CareerBuilder.com has launched a new website, CareerPath.com, aimed at the approximately 35% of workers who say they are currently interested in making a career change.
Among the 5,700 workers polled in a recent CareerBuilder survey, 22% want an opportunity to make a difference; 19% wish to contribute to the success of the organization; 10% seek better benefits; 6% seek more “fun”; and 5% want to jump into a senior position. Less than one-third (31%) cite a larger paycheck as their primary motivation.
Careerpath.com features a free assessment test of 36 questions about skills, abilities, personal values, and interests. The results are linked to competencies necessary to particular fields of work.
CareerBuilder says it based this test on the Holland Theory, which suggests that people who work in an environment matching their personality will be more successful and feel more fulfilled.
When I Grow Up…
CareerBuilder reports that close to 75% of U.S. workers have changed careers at least once.
“It used to be that you began a career after high school or college and 40 years later you retired still working in the same field, but today it’s common for workers to not only change jobs, but careers numerous times in their lives,” said Liz Harvey, director of Consumer Products at CareerBuilder.
“The workplace dynamic has changed — smart phones, laptops, and the Internet have blurred the line between work and home and today’s job seekers are increasingly interested in careers that mirror their own personal interests. CareerPath.com was designed to help job seekers understand how their interests and skills can be translated into new career opportunities,” said Harvey.
Who Wants to Change?
According to the survey, 52% of retail sales and 52% of hospitality workers expressed the highest interest in a career change. In other fields, 41% of IT workers; 36% of banking/finance workers; 25% of educators; 25% of government employees; and 29% of healthcare workers are also interested in a change.
In terms of geography, the survey finds that workers in the Midwest (41%) and South (38%) are the most likely to want to change careers, while workers in the West (35%) and Northeast (33%) are the least likely.
The survey also finds that potential career changers dream of positions in healthcare (25%); business and accounting (20%); technology careers (16%); and human resources (12%).
But for some, these dreams won’t become reality, as the survey finds that 35% hesitate due to fears of starting over in an entry-level position, 39% view change as scary; 22% cite financial concerns; and 16% say they would need to obtain additional education.