Far More Older People Suddenly Want a New Job. Here’s Why.

A surprising number of older workers are gung-ho about making a job change this year. Find out why.

Chris Kissell

Journalist of Three Decades Who Has Written Extensively on Personal Finance Issues

Published Jan. 23, 2025

Advertising Disclosure

Older man interviewing for a new job — insta_photos / Shutterstock.com

America’s older workers are getting restless.

Nearly one-quarter of workers age 50 and older plan to make a job change this year, according to a recent AARP survey. That is a big increase from 2024, when just 14% said they planned to seek new employment.

Among the 3,580 older adults AARP surveyed, those who said they would be looking for a job reported various reasons for why they wanted a new gig. Based on what they told AARP, these are the chief reasons older workers are updating their resumes and looking for new roles.

1. Making more money

Older female executive worker — AlessandroBiascioli / Shutterstock.com

Older workers who cited this as one of the reasons they plan to make a job change this year: 56%

Whatever your age, there is a good chance that a desire for higher pay is at the root of your determination to look for a new job. More than half of older workers cited making more money as the chief motivation for seeking new employment.

2. Wanting flexible work options

Older workers who cited this as one of the reasons they plan to make a job change this year: 32%

Among those planning some type of a job change, 40% say they hope to land a role with another company. An additional 16% said they want to start their own business.

Self-employment can be hard, and you often work long hours. But the reward can be much greater flexibility to do your work as you see fit on the schedule that works best for you.

3. Wanting to do something meaningful

An older worker shakes hands at a job interview — fizkes / Shutterstock.com

Older workers who cited this as one of the reasons they plan to make a job change this year: 29%

After decades of punching the clock for corporate entities, some older workers have reached the point where they want to make more of a difference or do something more meaningful.

Many of these older workers probably see retirement looming in the not-so-distant future and believe now is the time to work for a cause they care about — before it’s too late.