5 jobs where workers ‘put down roots’ — and 3 they quickly leave

Turnover is a powerful signal. Where people stay and where they don’t shows what’s working and what’s not. 

In 2025, companies are obsessively tracking retention as “the Great Resignation” cools but doesn’t disappear. Some sectors have surprisingly sticky jobs, while others lean into a revolving‑door reality.

According to the World Economic Forum, many people will navigate multiple careers, not just different jobs. Rapid technological change means core skills are now in flux: About 44% of today’s skills may be disrupted in the next few years. That volatility pushes workers to reskill, but it also fuels churn, especially in roles that don’t let them build deep, firm-specific capital.

Why does this matter? For employers, turnover means lots of additional costs. For workers, where people stay longer suggests career stability and institutional knowledge, and where they leave might signal toxic culture, poor pay, or limited growth.

Here are five roles where employees tend to stay put — and three where they jump ship.

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According to Indeed, workers in media, communications, and arts are less likely to leave quickly, suggesting that creative or specialized industries may foster longer-term employment.

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Second Talent reports manufacturing has a total turnover rate of 18.9%, which is much lower than high‑churn service sectors. The physical, skill‑based nature of many manufacturing jobs may encourage longer tenure.

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Mercer data shows U.S. tech turnover around 8.2%, which is higher than the global average, but still fairly stable compared to service sectors. For many in tech, strong compensation, stock options, or growth opportunities act as retention anchors.

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According to Indeed, school principals have among the longest median job tenure (nearly five years), suggesting they build deep institutional knowledge and commitment.

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These healthcare professionals tend to stick around. Indeed finds that regulated, high‑skill roles like physicians show lower turnover, reflecting long training and strong firm‑specific incentives.

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According to Mercer (via NetSuite), the retail and wholesale industry see voluntary turnover as high as 37%, far above the national average. Low pay, irregular hours, and limited growth fuel the churn.

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Second Talent estimates a total turnover rate of 75.2% in hospitality and food service. The seasonal, low-wage, and high‑stress nature of the job makes it hard for workers to stick around.

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Jobs in hospitality and tourism also show heavy turnover, since more than 25% of workers in these areas report short stays, per Indeed's data. This also highlights the sector’s reliance on seasonal labor and entry-level positions.