The Kinder Institute for Urban Research surveyed 9,000 neighbors from Harris County, Montgomery County, and Fort Bend County about their job priorities, current work, and intentions to change careers.
The new data shows the number one reason why workers in our area want a career change is to have a better work-life balance. How much they make was number two.
Kinder Institute researchers also discovered that people want more enjoyment. As far as keeping their jobs, only a little more than half want to stay.
A quarter want to change careers, and the rest are unsure. Of those who do want a change, researchers said they were surprised at what they heard.
"It's not like they're sort of lukewarm on it," Houston Population Research Center director at the Kinder Institute for Urban Research at Rice University, Daniel Potter, said. "Over seven in 10 of them are saying that it's very, or it's extremely likely that they're going to be changing careers, and that translates over to over 500,000 individuals in the Houston area switching careers in the next five years."
If you're one of those people, job experts say there are steps you can take starting immediately. ABC13 caught up with Workforce Solutions.
It's a local workforce development agency that helps people find their next career. Officials said to start by making a list of your job skills and what you're interested in.
Next, do your research. If you're unsure about a certain career, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has tools you can use.
If the career change requires new skills, you can develop them at area schools. There are even virtual options, including LinkedIn learning and grow with Google.
Even if you're frustrated with your current job, experts say, don't quit before you land something else. Lastly, act like you're already in the new career.
"That includes tailor-made resumes," Workforce Solutions senior manager Carl Salazar explained. "That includes a LinkedIn profile, if you don't have one. You want to put yourself in the shoes of the employer and what they would want you to look like."
Experts said this study should send signals not just to employees but employers. They said it's time-consuming and expensive to find new workers.
In order to make people want to stay, they suggest companies find career paths and opportunities for growth.
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