Abstract:
We argue that more workers choose to switch occupations in booms than in recessions. That is, skill retooling is procyclical. This
view is consistent with Lucas and Prescott's (1974) equilibrium search model modified with aggregate shocks and unemployment insurance.
Empirical support is found in a unique Canadian administrative data set that measures the annual flow of workers (from 1979-1993) who
separate from their jobs to "return to school". This flow is strongly procyclical.
