On-site jobs: Jobs people don't want after the pandemic.
“The way we work will never be the same again.”
That was the prediction in 2020. Four years later? It’s true—but not in the way many people expected. The pandemic reshaped the job market in ways we’re still trying to figure out.
Remote work exploded. Entire industries collapsed while others thrived. Workers quit low-paying, high-stress jobs in droves. And now? Employers are struggling to fill on-site roles because people simply don’t want them anymore.
A recent study found that over 60% of employees would rather quit than return to a full-time office job. The message is loud and clear: The workforce has changed, and companies that don’t adapt are already falling behind.
So, what’s happening? Which jobs have lost their appeal? And most importantly—where are people going instead?
On-site Jobs Now
On-site jobs are now less attractive. After almost a year of the Great Resignation, more employees are considering quitting their jobs than they did a year ago, according to a survey conducted by Microsoft Corp. Also, more than half of Gen Z and millennial employees are contemplating a job change over the next year. Many employees who worked remotely are unsure if they want to physically appear at work consistently ever again… It turns out that increased flexibility and reduced commuting time weren’t a bad trade-off for the new pain of Zoom fatigue. Does your company want you back in your office, picking up where you left off in 2020? Haha. No way!
Finding a remote job can be a full-time job in itself, and we all require guidance and support sometimes. It’s not easy to navigate this solo. But here’s the good news: I can help you to show them why YOU are the perfect person for the job.
Do you want to know more? Take a look at my free resources.
How the Pandemic Reshaped the Job Market
The pandemic didn’t just change where people work—it changed how they think about work.
Before COVID-19, remote work was a rare perk. Today, it’s a standard expectation for millions of employees. The workforce has undergone a dramatic shift, and these are the biggest changes:
• Remote Work is Here to Stay – Before the pandemic, only 6% of Americans worked remotely full-time. Now, over 30% do, with hybrid models becoming the norm.
• Health & Safety Priorities Changed – Frontline and service jobs became riskier, leading many workers to seek careers in safer, remote-friendly fields.
• Burnout & Work-Life Balance Became Deal Breakers – The “Great Resignation” showed that employees will walk away from jobs that don’t offer flexibility or fair compensation.
• Automation & AI Took Over Some Roles – Many companies accelerated digital transformation, leading to a decline in traditional administrative and manual labor jobs.
Workers no longer accept the status quo. They want flexibility, security, and career growth—things that many on-site jobs struggle to provide.
The On-Site Jobs People No Longer Want
Not every job bounced back after the pandemic. Some industries are still struggling to fill positions because workers simply don’t want them anymore.
Here are the on-site jobs seeing the biggest drop in interest.
• Retail & Food Service – These industries were hit hard by COVID-19, and many workers never returned. Low wages, unpredictable hours, and high burnout rates have pushed workers toward remote-friendly customer service and e-commerce roles.
• Warehouse & Manufacturing – The physical demands and repetitive nature of these jobs make them less attractive, especially when remote logistics and supply chain management jobs are on the rise.
• Traditional Office Admin Roles – Receptionists, clerks, and data entry specialists are being replaced by automation and self-service technology, making these jobs less common and less appealing.
• Healthcare Support Roles – Nurses, medical assistants, and home health aides have been leaving the field due to high stress, low pay, and poor working conditions. Many are transitioning into telehealth and private wellness coaching.
• Public Transportation & Rideshare Jobs – Fewer people are commuting daily, reducing demand for bus drivers, taxi drivers, and even Uber/Lyft services.
These industries face a hiring crisis because workers have better alternatives—jobs that offer more flexibility, higher pay, and better work-life balance.
The Jobs That Are Thriving Post-Pandemic
While some jobs are disappearing, others are booming. The fastest-growing careers in the post-pandemic economy are centered around flexibility, technology, and changing consumer needs.
• Tech & IT Jobs – Remote work has increased demand for cybersecurity experts, cloud engineers, and software developers. Companies need strong digital infrastructure to support remote teams.
