According to FlexJobs’ 2025 State of the Workplace Report, 69% of respondents said they have changed or considered changing career fields in the past year. The report found that the top factors driving the widespread career reevaluation are the pursuit of remote work options (67%), improved work-life balance (52%), greater job fulfillment (48%), and expanded skillsets (40%).
FlexJobs developed the survey and polled over 2,200 U.S. professionals between February 4 and 18, 2025, to gain greater insight into the workforce’s experiences and perspectives on job-related decisions and career goals. From fears about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on job security to return-to-office (RTO) mandates prompting workers to seek new employment, job seekers are facing numerous challenges in their quest for career satisfaction and work-life balance.
“This data suggests a workforce that’s very much in flux, with the majority of people actively contemplating or making changes to their professional lives,” said Toni Frana, Career Expert Manager at FlexJobs. “Whether or not the trend is a direct result of ongoing RTO debates, many workers are reconsidering their priorities and exploring new skills, industries, and career paths.”
1 in 3 Workers Quit or Considered Quitting in Last 6 Months
Comparatively, the survey revealed that one-third (33%) of respondents have considered quitting or quit their job in the last six months, indicating a stronger interest in long-term career fulfilment over immediate job dissatisfaction. Specifically:
18% said they are currently considering quitting their job.
15% said they have recently quit their job.
FlexJobs’ report found several factors were contributing to the workforce shift. The leading causes of workers quitting or considering quitting included:
Toxic company culture (69%)
Feeling disrespected or undervalued at work (60%)
Poor work-life balance (57%)
Low or unfair pay (56%)
Other top factors causing workers to quit or consider quitting their jobs were:
Bad boss (54%)
Stressful job (48%)
No advancement opportunities (42%)
Misaligned company values and personal values (38%)
Inflexible work hours (37%)
Disagreeable coworkers (25%)
Limited or unfair vacation time (21%)
Over One-Quarter of Workers “Less Loyal” to Employers Post-Pandemic
27% of respondents admitted they are “somewhat” (14%) or “extremely” (13%) less loyal to employers after the pandemic.
When asked which factors would make them more loyal to a company, remote work options, greater financial support, and job flexibility ranked as the top responses:
68% – Remote work options
63% – Higher pay
61% – Flexible schedules, such as four-day workweeks
56% – Recognition and appreciation to employees
48% – Routine cost of living adjustments
41% – Mentorship and development opportunities
36% – Strong company culture
33% – Stipends for health and wellness
These findings mirror FlexJobs’ 2024 State of the Workforce Report. Notably, in the six months between the two surveys, working professionals have held firm on five key demands to stay in their jobs: higher pay, the ability to work remotely, scheduling flexibility, professional development opportunities, and improved company culture.
Remote Work Beats Out Salary & Benefits as Top Job Factor
While higher pay is a top factor in employee loyalty and retention, FlexJobs’ survey found remote work remains as the most important factor when considering a new job opportunity.
More than one-third (37%) of respondents said remote work was the leading factor when contemplating a new job––12% higher than those listing salary and benefits as the leading factor (25%).
However, high competition for jobs (47%) and lack of remote work options (45%) were among the biggest frustrations workers said they are facing when job searching in today’s marketplace. Other top challenges cited were:
44% – Ageism and discrimination
44% – Lack of transparency in the hiring process
32% – Lack of work-life balance in many jobs
29% – The rise of AI and automation
28% – The emphasis on degrees over skills and experience
26% – Lack of job security
16% – Difficulty negotiating salary and benefits
Red Flag Phrases in Job Postings: “Rock Star,” “Family,” “Wear Many Hats”
Job seekers are increasingly on the lookout for job search red flags. When asked what they considered to be the biggest “red flag” phrase when evaluating job postings, respondents said the top phrases were:
“Rock star” (19%)
“Wearing many hats” (18%)
“Hustle” (17%)
“We’re a family” (16%)
“Fast-paced environment” (14%)
Additionally, workers’ biggest fear for the future of work is a reduction in remote work opportunities (21%), surpassing concerns about AI-driven job displacement (19%) and the erosion of worker rights (15%).
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