While many professionals continue to dream of breaking into the tech industry, I’m noticing a growing trend in the opposite direction: burnt-out tech professionals who are ready to leave the sector and explore alternative career paths.
However, the industry’s high salaries and prestige can often make it feel daunting, or even impossible, to imagine working anywhere else once you’ve successfully landed a job in tech.
So, are people really leaving the tech industry? If so, what career options exist behind tech, and how can you effectively make the transition?
Keep reading to uncover everything you need to know about potential career pathways after tech.
Are People Leaving The Tech Industry?
It seems like every week you hear about another round of tech layoffs or a new wave of professionals stepping away from their roles in tech.
Between 2022 and 2024, more than 580,000 employees were laid off from tech companies, according to layoffs.fyi.
In addition to these forced departures, many tech employees are voluntarily leaving the industry.
While the ‘Great Resignation’ initially sparked an exodus of employees across all sectors, it’s clear that several years later, workers are continuing to seek new horizons for a variety of reasons.
Why Are Tech Workers Leaving The Industry?
There are several reasons tech employees are striving for new ventures. Some of the most common motivations include:
- Seeking better work-life balance: The demanding nature of many tech jobs often leaves little room for personal time or family.
- Pursuing more meaningful work: Many tech workers I speak with want roles that align with their values or allow them to create a more tangible impact.
- Exploring new passions and skills: After years in the same field, some crave fresh challenges or want to lean into hobbies they’ve neglected.
- Starting entrepreneurial endeavors: With substantial professional experience and savings from high-paying jobs, many feel ready to build something of their own.
- Needing to mentally recover: Many tech professionals express fatigue from the relentless grind of the industry, prompting them to reassess their priorities and consider opportunities that offer greater fulfillment or flexibility.
Notably, not everyone who leaves is certain whether the transition will be permanent. Some view it as a chance to recharge and rekindle their motivation before deciding whether they want to return to tech or move forward in a new direction.
How To Successfully Transition Out Of Tech
Deciding to leave the tech industry can feel both exciting and incredibly overwhelming. Below are 5 actionable steps to help you make the pivot with clarity and confidence.
1. Understand why you want to transition in the first place.
Before diving into the logistics of leaving tech, you want to reflect on your motivations. This helps ensure you’re making a purposeful decision rather than reacting to temporary frustrations with your manager, company, or the industry as a whole.
Consider these questions if you’re thinking about pivoting out of tech:
- Will leaving tech truly solve your problem, or is it a band-aid for issues like poor work-life balance or burnout?
- What are your intentions for your transition? How will this transition support your long-term career goals?
- How will you measure success in this new career chapter? In other words, what does a successful transition look like to you?
Taking the time to thoughtfully answer these questions can provide you with clarity and conviction as you begin your career pivot.
2. Clarify your compensation requirements.
The tech industry is known for its impressive compensation packages, so you’ll need to carefully consider your financial situation before making any career decisions. Here are some questions to guide your thought process:
- Are you willing to take a pay cut? If so, how much of a reduction are you comfortable with?
- What’s the minimum salary you require in your next role?
- Beyond salary, what other forms of compensation (e.g., bonuses, stock options, perks) are important to you?
Many tech professionals I work with are willing to take a pay cut in exchange for better work-life balance or more meaningful work. However, you must weigh the benefits and drawbacks based on your unique circumstances.
Keep in mind that robust compensation packages are often less common outside of tech, so set realistic expectations.
3. Assess your transferable skills.
Next, take stock of your experience and skills. You want to identify roles that align with your background while setting realistic expectations for your search. Ask yourself:
- What skills have I developed in my current role that can be applied in other industries?
- Which accomplishments demonstrate my ability to be successful in a different field?
- Are there any gaps I may need to address (e.g. certifications or training) before transitioning?
Fortunately, many tech roles offer highly transferable skills that can open doors to opportunities in fields like consulting, education, entrepreneurship, or even nonprofit work.
As you assess your options, you’ll want to keep in mind your salary requirements and the current job market to ensure alignment between your goals and the available opportunities.
4. Identify your unique value proposition.
Transitioning careers means you’ll be competing with applicants who may have more direct experience in the field you’re targeting. Put simply, you won’t have the “home field advantage” you once had when applying for roles within tech.
Therefore, you must identify what sets you apart from other applicants (AKA your fabulousness) if you want to stand out. Ask yourself:
- What strengths and talents do I bring that others don’t?
