47% of people in the UK would like to change career
If you are waking up with a regular feeling of dread and anxiety about going into work or are filled with uncertainty about returning to work after taking some time off, this article should help you decide whether to start thinking more seriously about making a career change.
A scientific study undertaken by the [University of Manchester] suggests that having a bad or stressful job can be worse for our mental health and well -being than being unemployed. Yet having a strong sense of purpose in life, promotes good health and longevity. According to a recent survey by the [Independent], British people on average spend nearly a third of their lives in work and getting to and from work, so having a job that gives us a strong sense of purpose is more important than ever, to provide us with sustained mental and physical health benefits.
The results of a study undertaken by the [London School of Business and Finance]suggest that nearly half of all workers in the UK (47%) would like to change career. Whilst a proportion of people (23%) seem to regret their current career choice, they are still apprehensive about making a change owing to three key factors; lack of financial security, uncertainty on what to switch to and fear of failure.
So, if you are one of those people who no longer feel satisfied with your current job, the good news is you are not alone – there are literally millions of other people in the UK in the same boat.
What to do next?
Your reason for considering a career change may result from a recent redundancy, career break, or you simply want a better work-life balance, increased salary and benefit prospects or improved job satisfaction -or it may even be a combination of these factors.
Whatever, the driving force, finding a fulfilling career for most can feel like a massive challenge and often believed to be out of reach. If you are feeling stuck, disengaged with your chosen career and are confused on what to do next, it really does mean it is time for you to reflect on what you want for the future and start doing something about it.
A limiting concept
Lots of us may be unconsciously working towards retirement and see it as the end game to our ultimate happiness - this is a pretty limiting concept when you think about it. For some this means potentially being in a job, they no longer enjoy, until the age of 66 years - possibly older, as more UK state pension age reviews take place. To put this into context, according to the Office of National Statistics, the average life expectancy in the UK, depending on your sex, is currently between 79 and 83 years. If you do the sums, this means some people are planning to find fulfilment in life for less than a quarter of their entire existence (16-20%) and sadly some may not even make it that far to enjoy this disproportionate level of happiness– it’s quite a disturbing fact when you think about it, isn’t it.
Understand your motivation
Career change is not always the answer for everyone and those who decide to give it a go, will need to find the motivation, courage, belief and faith to take the plunge despite their fears and uncertainties. So, before deciding to change your career path, it is vital that you make sure you first understand your motivation behind wanting the change. This way you will have more confidence, faith and belief that a career change is right for you.
Letting go and finding answers
Over the course of my career, many people have switched from the idea of having ‘a job for life’ to having and wanting ‘life in their job’. The search for fulfilment at work has led to more people thinking about and making a career change. Yet there are still many people in a job that no longer satisfies them. By letting go of limiting beliefs and by finding answers for some of the uncertainty that surrounds a career change, more people may be able to find a job that they truly love, really excel at and find inner lasting happiness, success and fulfilment at work, instead of aiming to eventually secure it during retirement.
A bit about me and my Granny
My Granny was my inspiration. She had the courage to change careers and trained to become a registered nurse in her forties, at a time when women having careers was a new concept rather than the norm.
I successfully changed career in my early 30’s and have recently again decided to make a change and run my own business in my forties. I can honestly say my experiences to date have enhanced my life and the choices I made have been pivotal in giving me the life I want. My career change journey has given me personal growth, helping me understand so much about myself, what I do best and most importantly what I enjoy doing. It has also led me to want to help other people successfully do the same thing.
Part 2 - ‘Moving on - the Journey’ coming soon
Interested in learning how to identify and understand your career change motivations and want to get some tips on how to remove some of the uncertainty before taking the next step?
If your answer is 'Yes' then keep your eyes peeled for Part 2 – ‘To move or not to move - this is the question’ coming soon.
If you found this article helpful, please like or comment on it and share it if you think someone you know may find it useful. You can also get in touch if you are interested in finding out more about my career change coaching growth plans.
© Kate Halewood, Rootball Coaching and Consultancy Ltd
