Sixty per cent of workers have stayed in jobs longer than they wanted because changing careers felt too difficult, according to a new survey.
The 2025 Career Gridlock Report from Resume Now, based on a February poll of 1,000 workers in the U.S., found that while many believe a career shift would improve their well-being, financial worries and skill gaps often keep them from making a move.
Financial fears top the list
Thirty-five per cent of respondents cited fear of a pay cut as the main barrier to switching careers, while 34 per cent worried about financial instability during the transition. Another 32 per cent said uncertainty about whether a new career would be a good fit contributed to their hesitation.
Skill gaps and competition were also concerns, with 20 per cent unsure they could gain the skills they need and 14 per cent fearing they could lose out to more experienced candidates.
Motivations to move
Despite the hesitation, 66 per cent said a career change could improve their happiness. Eighteen per cent are actively trying to switch roles, and 36 per cent have considered it without taking action.
When asked what would motivate them to change careers, 57 per cent pointed to higher salary and benefits, 29 per cent to better work-life balance, and 19 per cent to remote work opportunities. Job dissatisfaction was also a factor, with 17 per cent citing burnout and 15 per cent looking to pursue a passion in a new industry.
Learning on the job preferred
For workers willing to retrain, on-the-job learning is the most popular route. Fifty-six per cent said they prefer to gain skills through self-teaching or employer-provided training rather than returning to school. Only 16 per cent would pursue a new degree, while 32 per cent would opt for an online certification.
Fast upskilling in demand
Speed is another priority. More than half (56 per cent) said they would spend six months or less on training for a new role, with 24 per cent aiming to reskill in under three months and 32 per cent open to a three-to-six-month commitment. Only 9 per cent said they would invest more than two years in preparing for a career change.
Resume Now said the findings suggest that workers seeking to change careers may benefit from short-term, targeted skill-building programs such as certifications, bootcamps, or employer-led training, while employers can help by offering quick, practical reskilling opportunities.