- How does my experience in tech provide me with a fresh perspective or rare expertise that’s valuable outside of the industry?
- What makes me fabulous?
Clarifying what sets you apart will not only make your application stand out but will also boost your confidence throughout this process.
5. Explore your options beyond tech.
Once you have a clear sense of your skills and unique value proposition, it’s time to explore potential alternative career paths outside of tech. If there are any industries or roles you’re already considering, you can start there.
If not, here are two powerful strategies to generate ideas:
- Conduct a Mini 360: Ask trusted friends, colleagues, and mentors, “If I didn’t already work in tech, where could you see me working?” Their answers might reveal options you hadn’t previously considered — or affirm your choices.
- Leverage Career Assessments: Tools like the Strong Interest Inventory can provide data-driven insights into fields that align with your interests. I’ve found that tech professionals find these assessments particularly useful.
Once you’ve identified potential career paths worth pursuing, harness the power of LinkedIn to research them further. Look up professionals who have successfully transitioned out of tech and analyze their profiles:
- When did they make their transition?
- Did they pursue any additional education, certifications, or training along the way?
- Are there common themes among their experiences that could inform your own journey?
Informational interviews with people in your potential career path can also be invaluable during this phase.
One of the most powerful ways to learn whether a path is worth pursuing is to speak one-on-one with people who are already in your target function.
LinkedIn can be a powerful tool here, too, as you can reach out directly to these individuals. Here are some questions to consider asking during these conversations:
- What does your typical day look like?
- What do you wish you had known before entering this field?
- What tips do you have for someone transitioning into this industry?
- What challenges did you face when making the switch from tech?
- Are there any specific experiences or skills that helped set you apart during the application process?
The goal here is to narrow down your options based on your background, qualifications, and interests while gaining insights into potential next steps.
Career Paths To Explore After Tech
Once you’re ready to make a change, here are some career paths worth exploring as you consider your next step beyond the tech industry:
Tech-Enabled Companies
One of my top recommendations for those transitioning out of the tech industry is to explore roles at tech-enabled companies or organizations that use technology as a core part of their operations but aren’t traditional tech firms.
Examples of tech-enabled companies include:
- Ridesharing: Uber, Lyft
- Healthcare: Calm, Headspace, Lyra Health, Noom
- Retail: Shopify, Instacart
- Hospitality: Airbnb, Vrbo
With the rapid growth of AI and digital transformation, nearly every company can now be considered “tech-enabled.” It’s up to you to decide how you define this category.
What’s most important is that you find a career that aligns with your experience and satisfies your unique needs.
Nonprofits
If you’re looking to make a positive difference in your community or the world, the nonprofit sector can offer an incredibly rewarding path. Nonprofits allow you to use your skills for good while contributing to causes that matter deeply to you.
Like tech companies, nonprofits come in all shapes and sizes, from large organizations like the Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity to smaller grassroots initiatives tackling local issues.
Fun fact: I spent many years working in nonprofits and earned my master’s degree in nonprofit management and philanthropy. More recently, I’ve served on the executive committees of multiple nonprofit boards. It’s an industry that can bring immense purpose and meaning to your life while simultaneously offering opportunities for leadership and impact.
B Corporations (B Corps)
If you’re seeking meaningful work with a mission-driven organization but still want the structure of a for-profit company, consider working for a B Corporation (B Corp).
According to B Lab, “B Corps are mission-driven companies that balance purpose and profit.” There are currently more than 9,000 certified B Corps worldwide, with more than 3,000 operating in the United States.
Examples of popular B Corps include:
- Patagonia
- Ben & Jerry’s
- Warby Parker
You can find B Corps that align with your interests and values by checking out the B Corp Directory. Many of my clients who are seeking purpose-driven work have found fulfilling careers at B Corps.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
If you’re drawn to mission-driven work but want to stay within a corporate environment, you can also explore roles in corporate social responsibility (CSR).
Depending on the specific company, this might mean staying at a tech company but shifting into a role where you can drive intentional change through CSR initiatives.
Alternatively, you could join a nonprofit that partners with corporations on CSR initiatives, which offers you the chance to be on the receiving end of these programs.
Companies use different names for CSR depending on their focus areas, and the terms are constantly evolving. Some names include:
- Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG)
- Corporate Citizenship
- Corporate Sustainability
CSR is a fabulous option if you want to combine purpose-driven work with corporate resources and influence.
