California sees highest number of people quit their jobs all year

California saw a surge in people quitting their jobs in October, according to new data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

During that month, 352,000 Californians resigned from their jobs. That marked the highest number of resignations in a single month for the entire year and was 78,000 more than in September.

Why It Matters

Nationally, the overall quit rate was 2.1 percent, representing more than 3.3 million people who left their jobs.

While California’s quit rate was 1.9 percent and fell below the national average, it still marks the highest month of resignations in 2024 and could reveal the larger extent of California’s exodus.

What To Know

Data from the Census Bureau revealed that more Americans left California between 2023 and 2024 than any other state across the country.

The Golden State lost a total of 239,575 residents to other states, the largest net domestic migration loss in America this year. New York was second, losing 120,917 residents between 2023 and 2024.

As more Californians look to leave the state and live in places with a lower cost of living, that could impact their resignation rates.

California has one of the highest costs of living in the country, with a median home sale price of $829,000 according to Redfin. That’s around double the national median home sale price of $420,000.

What People Are Saying

Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek:

“Some of the increase in quitting comes from employees being discouraged by their current economic situation and a feeling of fewer advancement opportunities with their current employer. We know many workers who want to make more income to meet rising prices. But they find an environment at their current employer where the next step up is a middle management role that has a disproportionate amount of additional work for not the most substantial of pay increases and are some of the most likely to get axed in a downturn. Faced with that harsh reality, some are quitting and going back to the drawing board on another employer or another educational degree that could lead them to better-paying work.”

Kevin Thompson, a finance expert and the founder and CEO of 9i Capital Group, told Newsweek: “The service sector, which accounts for a significant portion of California’s GDP, includes industries like hospitality, retail, and food services that traditionally experience higher turnover and quit rates. These sectors often face challenges like lower wages, limited career progression, and seasonal employment, all of which contribute to employee departures.”

HR consultant Bryan Driscoll told Newsweek: “I think one of the reasons we’re seeing this in California is the stronger worker protections available in the state. When you have safeguards in place, like strong unemployment benefits and leave laws, employees can feel safer quitting without a new job. This gives them the confidence to leave a job that doesn’t meet their needs and move on to something better.”

What Happens Next

The end of the year is often a period of reflection for workers, Thompson said, and many employees choose to reassess their career trajectory.

However, California’s current economic situation could cause more employees to leave their companies, and the state overall, in 2025.

“California’s economy, the fifth largest globally and the largest in the United States, reflects both its immense opportunities and its challenges,” Thompson said. “While trade and innovation are key drivers, the state’s desirable climate, vibrant culture, and outdoor lifestyle attract millions. However, California’s high cost of living, particularly when compared to states like Texas, remains a concern.”