This article highlights the importance of seeking financial advice as working lives become more flexible.

• As life expectancy increases, workers are abandoning the idea of spending a whole career with one company
• More workers are embracing non-linear career journeys by retraining, switching industries and taking extended breaks
• As working lives become more fluid and career paths less predictable, seeking financial advice is essential

More than four in 10 Brits expect to pursue multiple careers if life expectancies continue to rise, research¹ shows. As the traditional work trajectory dies out, what will the financial impacts be and how should you prepare?

Multiple careers

Amid longer lives and more opportunities to retrain, workers are abandoning the idea of spending a whole career with one company – or even within one industry. A quarter of respondents expect to switch industries, according to the research, while a fifth plan to try a new profession. More than one in 10 will return to education to support a career shift, the survey revealed. Remarkably, young employees aged 18 to 25 have already worked for an average of six employers, the research found, the same number as those aged 65 to 74.

Reinforcing the takeover of flexibility, some 26% of respondents have taken some form of extended leave, while 65% think we must dispense with the idea that learning, working and retiring is a linear path.

Sound financial guidance throughout the journey

As working lives become more fluid and career paths less predictable, seeking financial advice throughout your journey can make all the difference.

We can help you adapt your financial strategy to each new phase – whether you’re retraining, taking time out or pursuing a passion project – ensuring you stay on track to meet your goals. By planning proactively and making informed decisions about savings, pensions and investments, you can build the freedom to live well at every stage, whatever direction your working life takes. Flexibility may define the future of work, but sound financial guidance remains the key to making it sustainable.

¹Canada Life, 2025

The value of investments can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. The past is not a guide to future performance and past performance may not necessarily be repeated. The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate Will writing, tax and trust advice and certain forms of estate planning.