Startups and Entrepreneurship
Depending on why you were originally drawn to the tech industry in the first place, working for a startup—or founding your own—might be a natural next step.
A number of my clients left corporate roles to co-found or lead startups. Whether you join an early-stage company or create your own venture, startups allow you to stay connected to innovation while exploring new challenges outside of traditional tech roles.
Transition Within Tech
Finally, consider the possibility of making a transition within the tech industry itself.
Sometimes it’s not about leaving tech entirely but rather finding a role that better aligns with your goals and values. This might look like switching companies, moving to a different functional area, or even working under a new manager who better supports your growth.
For instance, if you’re seeking better work-life balance, consider looking at smaller companies or remote-first organizations with flexible cultures. Similarly, if you’re craving more purpose-driven work within tech, explore roles on sustainability-focused teams or working on social impact initiatives.
There are countless ways to redefine your experience within tech without completely stepping away from the industry.
Should I Leave Tech Entirely Or Pivot Within It?
Only you can decide whether it’s time to exit tech entirely, but many professionals overlook the fact that a transition within the industry can often meet the same needs. If you’re thinking about leaving tech altogether, pause and examine why, then ask whether those needs could realistically be met by changing roles, teams, companies, or focus areas within tech.
What Transferable Skills From Tech Are Most Valuable Outside The Industry?
Tech professionals bring a wealth of transferable skills that organizations across industries are actively seeking. Some of the most in-demand skills include innovation, resourcefulness, and cross-functional collaboration. The key is clearly articulating these skills across your resume, LinkedIn profile, and interviews so employers can immediately see your relevance.
[Read: How To Write A Career Change Resume (With Examples)]
Do I Need A Degree, Training, Or Certifications to Transition Out Of Tech?
Not always. While training or certifications can signal your commitment to a transition, a new degree is not always required. One effective approach is to use LinkedIn to research tech professionals who have already made similar pivots and see what training, if any, they pursued. This gives you real-world data to inform your decisions and avoid unnecessary investments.
Can I Find Roles Beyond Tech Without Taking A Significant Pay Cut?
It’s possible. Depending on the role and organization you target, you may not need to take a significant pay cut, or possibly even any cut at all. While tech is known for high compensation, many tech-enabled companies, B Corps, and startups also pay competitively. It’s also worth evaluating potential non-salary compensation, such as profit sharing, improved work-life balance, flexibility, and more meaningful work.
How Do I Figure Out Which Non-Tech Role Is Right For Me?
Career assessments like the Strong Interest Inventory can be a helpful starting point. You can also gather insight from trusted peers and mentors and conduct informational interviews to clarify what the day-to-day actually looks like in different roles. A career coach can further support you by identifying viable paths, helping you weigh trade-offs, and translating your transferable skills into a clear, compelling narrative for employers.
Is Entrepreneurship A Realistic Next Step After Tech?
Absolutely. Entrepreneurship is a common next step for many tech professionals because it allows them to leverage their skills in strategy, problem-solving, and execution. Another frequent entrepreneurial path is joining early-stage startups and similar environments that allow them to have broader ownership and impact. As with any career move, approach this transition intentionally by evaluating risk, runway, and alignment before making the leap.
When Is The Right Time To Make A Transition?
There is no single “right” or “best” time to leave tech. The timing depends on your personal circumstances, financial reality, and the broader labor market. That said, prolonged burnout, repeated layoffs, or a sustained pull toward another industry are all signs that it may be time to seriously explore alternatives.
Can I Return To A Tech Career After Leaving The Industry?
Many tech professionals take a break from the industry and successfully return later in their careers. If you think you might come back to tech, consider ways to stay current on industry trends and best practices while you’re away, as this makes your transition far easier.
In fact, many of my clients take multi-year breaks and then return to tech with great success. The key is to clearly explain how you stayed engaged during your time away and highlight what sets you apart from someone who has remained in the industry.
Final Thoughts On Life After Tech
Only you can decide whether it’s worth it to leave your tech job for something new. Whether or not you ultimately choose to make a transition, it doesn’t hurt to explore your horizons beyond the industry.
On a final note, if you’d like the support of a career coach as you explore what’s possible, please feel free to reach out or schedule a consultation. I’m here for you! You’ve got this!
