Occupational changes commonly follow health shocks. Individuals are 1015 per cent more likely to change occupation or employer in subsequent months relative to those who remain healthy. I document how these newly chosen occupations differ from the occupation mobility patterns of the healthy.
Those who newly report a physical disability switch to less cognitive and less manual occupations, and those who report worsening mental health switch to less cognitive occupations, relative to their healthy counterparts. However, people whose health worsens do not change the interpersonal task intensity of their occupation.
Lower cognitive intensity jobs consist of less complex tasks and fewer responsibilities, while less manual jobs can be less physically demanding for those with certain health conditions. Individuals who do not hold a degree and report worsening mental health appear to be particularly vulnerable; the largest declines in overall task intensity occur among this group.