Bored and dissatisfied workers consider changing careers up to eight times a month
New year, new hope – new job?
If your employees are among those who feel stuck in their career, then chances are, they’re eyeing new opportunities elsewhere, a workforce study has revealed.
Half of workers polled by global skills assessment company PeopleCert believe they are currently in the wrong job. In fact, a quarter are even planning to change careers at some point and as many as four in five are hoping to do so within the next five years.
In addition, workers who are bored or dissatisfied reportedly consider changing careers up to eight times a month or 96 times a year.
But what does it take to be happy at work? Some respondents said they are willing to make sacrifices if it means landing their dream job:
- 60% are open to working longer hours
- 40% would accept a pay cut at a job that makes them happy
Other respondents would even consider relocating to find better employment opportunities:
- 52% are open to moving to a different city
- 48% are open to moving to a different country
“Having a satisfying job is incredibly important to our overall levels of happiness and self-esteem,” said Byron Nicolaides, founder and CEO of PeopleCert. “But many of us feel trapped and unsure where to turn to make our jobs fulfilling.”
READ MORE: How can HR help 'worried workers'?
The path to a fulfilling career
Nicolaides said employers would benefit from having happier workers who galvanise companies to success. But it’s a matter of providing the right support.
While some employees do think about shifting gears, others just need help succeeding in their job. About one in 10 would like to grow in their current role but admit to lacking the necessary training.
A third of workers claim they are missing skills that would help them stay competitive, but 67% are also hopeful retraining can ‘ignite’ their career.
Nicolaides recommends the “the simplest route” to a more fulfilling career is getting certified professionally.
“By simply investing in a new certified skill set, you can enhance your CV and equip yourself with the tools you need to grow within your current job and potentially get a promotion,” he explained.
“It’s important not to be rash if you do fancy a change however – weigh up the pros and cons of your current job, consider what you want from your career and see how your role matches up.”
