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Quiz: Is it Too Late to Switch Careers?

See what experienced workers think about changing jobs now

Kenneth Terrell,

AARP

En español

Published January 19, 2022

7 Questions

e530a84e-7c09-4503-8bbf-ba6a601f69f2

Quiz: Is it Too Late to Switch Careers?

[ {
  "question" : "Workers across America are switching jobs and careers or taking time off from work, a phenomenon that has been dubbed “the Great Resignation.\" How many workers voluntarily left their jobs to do something else in November 2021?",
  "answers" : [ {
    "answer" : "4 million",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "4.5 million",
    "correctAnswer" : true
  }, {
    "answer" : "5 million",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "5.5 million",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  } ],
  "multiSelect" : false,
  "explanation" : "The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the numbers of people leaving jobs in restaurants, health care, transportation and warehouse jobs increased in November.",
  "hint" : "",
  "hintLink" : "",
  "questionImgCaption" : "",
  "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
  "question" : "According to one 2021 survey, what percentage of people ages 54 and older were considering switching jobs because of all the new opportunities available?",
  "answers" : [ {
    "answer" : "30 percent",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "35 percent",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "40 percent",
    "correctAnswer" : true
  }, {
    "answer" : "45 percent",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  } ],
  "multiSelect" : false,
  "explanation" : "Two out of every five respondents said they were thinking about making a switch.",
  "hint" : "",
  "hintLink" : "",
  "questionImgCaption" : "",
  "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
  "question" : "What are some of the reasons that changing careers now could be appealing for experienced workers?",
  "answers" : [ {
    "answer" : "Remote work opportunities",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "Flexible hours",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "Better salaries and benefits",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "All of the above",
    "correctAnswer" : true
  } ],
  "multiSelect" : false,
  "explanation" : "When employers are eager to hire, skilled workers often can benefit. You have more negotiating leverage because employers must compete to land your talent.",
  "hint" : "",
  "hintLink" : "",
  "questionImgCaption" : "",
  "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
  "question" : "Among retirees who have considered going back to work, how many said they would prefer to switch careers rather than stay in their former field, according to a recent survey?",
  "answers" : [ {
    "answer" : "28%",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "43%",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "58%",
    "correctAnswer" : true
  }, {
    "answer" : "None of the above",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  } ],
  "multiSelect" : false,
  "explanation" : "The most common reasons for switching were less stress, the ability to work remotely and finding a career they’re more interested in.",
  "hint" : "",
  "hintLink" : "",
  "questionImgCaption" : "",
  "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
  "question" : "What’s the first thing an experienced worker should do when thinking about switching careers, according to job search experts?",
  "answers" : [ {
    "answer" : "Write a resignation letter",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "Update your résumé",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "Polish your social media profiles",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "Assess your skills and values",
    "correctAnswer" : true
  } ],
  "multiSelect" : false,
  "explanation" : "As part of that assessment, ask yourself: Why do you want to make the change? Does the career match your personal values, or does it match your strengths or preferences? After that, you can look at your skills and experience.",
  "hint" : "",
  "hintLink" : "",
  "questionImgCaption" : "",
  "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
  "question" : "I’m getting close to when I want to retire. What role should my finances play in deciding whether to switch careers?",
  "answers" : [ {
    "answer" : "Decide based only on how much you’d like the new career",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "Think about your financial plan before you switch",
    "correctAnswer" : true
  }, {
    "answer" : "You already have your retirement savings, so don’t sweat it",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "No role at all",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  } ],
  "multiSelect" : false,
  "explanation" : "This is especially true if you’re going to take a pay cut or start a business. Review your budget and determine what you’ll need to get by without dipping into your retirement savings.",
  "hint" : "",
  "hintLink" : "",
  "questionImgCaption" : "",
  "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
  "question" : "What is the best way for older workers to get the skills and training that can help them switch careers?",
  "answers" : [ {
    "answer" : "Community colleges",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "Free online courses",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "A “side hustle”",
    "correctAnswer" : false
  }, {
    "answer" : "All of the above",
    "correctAnswer" : true
  } ],
  "multiSelect" : false,
  "explanation" : "There are several fast, affordable ways for older workers to build new skills. For example, AARP Skills Builder for Work offers free online courses. AARP also has partnered with some community colleges to provide training programs.",
  "hint" : "",
  "hintLink" : "",
  "questionImgCaption" : "",
  "questionImgCredit" : ""
} ]

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Kenneth Terrell covers employment, age discrimination, work and jobs, careers, and the federal government for AARP. He previously worked for the Education Writers Association and U.S. News & World Report, where he reported on government and politics, business, education, science and technology, and lifestyle news.