The U.S. labor market is unusually tight, with limited hiring and firing prompting many office workers to reconsider their careers. A 2025 Flexjobs report found 62% of white-collar workers would switch to trade jobs for better stability and pay, while others aim to start businesses, retire early, move abroad, or take career breaks. Younger generations, especially Gen Z and Millennials, feel unprepared by education and training for the workforce.
Despite significant stigma surrounding vocational careers and assumptions that grad jobs are the only path to success, a new report highlights that tradies in the U.S. can earn six-figure salaries without the added debt of a college degree.