The pandemic created a myriad of changes to nearly everyone’s work lives and careers. Most recent CivicScience tracking data show that roughly 1 in 5 U.S. employed adults are working remotely, but 1 in 4 have either experienced reduced hours or pay, or have lost their jobs entirely. 

A CivicScience survey conducted this month showed that 7% of U.S. adults (who were still employed before the pandemic struck the country) left their job voluntarily. Eleven percent report being laid off or furloughed at some point.

Who is changing jobs during the pandemic? 

Further research shows that 15% of people under age 25 voluntarily left their job during the pandemic. But this age group was also the most impacted by furloughs and layoffs; nearly 20% reported they experienced one or the other during the pandemic. While the pandemic has taken a toll on everyone, it seems that in the U.S. workforce, it’s impacted younger people – for better or worse – the most.

Data has consistently shown that workers with lower wages have been significantly more impacted by the pandemic but further CivicScience research shows that low-income groups also report the highest numbers of both leaving jobs by choice and being furloughed or laid off. 

A separate CivicScience survey found that 11% of U.S. adults who were employed pre-pandemic say they started a new job within the past 10 or so months with 4% saying they’ve done so in an entirely different career field. The most surprising insight? Ten percent of people are actively looking for a new position despite continuing to work during the pandemic.

Not only are younger people leaving jobs voluntarily more than others, but they’re also starting jobs in different career fields at the highest rate.

Again, the same can be said for lower-income groups.

Those who have switched jobs during the pandemic report confidence that their personal financial situations will at least stay the same or improve within the next six months – and that’s highest among workers who switched career fields during a chaotic year.

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