60% of Workers Feel Stuck in Jobs: Financial Fears Are the Main Barrier to Career Change
By
Caroline Ceniza-Levine
Sesame, salt, and substance. A flagship bake.
Summary
A 2026 Career Gridlock Report by Resume Now surveying 1,000 US workers reveals that 60% have stayed in their role longer than desired, and nearly 66% believe a career change would increase their happiness, yet only 18% are actively pursuing one. The top barriers are starting over at a lower salary (35%) and financial instability (34%). The article offers five solutions to overcome the financial fears keeping workers stuck in unfulfilling jobs, emphasizing that a career change doesn't necessarily require a pay cut.
Key quotes
· 4 pulled60% of respondents have stayed in their role longer than they'd like.
Nearly 66% believe a career change would increase their happiness, but only 18% are actively pursuing one.
Starting over at a lower salary (cited by 35% of respondents) and financial instability (cited by 34% of respondents) are the top two concerns of making a change.
A career change doesn't necessarily require a pay cut.
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