Researchers have found that 57 per cent of British people have completely given up on doing a job that they love by the age of 30.
More than a third (34 per cent) of Brits believe they lack the confidence to pursue their dream job and the same number feel they are now too old to chase their ambitions.
Sadly, almost half (47 per cent) of workers feel completely trapped in a job they hate, with 34 per cent claiming their current role is incredibly stressful, three in 10 (31 per cent) that it’s exhausting and a fifth (19 per cent) saying it’s boring.
In fact, more than one in 10 (13 per cent) feel their job doesn’t challenge them at all.
The study, by the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT), also found that 46 per cent of the nation’s workers would love to gain more qualifications to help them in their current job, and almost eight in 10 (77 per cent) would like more training at work overall. An entrepreneurial 16 per cent would like more qualifications so they can start their own business.
Unsupported
Some 38 per cent said that, while they would jump at the chance to develop their career, they felt completely unsupported by their bosses to do so. Little wonder then, perhaps, that 64 per cent of British workers say they feel very jealous of people who seem to adore their careers, according to the study.
The study found that 27 per cent say that family commitments mean they don’t feel they can take the risk of changing careers and 26 per cent claim they lack the right qualifications to pursue their dream role. The study also revealed that 27 per cent of Brits haven’t taken any courses or earned any further qualifications since they left secondary school or university. Of those, 30 per cent said they couldn’t afford to take further qualifications while 16 per cent insisted their employer simply doesn’t invest in courses and training for its staff. The research also found that the average manager feels that 31 per cent of their workforce has lost all motivation in the workplace and has essentially “resigned themselves” to their current job.
Wrong job
More than half (54 per cent) said they had staff members who were probably doing the wrong job and could be successfully redeployed if retrained. While four in 10 admitted that some of their employees would be much better in their current roles if they were given the right training.
Rob Alder, head of business development for AAT, said: "While so many British workers say they have given up hopes of landing their dream job, it's interesting that the top reasons given – a lack of confidence or belief that they are now too old to act – are perceptions rather than actual barriers.
Increasing numbers of employers and individuals recognise the benefits of keeping your skill-set up to date – not least because the digital disruption means roles are changing, representing both opportunities and threats. “It’s especially telling that companies themselves have admitted they could do more to engage their employees, with the average manager feeling that 31 per cent of their workforce has lost all motivation in the workplace. Things shouldn’t be like this, and can be reversed. One way to address this is through investment in effective training and qualifications which can help boost staff morale, productivity and effectiveness.”
