Job hunting has been brutal for young professionals, with a sluggish hiring market, AI filters, and thousands of other competitors. But even those who managed to score a gig are finding themselves wanting to leave it.
Around 55% of Gen Z professionals plan to look for a new job before the end of this year, according to recent data from recruitment and staffing firm Robert Half. That’s a huge jump from 2025, when only 32% were on the hunt. And the opportunity to earn more is a “major factor” in their plan to switch jobs: more than half of the young professionals believe that switching employers could boost their salaries. Beyond a bigger paycheck, they’re also looking for better benefits, flexibility, and the chance to grow their careers.