Are More People Starting to Switch Career Paths?

Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash

Research shows that almost everyone in the working world these days goes through at least one career change before they retire. In fact, most studies agree that people working now will have 3 to 5 changes, and the next generation of workers may even increase that number to 7. 

Making a career move is becoming more and more common for a variety of reasons. If you’re thinking of switching your career, read on as this article goes through some of the main reasons why more people are starting to switch career paths. 

What Is A Career Change?

There seems to be some debate about what classifies a career change as opposed to changing jobs and if you’re considering a change then these differences are important to consider. 

A change of job is most often classified as moving from one company to another within the same industry or moving up the ladder or changing roles with your current employer. 

Most consider changing careers as the movement from one industry to another. For example, you may make the move from a corporate office job into the hospitality industry, or from teaching to nursing. Others consider a change of path to be a career change even within the industry. This could be moving into a more specialised role or a management role within the industry in which you are working. 

Whichever way you look at it, a career change is a huge step to take and more and more people are making those changes. 

How Many Times Do People Change Careers?

While the definition of a career change is still under debate, determining how often people change careers can be difficult. However, the standard accepted standard amount to be between three and five career changes over the course of someone’s working life. 

This is a far cry from generations past where people would earn a profession or a position and work their way through that career until retirement, being rewarded for years and years of service. We’re unlikely to see many people working in the same company for decades before their big retirement party. 

Why Are People Changing Careers?

There are a number of reasons as to why people are changing careers and why they are doing it more now than they used to. In the past there seemed to be a greater connection between employer and employee and staff were often rewarded or highly regarded for their loyalty. There was also a greater sense of job security in many industries as these positions required extensive training and skill development. However, many of these factors are less of a consideration in today’s job market and in today’s globalised world. People change careers for a number of reasons, including:

Challenge

Many people change careers when they are looking for a new challenge. They may find that the job they have been working in does not drive them and motivate them as much as it used to. Seeking a new career can create a new challenge and motivation.

Recognition

A lack of recognition is something that can dishearten employees. This may lead to them seeking a job change but may also lead them to change industries as they look for a company or organisation that values their contribution more highly. 

Lifestyle

We’re all striving for the right work/life balance. Many people look to change careers based on the lifestyle they desire. They may enjoy the work they are doing but seek an opportunity to create a life for themselves that may suit work in another field or industry. 

Burnout

Stress is a huge contributing factor to people leaving a workplace, industry or career. They may then seek a job in an environment where the stress is not as heavy. Somewhere where they can work at a comfortable level and still maintain job satisfaction. 

Money

While people may have fallen in love with a particular job or industry, they may reach a point where they either need or desire a career with a higher level of remuneration. For this reason, people may look for a career change and seek employment in a different industry. 

Is It Easier To Change Careers?

We live in a world where gaining access to information has never been easier. The opportunities to retrain are more accessible than ever and the opportunities to pursue your passions are far greater than they used to be. 

If you are thinking about switching your career, then it’s worth knowing that more and more people are making a change and the workforce has never been more tolerant of change than it is right now.