Resume Now report finds despite the interest in changing careers, most workers are unable to make the leap.

A new survey from Resume Now reveals that while many workers aspire to change careers, financial fears and skill gaps are keeping them stuck in jobs they no longer find fulfilling. According to the 2025 Career Gridlock Report, based on a survey of 1,000 U.S. workers, 60% of respondents have stayed in their current roles longer than they wanted due to the perceived difficulty of making a career transition. The report sheds light on the financial barriers, skill uncertainties, and the changing perceptions of career pivots.

“Career changes can feel daunting, especially when financial concerns and uncertainty come into play,” says Keith Spencer, career expert at Resume Now. “But today’s job market is shifting—employers are prioritizing skills over degrees, and switching careers doesn’t mean starting from scratch.”

Key Findings:

• Career change as a path to happiness: Despite nearly two-thirds (66%) believing a career change could improve their happiness, only 13% have successfully made the switch.
• Current career transitions: 18% are actively pursuing a career change, while 36% have considered it but taken no action.
• Workers struggle to break free from unfulfilling jobs – 60% have stayed in a role longer than they wanted.
• Financial concerns dominate career change fears – 35% fear taking a pay cut, and 34% worry about financial instability.
• Career pivots are becoming more socially accepted – 68% say career shifts are more acceptable now than five years ago.
• Workers prioritize faster, more flexible upskilling – 56% prefer on-the-job learning over returning to school, and only 16% would pursue a new degree.

HR Technology Insights: Simpplr Enhances Extensibility with Custom Apps

Fear of Pay Cuts and Financial Instability Are Top Barriers to Career Change

• Financial instability and salary concerns are the biggest barriers to career change – 35% fear starting over at a lower salary, while 34% worry about financial instability during the transition.
• Uncertainty about career fit adds to the hesitation – 32% are uncertain whether a new career would be a good fit, adding another layer of caution.
• Skill gaps and competition are also top concerns – 20% are worried about gaining the necessary skills, and 14% fear competing with more experienced candidates.

Top Motivators for Career Changers:

• Higher salary and benefits drive career changes – 57% cite the desire for better pay and benefits as their top motivation for switching careers.
• Work-life balance is a key priority – 29% are seeking better work-life balance as a primary reason for considering a career change.
• Remote work continues to be a growing appeal – 19% are drawn to the flexibility of remote work opportunities.
• Job dissatisfaction fuels many career transitions – 17% are motivated by burnout or dissatisfaction with their current job, while 15% are driven by passion for a new industry or role.

HR Technology Insights: Boost Career and Skills with CompTIA Essentials

“Career changes can feel daunting, especially when financial concerns and uncertainty come into play,” says Keith Spencer, career expert at Resume Now. “But today’s job market is shifting—employers are prioritizing skills over degrees, and switching careers doesn’t mean starting from scratch. By leveraging transferable skills and taking a strategic approach to the job search, workers can transition into new roles with confidence.”

Workers Prefer On-the-Job Learning Over Traditional Education

• On-the-job learning is the top choice for career changers – 56% prefer gaining new skills through self-teaching or employer-provided training rather than returning to school.
• Formal education takes a backseat – Only 16% would go back to school for a degree, while 32% would opt for an online certification.

Career Changers Want Quick Upskilling

• Speed matters for career changers – 56% are only willing to invest six months or less in gaining new skills for a career transition.
• Short-term training is preferred – Nearly a quarter (24%) want to upskill in less than three months, while 32% are open to a 3–6 month commitment.
• Long-term education is a tough sell – Only 9% are willing to spend more than two years preparing for a career change, showing a strong preference for fast, flexible learning options.

HR Technology Insights: Mobile World Congress 2025: Learning Ability Drives Productivity for Future

To participate in our interviews, please write to our HRTech Media Room at news@intentamplify.com

Source: PR Web