As cost-of-living pressures rise and workers reevaluate their priorities, millions of Aussies are preparing to make career changes. For many, the desire for better pay and improved work-life balance is driving their decision to leave their current roles in search of new opportunities.

One such professional is Sharon Herrera, a Melbourne resident who recently transitioned from a full-time business development role in the events industry to a part-time business manager position in the disability and aged-care sector. With a newborn and rising household expenses, Sharon’s decision to change jobs was driven by a need for flexibility and financial stability.

After having her son six months ago, Sharon found herself reassessing her priorities as her Centrelink payments came to an end. “The ability to work from home was big for me—not as a permanent arrangement, but having the option when I need to,” she shared. Her new role, which allows her to work closer to home with flexible hours, offers a level of work-life balance that was crucial to her as a new mother.

Sharon is part of a growing movement of Australian professionals seeking more control over their working conditions. 

According to LinkedIn’s latest research, 76% of workers are considering changing jobs in this year, up 15% from the previous year. Flexibility, which became a priority for many during the pandemic, continues to be a key factor for workers, particularly as they navigate the challenges of rising living costs and family responsibilities.

While flexibility remains important, the primary driver for job changes in is the pursuit of higher wages. With inflation pushing up the cost of living, 49% of workers surveyed by LinkedIn said that better pay was the main factor motivating their decision to switch jobs.

For Sharon, finding a role that offered comparable pay was essential to supporting her family. “The wage was definitely a consideration because I can be more flexible with the amount of hours that I’m working while still trying to keep up with the cost of living,” she explained. This sentiment is echoed by many other professionals facing similar financial pressures.

The focus on higher wages marks a shift in job market dynamics, with workers taking a more proactive stance in pursuing roles that meet their financial needs. Cayla Dengate, LinkedIn’s career expert, noted that professionals are no longer waiting for economic conditions to improve. “They’ve done some soul searching and they’ve realised that now is the time to get the job they want and the role that is on the path to their eventual dream position,” Dengate said.

Despite the desire to change jobs, workers are facing increased competition in the job market. LinkedIn found that job searches had risen by 16% in 2023 compared to the previous year, while SEEK reported a 6% increase in applications per job ad in November. This means that job seekers need to stand out in a crowded field.

Dengate suggests that professionals looking to switch careers should focus on brushing up their skills and using new formats like video or digital resumes to differentiate themselves. Additionally, maintaining an active online presence and growing one’s professional network can increase visibility to potential employers.

For Sharon, leveraging her transferable skills in sales, business development, and management was key to landing a role in a different industry. “I think that’s the important thing—focusing on your transferable skills as opposed to focusing on the gaps you have with the job role. Put your best foot forward,” she advised.

With a significant portion of the Australian workforce planning to change jobs in the coming year,  higher wages and flexible working conditions have become top priorities for professionals across the country. However, as job seekers face increased competition, standing out will require a strategic approach that highlights transferable skills and professional adaptability. 

For those ready to make a change, now is the time to take charge of their career trajectory and seek opportunities that align with both their financial goals and personal values.