Career Change Statistics

Similar to changing your major in college, it is very common to switch your career several times. According to the article Career Change Statistics the average person will change careers 5-7 times during their working life. This average number of career changes is actually more than the average number of times a student changes majors while in college. Also, approximately 30% of the total workforce will change jobs every 12 months.By age 42, you will most likely have had about ten jobs.

What do these statistics tell us? One of the first things this tells us is that if you know you will change your career multiple times, be prepared. You can plan for it academically by having a Liberal Arts education and intentionally choosing a minor and taking electives that give you breadth. This expands your toolbox providing more skills and understanding for additional careers and paths.

It may not seem feasible now to financially plan for career changes, but it’s a good practice to anticipate what’s ahead. Career changes happen frequently. Career Change Statistics tells us this happens about every three years and that employers are expecting this.

Why do people change their career? Although there are not many statistics on why a person will change their career, here is a list of likely reasons:

1. Frustration and disillusionment. (not using natural abilities in job)
2. Redundancy or business closure
3. Working in a diminishing industry
4. Realignment of personal/spiritual values midlife re-evaluation
5. Dislike of organization culture

Why should you make a career change? Career Change Statistics has helped us to understand that one of the most common reasons for a career change is due to dissatisfaction. The article also tells us that up to 80% of people are not happy in their current jobs. This is an instant reminder that if we do not have a sense of fulfillment from our careers, we need to do something about it. It is okay to switch careers in order to find that job that best suits you.