As new college grads enter the workforce, many Americans are doing more than just changing jobs—they’re starting entirely new careers.
Between 2022 and 2024, 64% of job switchers also changed industries, according to a study by Indeed that analyzed 35 million user profiles. The most commonly abandoned fields included hospitality, arts and entertainment, and child care.
The Great Career Rethink
The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped how Americans think about work. It caused mass layoffs, burned out employees, and inspired many to reevaluate what they want in a job. Remote work, better pay, and more meaningful careers topped the list.
“All of a sudden, people realized they could make real changes—and they did,” said Allison Shrivastava, an economist at the Indeed Hiring Lab.
A FlexJobs survey found that nearly 70% of respondents had either changed careers in the past year or planned to do so in 2025. The top reasons?
- 67%: Wanting remote work
- 52%: Better work-life balance
- 48%: More fulfilling careers
- 48%: Higher pay
High Turnover Fields (2022–2024)
- Hospitality and Tourism – 91%
Reason: Limited upward mobility and demanding schedules. - Arts and Entertainment – 86%
Reason: Glamorous appeal, but low success rate. - Child Care – 86%
Reason: High workload, low pay. - Logistics Support – 86%
Reason: Stress and instability during pandemic supply chain disruptions. - Personal Care and Home Health – 86%
Reason: Emotionally demanding with low pay and unpredictable hours.
Fields With the Most Loyalty
- Nursing – 28% left
Reason: High demand, rising pay, and significant educational investment. - Software Development – 37% left
Reason: High salaries, job satisfaction, and flexibility. - Dental – 38% left
Reason: Stable careers with high barriers to entry. - Therapy (OT/Speech) – 51% left
Reason: Rewarding roles with good income and satisfaction. - Accounting – 52% left
Reason: Specialized skills, job security, and strong work-life balance.
The Takeaway
While the job-hopping frenzy of the pandemic has cooled, the desire for purpose, balance, and flexibility in work remains strong. Today’s workers are more willing than ever to make bold moves in pursuit of a career that aligns with their values—and their lives.
