In today’s job market, some roles are seeing more people quit than ever before. Based on a survey by PayScale, we have identified 15 jobs that people are leaving at high rates. These positions face significant challenges, pushing workers to seek better opportunities elsewhere.
Senior Product Manager
Senior product managers are among the highest earners on this list, with a median pay of $144,000. Despite the lucrative salary, 66% of them are seeking new jobs. The pressure to deliver successful products and manage teams can be overwhelming, leading to high turnover. Constant innovation, long hours, and high expectations make this role challenging. Aligning cross-functional teams and managing conflicting priorities add to the stress.
Phlebotomist
Phlebotomists, who draw blood for tests and donations, earn a median pay of $39,300. However, 62% are looking for new positions. The job’s repetitive nature and the stress of dealing with difficult patients lead to high turnover. The physical demands, like long periods of standing and exposure to infectious diseases, make it less appealing. In addition, the constant effort to reduce healthcare costs can lead to salary reductions and impact job satisfaction.
Line Cook
Line cooks have a tough gig, earning a median pay of $32,200. The pay is less than ideal, and 62% are seeking new jobs. Long hours and physically demanding work add to the burnout. The job often requires working nights, weekends, and holidays, disrupting personal life and causing fatigue. The high turnover in the restaurant industry means line cooks frequently have to adjust to new team dynamics and management styles, which can be stressful.
Patient Care Technician
Patient care technicians earn a low median salary of $37,700. Despite being crucial in assisting nurses and doctors, 61% are hunting for new roles. The emotional toll of patient care and demanding schedules play significant roles in their desire to leave. Moreover, cost-cutting measures in the healthcare sector can affect wages and job satisfaction. Limited opportunities for advancement with a low pay scale further exacerbate the high turnover rate.
Emergency Room Registered Nurse
Emergency room registered nurses have a median pay of $79,100, yet 60% are seeking new opportunities. The intense environment of the ER, coupled with the emotional and physical demands of the job, leads to high levels of stress and burnout. The irregular hours and shift work disrupt sleep patterns and personal life, contributing to fatigue and burnout. High patient volumes and staff shortages further increase the pressure on ER nurses.
Patient Services Representative
Earning a low average salary of $39,600, 59% of patient services representatives are looking for new jobs. Dealing with patient inquiries, managing appointments, and handling complaints can be taxing, contributing to the high turnover rate. The role often involves dealing with frustrated or anxious patients, which can be emotionally draining. Additionally, the repetitive nature of administrative tasks and limited opportunities for career growth make this job less attractive.
Cyber Security Analyst
Cyber security analysts, who earn $82,900 on average, have 59% looking for new roles. The constant pressure to stay ahead of cyber threats and the rapidly changing tech landscape make this job particularly stressful. The need to continuously update skills and knowledge to combat evolving cyber threats can be overwhelming. Long hours and on-call responsibilities, especially during cyber incidents, contribute to burnout. The high stakes of preventing data breaches and cyber-attacks add to the mental strain.
Welder, Cutter, Solderer, or Brazer
These skilled tradespeople earn a median pay of $48,400. However, 58% are seeking new employment. The physical demands, exposure to hazardous materials, and the repetitive nature of the work contribute to job dissatisfaction. The job often involves working in uncomfortable positions and environments, such as outdoors or confined spaces, which can be physically taxing. Exposure to high heat, bright lights, and dangerous equipment increases the risk of injury.
Forklift Operator
Forklift operators, who earn an average of $39,800, often seek new jobs, with 58% looking to switch. Despite the need for specific skills, low pay is a significant factor. The job’s physical strain, repetitive tasks, and injury risks make it less appealing over time. Sitting for long hours and performing the same movements repeatedly can cause physical discomfort. The potential for accidents while operating heavy machinery adds to the stress.
IT Program Manager
With a median salary of $132,000, IT program managers are well-compensated, yet 58% are seeking new opportunities. The high-stress nature of managing complex projects and teams can lead to burnout. The role requires juggling multiple projects, meeting tight deadlines, and coordinating with various stakeholders, which can be overwhelming. The constant pressure to deliver results and the need to stay updated with technological advancements add to the mental strain. Additionally, the demanding nature of the job often leads to a poor work-life balance.
Critical Care Registered Nurse
Critical care registered nurses, earning $80,700, have 58% looking for new roles. The high-stress environment of critical care units, coupled with emotional exhaustion, drives many to seek less intense positions. These nurses deal with critically ill patients, which can be emotionally draining. Irregular hours and shift work further disrupt personal life and sleep patterns, contributing to burnout.
Retail Sales Associate
Retail sales associates earn a median pay of $30,700, and 58% are looking for new jobs. The long hours, demanding customers, and lack of advancement opportunities contribute to high turnover in retail. The role often involves standing for long periods and dealing with many customers, leading to physical fatigue. The limited opportunities for career growth and low wages make this job less attractive, leading to high turnover rates.
Software Development Engineer
Software development engineers earn an average of $86,800. Yet, 58% are on the hunt for new jobs. The fast-paced nature of the tech industry, constant learning curve, and high expectations lead to significant job dissatisfaction. The pressure to constantly innovate and meet tight deadlines can also contribute to burnout in this field. Moreover, the need to continuously update skills to keep up with technological advancements adds to the stress, making it challenging to maintain a work-life balance.
Senior Data Analyst
Senior data analysts have a median salary of $97,100, with 58% seeking new opportunities. The pressure to provide accurate insights and the high expectations for performance can lead to burnout. The often solitary nature of the work and the need to constantly stay updated with new analytical tools and methodologies can also contribute to job dissatisfaction. Additionally, the high responsibility for data accuracy and the impact of their analyses on business decisions can create significant stress, pushing many to seek less demanding roles.
Patient Care Coordinator
Patient care coordinators earn $46,300 on average. Even so, 58% are looking for new roles. The administrative burden, combined with the emotional toll of patient interactions, makes this job particularly challenging. The need to juggle multiple tasks and manage the expectations of both patients and healthcare providers can lead to significant stress and job dissatisfaction. The pressure for seamless patient care coordination and frequent problem-solving in high-stress situations contribute to the high turnover rate.
