When I entered college, I believed that my career would automatically fall into place as soon as I had my degree in hand. When the opposite happened, I had a rude awakening. Somehow, I’d missed the memo that career paths can take unexpected turns and be littered with roadblocks, and that you’ll do anything to feel confident and secure in your chosen path. The “Great Career Shift” we’re currently watching play out is proof that I’m not the only one who can relate to this.
A recent study from CVwizard revealed that 66 percent of Gen Z, 65 percent of Millennials, 40 percent of Generation X, and 15 percent of Baby Boomers reportedly plan to make a career switch in the coming year. And while I’m all for leaving a job if it doesn’t serve you, it’s still surprising that this is all happening now, during a time when economic uncertainty and job insecurity are rampant.
To get to the bottom of this, I set out to learn all I could about what CVWizard has dubbed the Great Career Shift. Ahead, why employees are so eager to leave their jobs, how they are doing it in this market, the impact it’s having on the workforce, and advice on whether or not you should take part in the Great Career Shift.
What is the Great Career Shift?
According to CVWizard, 2025 is set to be a “landmark year for career changes.” As mentioned earlier, over 60 percent of both Gen Z and Millennials are considering changing jobs in the coming year. Gen X and Boomers aren’t staying put either, with 40 percent and 15 percent of them job searching, respectively. Apparently, more than six in 10 workers are dissatisfied with their current jobs for more than one reason (more on that later). These employees are all ready for something new right now, whether that means a lateral move to a new company or a new role in a different industry altogether, which is leading to the Great Career Shift.
What is causing the Great Career Shift?
Employees want more stability
Workers are more attuned than ever to the compensation they’re receiving, and if their role is at risk of being slashed. With that said, it’s unsurprising that CVwizard’s data revealed that a better salary and enhanced job security are the top two reasons so many are making the switch. This suggests that employees need more than a pay bump, enviable health insurance, and impressive retirement plans. They need assurance that their role is safeguarded for the long haul. Of course, job security is never guaranteed, but as companies continue downsizing, employees are turning to industries and roles that are less likely to leave them hanging.
Employees are seeking career advancement
While the workforce has become less stagnant and new employment opportunities have cropped up this year (finally!), career growth is top of mind for many, making it the third biggest motivator for changing roles. According to Reyhane Mansouri, PhD, Career Expert at CVwizard, “1 in 5 employees feel stuck in their current roles and want to seek opportunities to advance their careers.” This can look like making a lateral move to a new company with more growth opportunities or switching to an industry that has more career advancement overall to offer. Whatever it is, employees want the ability to expand their knowledge and work their way up, and right now, they are feeling like switching jobs is their only option.
“66 percent of Gen Z, 65 percent of Millennials, 40 percent of Generation X, and 15 percent of Baby Boomers reportedly plan to make a career switch in the coming year.”
Employees are desperate for better work environments
A better work environment is the fourth biggest reason employees are jumping ship. This came as no surprise to me, considering we’re fresh off the heels of return-to-work (RTO) mandates and in the middle of suffering from infinite workdays. Now, more than ever, people want to work for employers who offer things like hybrid work models and flexible hours, and are choosing not to settle for less. If their employers can’t keep up or aren’t willing to change their outdated work models, they are looking elsewhere for work.
READ: Workers Are “Revenge Quitting” in Response to Return-to-Office Mandates
How employees are prepping for career changes in 2025
We know that switching careers is easier said than done; it requires planning and doesn’t come without challenges. In this day and age, employees have to be smarter about how they prepare for career changes. To do this, they are seeking temporary work after hours via contract opportunities and side hustles like freelancing, which is twofold. First, it helps them build their emergency fund since any gap between employment often comes with a lapse in benefits and pay. Second, it helps them gain relevant experience, sharpen skills, and build portfolios—all of which look good on a resume.
In addition to side hustles and contract jobs, workers are upskilling by utilizing online training tools and programs, and exploring new ventures through internships and volunteer work. The latter of these not only offers the opportunity to gain relevant experience, but also ensures they’re not taking a shot in the dark when it comes to their career; it gives them a chance to get their feet wet and make sure the path is right for them before they make the leap, which is crucial in such a volatile job market.
READ: Is the Job Market Ever Going to Get Better? Experts Explain What to Expect
Likewise, since connections are everything in the world of work, employees looking to change careers are also signing up for in-person or virtual meetups that foster networking. Ultimately, making connections with people who can open doors is continuing to be the name of the game before shifting careers.
How the Great Career Shift will impact the workforce
In a year where trends like task-masking, conscious unbossing, revenge quitting, and sneaky Fridays have reigned supreme, it’s clear that tensions between employees and employers have been brewing for quite some time. Now, whether they diffuse or reach a crescendo will depend on how employers respond to the Great Career Shift throughout the next year.
“As companies continue downsizing, employees are turning to industries and roles that are less likely to leave them hanging.”
High employee turnover is perhaps the biggest threat the Great Career Shift poses to employers and employees alike. It has the potential to reduce productivity and damage morale and team cohesion while increasing recruitment costs for upper management. Obviously, this is a lose-lose for everyone; It creates the kind of environment no one wants to work in. Instead of clinging to outdated work models, employers will have to put more of a focus on fostering healthy workplace cultures and emphasizing employee well-being. Finally, right?
What’s more, in an ironic twist of fate, the Great Career Shift might just give employees the bargaining power they’ve been missing. Bosses don’t want to lose star employees, so whether it’s flexible hours or a pay raise, chances are they’ll heed or compromise with those requests. Of course, this isn’t guaranteed, but it is one way this trend can potentially work in everyone’s favor and change workplace standards as a whole.
Should you take part in the Great Career Shift?
If you’re one of many employees considering a career change right now, you are already a part of the Great Career Shift. Whether you’re burnt out and frustrated by your current role or you are inspired to do something that lights you up more than your existing job does, making a career change could be the right move for you. While the state of the economy and job market can make a big change like this difficult, it’s completely possible with proper planning, patience, and intention.
However, it’s important to remember that career changes can happen at any point in time. If that means pivoting with the masses now, great! But if not, that’s fine, too. Either way, focus on upskilling, brushing up your resume, and performing your best to leverage your very own career shift when the time is right.
Arianna Reardon, Contributing Writer
Arianna is a freelance writer and journalist, and the self-proclaimed hot and dirty martini queen. At The Everygirl, Arianna uses her authenticity and relatability to empower, inspire, and motivate women everywhere. Whether she’s writing about sex and relationships, career and finance, beauty and fashion, wellness, or home and living, Arianna’s passion shines through in all her work.
