There's no question that an individual's work history can shift dramatically throughout their life. The Bureau of Labor Statistics found that people born between 1957-1964 changed jobs on average 5.7 times between 18 and 24, and between 25 and 34, and between two and four times between 25 and 34. This drops to 2.9 between 35-44, and 1.9 between 45-52. However, this trend doesn’t always translate into career changes as there may be some changes.
Gen Z
Gen Z workers possess one of their most valuable traits: their willingness and ability to change careers if they feel it is best for them. A majority of Gen Zers prefer to be unemployed over staying in a job they dislike. Employers and Gen Z workers can both benefit from these traits.
A recent survey revealed that nearly 80 percent Gen Z professionals are open to considering a total career switch, in either a different industry or different job functions. Half of these professionals said that they would be open to the idea of moving to a better job or a different area. Twenty percent of Gen Z workers agreed that more variety in their job would be appealing.
Millennials
While some people stick with their jobs for life, others will try a variety of jobs before finding the right one. There are many reasons people may change careers. Here are a few examples: millennials; baby boomers; and the general populace. Most people don’t like being stuck in the exact same situation for their entire lives.
Many people move on to better work. Many people search for work in the healthcare, education, and environmental fields. Others may want to change careers in order to make more money. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' survey, workers change jobs an average of five to seven times during their lives. This trend is expected to continue in the future. In addition, changing economic conditions are making it more likely that career changes will occur. People are finding it easier to work flexible hours and working part-time.
Gen X
In the coming years, the next generation of workers will be joining the workforce. Their expectations have changed regarding their job. Compared to previous generations, millennials and Gen Z workers will stay in a job for only about three years on average. This shift is due to their age and stage of life. As such, they will search for greater job flexibility, better wages, and better benefit packages. This means that they won't be able to switch careers as quickly as their Gen X peers.
Gen Xers like to have clear expectations and goals when working. This keeps them motivated. To help them stay motivated, they might ask several questions in order to understand the project requirements. After that, they could create their own plan. They may also offer general guidance to team members as needed.
Baby boomers
Many of the baby boomers are considering a change in career. They are an independent, highly educated group. Many of them were raised during times of change and challenged the status-quo. They don't fear conflict and will challenge any accepted practices. They are committed to their careers and they are goal-oriented.
There are many careers available for the baby boomers. They are able to identify what they enjoy and what type of contribution they want to make. Changing careers is a great way to explore different interests, expand their skills and get a fresh perspective. Changes in careers allow them to travel to different areas, work in different jobs, and explore different industries.