Workers changed careers to seek remote work: FlexJobs 2025 report
GUAYNABO, PUERTO RICO — Nearly 7 in 10 professionals have changed careers or considered doing so within the past year, with remote work opportunities as the primary motivator.
This is according to FlexJobs’ 2025 State of the Workplace which surveyed 2,293 U.S.-based workers between February 4 to 18.
Remote work outweighs salary in job decisions
The report found that 37% of respondents cited remote work as the leading factor when considering new employment, outpacing the 25% who prioritized salary and benefits.
“This data suggests a workforce that’s very much in flux, with the majority of people actively contemplating or making changes to their professional lives,” Toni Frana, Career Expert Manager at FlexJobs, said in a press release.
“Whether or not the trend is a direct result of ongoing RTO debates, many workers are reconsidering their priorities and exploring new skills, industries, and career paths.”
Employee loyalty erodes amid changing work dynamics
The survey reveals concerning trends in worker loyalty, with more than a quarter of respondents (27%) admitting they feel “somewhat” (14%) or “extremely” (13%) less loyal to their employers following the pandemic. This shift coincides with many companies implementing return-to-office mandates despite worker preferences.
Top factors driving career changes
The FlexJobs survey identified several key factors motivating career changes:
- Remote work options (67%)
- Improved work-life balance (52%)
- Greater job fulfillment (48%)
- Expanded skill sets (40%)
Job seekers face mounting challenges
High competition for positions (47%) and lack of remote work options (45%) rank as the biggest frustrations, followed closely by ageism and discrimination (44%) and lack of transparency in hiring processes (44%).
The survey also identified common red flags in job postings that make candidates wary, with terms like “rock star” (19%), “wearing many hats” (18%), and “hustle” (17%) topping the list of phrases that signal potentially problematic work environments.
Workers also express concerns about the future, particularly regarding potential reductions in remote work opportunities (21%), AI-driven job displacement (19%), and erosion of worker rights (15%).
The findings underscore a fundamental shift in workplace expectations, with flexibility and remote options now firmly established as essential components of employee satisfaction and retention.
