A growing number of full-time workers across the U.S. are reassessing their career paths, driven not just by dissatisfaction but by reflection — and regret, according to a new Adobe survey.
Regret Becomes a Turning Point
The top career regret is not exploring other options earlier, which was reported by 34% of workers. Others said they stayed in one role too long (30%) or didn’t leave toxic work environments soon enough (29%), with women 37% more likely than men to express that last regret.
Gen Z, meanwhile, is focused on missed networking opportunities: nearly one in three say they wish they had built better professional connections.
Generational Changes in Career Priorities
A Gen X top regret is staying in negative environments. A striking 94% of Gen Z respondents are considering a career switch, and 40% are already thinking about going back to school. Their focus: flexibility, meaning, and room to explore.
What Workers Want Now
Today’s career ambitions are broader and more purpose-driven. Over a third of respondents are considering changing industries, with top areas of interest including HR, consulting, tech, and the arts. Many are also eyeing entrepreneurship (25%) or higher education (23%), while 20% are open to taking a break from the workforce altogether.
Skills Workers Wish They Had Built
The reflection doesn’t stop at job choices — workers are also thinking about the skills they didn’t develop soon enough. Foreign languages, coding, and data analytics top the list of hard skills they wish they’d learned.
Gen Z places the most value on data literacy, while millennials regret not learning programming earlier. Soft skills like networking, communication, and conflict resolution were also frequently cited, especially by younger and entry-level employees.
The Confidence Gap
Many also point to what held them back: 36% cited financial insecurity and fear of risk. Gen Z is especially impacted by self-doubt, and women are far more likely to report struggling with imposter syndrome.
Still, most aren’t standing still. A majority (66%) say they’re ready to invest in themselves, even paying out-of-pocket for courses to upskill. Gen Z leads the way here, too, with 69% willing to fund their own growth.
Moving Forward with Clarity
While regret may have sparked reflection, workers are now planning their next moves with intention. Whether it’s switching industries, learning new skills, or redefining success entirely, today’s workforce is embracing a reset and looking to the future with clearer goals, more flexibility, and a deeper sense of purpose.