• E-commerce & Digital Marketing – As physical retail declines, more businesses are shifting online. SEO specialists, content creators, and digital marketers are thriving.
• Healthcare & Mental Health Services – While some traditional healthcare jobs are struggling, telehealth, therapy, and wellness coaching are seeing massive growth. The demand for mental health professionals has surged.
• Freelance & Gig Work – The “Great Reshuffle” led to an explosion in freelancing, consulting, and independent contract work. Many professionals prefer flexibility over a traditional 9-to-5 office job.
• Green Energy & Sustainability – Climate-conscious policies and technological advancements are driving job growth in solar energy, wind power, and sustainable engineering.
The modern workforce is prioritizing jobs that provide stability, flexibility, and meaningful work. The employers and industries that recognize this shift will continue to thrive.
What Employers Must Do to Attract Talent
Companies struggling to fill on-site roles need to rethink their approach. The old methods no longer work. Here’s how businesses can stay competitive in the new job market.
• Offer Hybrid & Flexible Work Options – Employees want choices. A strict return-to-office policy is a surefire way to lose top talent to companies that allow hybrid work.
• Pay Competitive Salaries – Remote jobs are paying more, and if on-site roles don’t match those salaries, workers will look elsewhere. Compensation needs to reflect the current demand.
• Improve Work Conditions & Benefits – Job seekers now expect mental health support, professional development opportunities, and strong benefits packages.
• Invest in Automation Where Needed – If fewer people want repetitive manual jobs, companies need to incorporate AI and robotics to fill the gaps.
• Prioritize Employee Well-Being – Companies that focus on retention, workplace culture, and meaningful career paths will attract and keep top talent.
Businesses that adapt to these new expectations will thrive. Those that don’t will continue to struggle to hire.
Conclusion
The future of work isn’t about returning to the office. It’s about giving people a reason to stay.
Employers who cling to outdated job structures will struggle. Workers aren’t just chasing paychecks anymore. They want flexibility, respect, and career paths that align with their priorities.
Companies that adapt—offering hybrid models, competitive pay, and meaningful work—will thrive. The ones that don’t? They’ll keep wondering why they can’t fill positions.
For employees, the message is simple: The job market is shifting in your favor. Leverage it. Develop in-demand skills. Explore industries that align with your values. Take control of your career because, right now, you have more power than ever before.
The old rules of work don’t apply anymore. And that’s not a bad thing. It’s an opportunity—to build something better.
And here’s a list of remote jobs as a starting point.
Get a remote job that fits your lifestyle and STOP fitting your life around your job!
*If you spot any errors/ any sneaky non-remote jobs, please do let me know.
FAQs
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The pandemic disrupted nearly every industry. Millions lost jobs, remote work became mainstream, and many workers left low-wage, high-stress roles for better opportunities. Automation and AI accelerated, changing demand for certain jobs permanently.
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The US recovered through stimulus packages, remote work adoption, and job market shifts. Some industries, like tech and healthcare, bounced back quickly, while others, like hospitality and retail, struggled. The labor market remains tight, with worker shortages in key sectors.
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Industries that relied on in-person work were hit the hardest, including:
• Hospitality & Tourism – Hotels, airlines, and restaurants saw mass layoffs.
• Retail & Food Service – Many brick-and-mortar stores never reopened.
• Entertainment & Events – Theaters, concerts, and sports venues faced long shutdowns.
• Manufacturing & Supply Chain – Factory closures and shipping delays disrupted global supply chains.
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Several industries are still struggling to fill roles, including:
• Healthcare – Nurses, doctors, and home health aides are in high demand.
• Skilled Trades – Electricians, plumbers, and welders face severe shortages.
• Education – Teachers and childcare workers are leaving the field due to burnout.
• Tech & Cybersecurity – Companies are desperate for software engineers and IT security professionals.
The job market has changed, and companies are rethinking hiring strategies to attract talent.