The American workplace is experiencing a profound shift. According to new research from SideHustles.com, half of all American workers are actively considering changing industries. This career change revolution cuts across generational lines, with Gen X leading the charge at 57%, followed closely by Gen Z (52%), millennials (48%), and baby boomers (35%).
The widely discussed "Great Resignation" wasn't just a pandemic-era anomaly. It's evolved into a persistent workplace trend. One in four Americans have quit their jobs in the past two years, with another one in five planning to resign in the next year. When examining the timing of these departures, June and May represent peak resignation months, accounting for 15% and 12% of planned exits, respectively. This summer surge in job transitions suggests many professionals use the midyear point to reassess their career paths and make significant changes.
These statistics paint a clear picture of a workforce in transition, but what's actually driving Americans to consider such dramatic career shifts? Let's explore the key factors behind this trend, examine which industries are attracting the most talent, and discuss practical strategies for making a successful career change.
The driving force behind this trend reveals a workforce that is fundamentally dissatisfied. According to Gallup data, employee engagement has hit concerning lows, with only 33% of workers feeling engaged at work in 2023—a figure that's remained stagnant since 2021. Even more troubling, actively disengaged employees now make up 16% of the workforce.
This disengagement manifests in several key areas:
Better pay consistently ranks as the top reason for job resignations across most generations, particularly among Gen X, millennials, and Gen Z. With inflation outpacing wage growth in recent years, many workers feel financially squeezed in their current roles.
For baby boomers especially, negative workplace culture represents the primary motivation for seeking new opportunities. The psychological toll of working in hostile or unsupportive environments has become a dealbreaker for many experienced professionals.
Millennials, in particular, cite dissatisfaction with management and a lack of career advancement as key factors in their decision to explore new industries. Without clear pathways for progression, talented workers are increasingly willing to start fresh in entirely different fields.
The pandemic permanently altered expectations around flexibility and personal time. Industries that have reverted to rigid pre-pandemic norms are seeing higher rates of employee exodus.
Despite the widespread desire for a career change, financial constraints often delay these transitions. The SideHustles.com study reveals that 9 in 10 Americans have remained in jobs longer than they'd like due to financial concerns. Even more telling, a third have stayed in positions they'd prefer to leave for over a year. This financial entrapment varies significantly by industry. Healthcare workers (47%), nonprofit employees (41%), and education professionals (39%) are more likely to delay quitting for more than a year compared to those in other sectors. Often characterized by high student debt and specialized training, these fields create particular challenges for workers seeking to pivot careers.
The research shows that while Americans across generations are considering a career change, certain industries consistently emerge as top destinations:
If you're among the 50% considering a career change, these strategies can help you navigate the transition successfully:
Before making a career change, catalog your transferable skills. Communication, project management, analytical thinking, and leadership abilities translate well between sectors.
Connect with professionals already working in your target industry. These conversations provide realistic insights about day-to-day realities, entry points, and potential challenges.
Rather than an abrupt leap, look for intermediate roles that bridge your current expertise with your desired field. These stepping-stone positions allow you to build relevant experience while maintaining financial stability.
Identify specific knowledge gaps preventing your career transition and address them through targeted education. This might involve certifications, online courses, or part-time degree programs.
Before leaving your organization, explore whether your current employer offers pathways to your desired function. Large companies often prefer internal transfers over external hiring, offering a lower-risk transition path.
Job searches are taking longer, with many workers reporting processes stretching 3-6 months. Establish an emergency fund covering 6-12 months of expenses before making any move that interrupts income.
The relationship between American workers and their employers is fundamentally changing. This shift requires approaching your career with greater intentionality—regularly assessing whether your current path aligns with your values, financial needs, and long-term goals. The stigma once attached to frequent job and career changes has disappeared, replaced with the recognition that non-linear careers represent the future of work. As organizations adapt to this new reality, we're likely to see more innovative retention strategies emerging, including expanded professional development programs, greater workplace flexibility options, and more transparent paths to advancement.
