Why Over 170,000 Kazakhstanis Plan to Change Jobs in 2026

According to data from the Bureau of National Statistics, the primary driver of labor migration within the country is low income. Out of 176,600 citizens intending to change jobs, the vast majority are seeking new opportunities due to unmet financial needs rather than poor working conditions.

The figures from February 2026 reveal a "hidden turbulence" in Kazakhstan's labor market. Several key factors are driving formally employed citizens to search for new positions:

1. The Financial Factor: Salary Over Comfort

The study's primary conclusion is that dissatisfaction with salary levels far outweighs grievances regarding physical working conditions.

• 72,502 people (41%) — wish to leave their jobs due to low income.
• 19,406 people (11%) — are ready to move due to unfavorable working conditions.
     This indicates that the financial factor is 3.7 times stronger than physical safety and comfort in motivating a job change.

2. The "Useless" Diploma: Desire to Work by Specialty

Another pressing issue is professional imbalance. 45,897 people (26%) want to work in their field of study. This suggests that tens of thousands of skilled professionals are currently working in positions below their qualification level or in entirely unrelated sectors.

3. The Inefficiency of Stability

Interestingly, layoffs or corporate reorganizations are not the main reasons for seeking new employment. Only 333 people are looking for work due to fears of downsizing. This demonstrates that labor instability stems from internal motivation—specifically low living standards—rather than external corporate crises.

4. The Urban-Rural Divide

The trend of switching employers is significantly more prevalent in urban areas:

• 123,500 people — are urban residents.
• 53,100 people — are rural residents.
   

The fact that this indicator is 2.3 times lower in rural areas likely points to a lack of alternative job options rather than higher employee loyalty.

Earlier reports indicated that more than 1.3 million citizens in Kazakhstan work more than the legally mandated 40-hour week. In many cases, overtime has become a tool for job preservation rather than a means to increase total income.