Why Career Changers Are on the Rise: The Top 10 Industries Professionals Are Leaving

In today’s evolving job market, career pivots are no longer the exception—they’re the norm. According to a recent Indeed study, a striking 64% of U.S. workers who switched jobs between 2022 and 2024 also changed careers entirely. This shift reflects more than just a desire for better pay; it signals a deeper reevaluation of purpose, flexibility, and fulfillment in the workplace. 

At Artemis Resumes, we specialize in helping job seekers navigate these transitions with confidence. Whether you're leaving a high-burnout industry or seeking a more meaningful path, understanding the broader trends can help you make informed, strategic moves.

Why Are So Many People Changing Careers? 

The pandemic didn't just disrupt routines—it reshaped priorities. Workers across industries began to question whether their jobs aligned with their values, lifestyle, and long-term goals. According to a FlexJobs survey, the top reasons for switching careers include:

• Remote work opportunities (67%)

• Better work-life balance (52%)

• More meaningful or fulfilling work (48%)

• Higher pay (48%)

These motivations reflect a growing desire for autonomy, purpose, and sustainability in one's career, not just a paycheck.

The Top 10 Fields Workers Are Leaving 

Based on data from Indeed's Hiring Lab and other labor market analyses, here are the ten industries seeing the highest rates of career exits:

1. Hospitality: Long hours, unpredictable schedules, and burnout have driven many to seek more stable, remote-friendly roles.

2. Arts & Entertainment: While creatively fulfilling, it often lacks financial stability and growth opportunities, prompting exits.

3. Childcare: Low wages and high emotional demands have led many caregivers to pursue roles with better compensation and flexibility.

4. Logistics and Warehouse Support: Physically demanding work and limited upward mobility have led workers toward tech or administrative roles.

5. Personal Care & Home Health: Despite being essential, these roles often come with low pay and high emotional tolls, leading to high attrition rates.

6. Retail: Customer-facing roles with inconsistent hours and limited benefits have driven many to explore remote or hybrid options.

7. Food Service: Similar to Hospitality, Food Service Workers Are Seeking Roles with More Predictable Hours and Less Physical Strain.

8. As automation increases, some administrative professionals are proactively reskilling into tech or project management.

9. Manufacturing: Economic shifts and automation have made this sector less stable, prompting career changes into more future-proof fields.

10. Education (K–12): Teacher burnout, low pay, and policy pressures have led many educators to transition into corporate training or instructional design.

What This Means for Job Seekers

If you're considering a career change, you're in good company. But leaping requires more than just updating your resume—it demands a strategic rebranding of your skills and experience.

That's where Artemis Resumes comes in. We specialize in crafting ATS-optimized resumes that translate your experience into future potential. Whether you're moving from hospitality to tech or from education to corporate training, we help you highlight transferable skills, align with industry keywords, and present a compelling narrative that resonates with hiring managers and digital hiring systems alike.