flexible schedules, and strong job satisfaction, developers tend to stay put. U.S. News has also ranked software development as a low-stress occupation.
3. Dental Professions
Exit Rate: 38%
These roles offer high pay and require specialized education. Their skills are not easily transferable to other careers, leading to lower turnover.
4. Therapy (Occupational & Speech)
Exit Rate: 51%
Therapists enjoy solid earnings and high job satisfaction, making them less likely to switch careers, Shrivastava noted.
5. Accounting
Exit Rate: 52%
Accountants typically work in stable environments, possess specialized skills, and enjoy balanced work lives, contributing to lower career-switching rates.
Ultimately, the pandemic didn’t just disrupt the job market—it reshaped how Americans think about work itself. Career decisions are no longer just about income—they’re about purpose, flexibility, and lifestyle.
