In a recent study conducted on 2,000 employed adults, it has been revealed that a staggering number of Brits are not working in their desired professions due to various constraints, with age and financial limitations being significant factors.
More than four in 10 respondents admitted that they are not currently working in the career path they would have preferred, and a startling 70 per cent confessed that they did not choose the best career option when they left school. This highlights a prevalent issue among the working population in the UK.
It appears that the allure of a different career path is hard to resist, as the average working Brit entertains the idea of changing careers up to five times a month. However, the harsh realities of daily life seem to be hindering them from pursuing these aspirations. Over a quarter of respondents cited the pressures of the “daily grind” as a deterrent from exploring new professional avenues.
Another significant barrier to career change is the cost of retraining, as expressed by more than a third of the participants. Moreover, a notable one in seven individuals admitted that the fear of failure has held them back from seeking requalification for a new job role.
Gary Measures, the Managing Director of Able Skills, a reputable provider of construction training courses, which commissioned the study, expressed concern over the impact of unsatisfying work on personal lives. He emphasized that close to three-quarters of employed adults in the country attribute their predicament to making the wrong career choice when they were younger. Furthermore, Measures expressed sadness over the significant number of people who believe they are too old to embark on a new career and are resigned to their current roles. He highlighted the importance of showcasing how accessible it is for individuals of all ages to pursue training in a new profession, which could potentially transform their lives for the better.
The research disclosed that nearly six in 10 Brits wish they were working in entirely different sectors, with construction, engineering, and manufacturing careers ranking among the most desired options. However, the study also revealed that a staggering two-thirds of employed adults feel trapped in their current jobs.
Various factors contribute to job dissatisfaction, with pay being the primary concern, followed closely by a sense of being undervalued and discontent with working hours. Additionally, one in five respondents expressed a lack of progress or boredom due to long tenures in their roles. A considerable portion of respondents also admitted that they lack interest in their current subjects, sectors, or job roles and find their work environment devoid of creativity and challenge.
Despite these issues, the research shed light on the reasons that led many Brits to choose their present careers, including job location, personal interest, and remuneration. A notable percentage opted for their current positions because of the opportunity to help others or simply due to the perceived ease of the job.
When it comes to discussing their feelings about their work, over a quarter of the respondents stated that they had willingly spoken to their bosses about their concerns. However, a significant 20 per cent refrained from doing so, citing worries about troubling their employers.
Interestingly, among those who are seriously considering retraining for a different career, four in 10 expressed willingness to start from the bottom and work their way up, if it meant attaining greater happiness in their work life.
The study revealed that the key change many Brits desire in their working lives is the opportunity to have more flexible working arrangements. Additionally, they expressed a desire for reduced paperwork, more time spent outdoors, less travel, and greater emphasis on teamwork over individual work.
Gary Measures reiterated the importance of job satisfaction and urged individuals to consider training courses offered by Able Skills, which cater to both newcomers seeking to become qualified tradespeople and experienced professionals looking to update their skills.
In conclusion, the study has highlighted the prevalent issue of Brits feeling trapped in unfulfilling careers due to various factors, notably age and financial constraints. The desire for change is strong among the workforce, with pay, lack of progress, and disinterest in current roles being the primary reasons for discontent. However, despite the challenges, there is hope in the form of accessible training opportunities that can open new doors and lead to more fulfilling careers.
