Older Workers Are Quitting Jobs for Better Pay Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again. × Search search POPULAR SEARCHES SUGGESTED LINKS Join AARP for just $9 per year when you sign up for a 5-year term. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Leaving AARP.org Website You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply.

More Workers Are Quitting Amid Tight Labor Market

Seeking higher pay leads the list of motivations for workers age 55

GETTY IMAGES Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Among workers age 55 and up, 44 percent say the most likely reason they would quit their current job is to accept one that pays more, according to a new survey. The poll of more than 2,800 office workers in 28 U.S. cities was conducted on behalf of staffing service OfficeTeam, a Robert Half company. Flowers & Gifts 25% off sitewide and 30% off select items See more Flowers & Gifts offers > Getting a raise isn’t their only motivation. Fourteen percent say they’d be most inclined to leave because they don’t feel appreciated, the same share that cited being bored or unchallenged at work. Smaller numbers cited desires for a shorter commute, a better boss, a more suitable or a chance to work for an employer with a higher purpose or stronger mission. Quitting to seek more pay may not always be a smart move for older workers, OfficeTeam District President Brandi Britton said in an email. “If you like everything else about your current employer and another company is just offering more money, you might want to see if your manager is willing to discuss a before making up your mind,” she said. “If you’re nearing retirement, you should consider how many more years you plan to work and whether you’ll lose out on vesting of retirement accounts or other benefits when leaving.” Older workers may need to handle change differently than younger workers, Britton said. If they are longtime employees with extensive responsibilities, “an employer may appreciate you giving more than two weeks’ notice so there’s sufficient time to train a replacement and tie up loose ends,” she said. Britton said exiting gracefully may be crucial because potential employers will focus on what long-standing workers did in their prior jobs. AARP Membership — $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. AARP VALUE & MEMBER BENEFITS See more Health & Wellness offers > See more Flights & Vacation Packages offers > See more Finances offers > See more Health & Wellness offers > SAVE MONEY WITH THESE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS