43% of workers want to change careers this year, survey finds — but few may actually do it

More than 4 in 10 people — or 43% — are trying to change their career fields this year, according to a new report by online employment platform FlexJobs.

Concern around possible layoffs, the role of artificial intelligence and work-life balance are all factors driving people to want to move to a new profession, said Keith Spencer, career expert at FlexJobs.

The survey, conducted in early February, included over 4,000 U.S. respondents.

But changing careers can feel daunting, and data show that most people are still reluctant to leave their current employers.

"Many people know they want to leave their current job, but haven't fully defined the role they want or how their existing skills translate to a new field," Spencer said. "Without that understanding, it's easy to lose confidence and motivation."