One in four UK workers dissatisfied with their career: A third look to switch in the next year

• One in four (24%) UK workers are currently dissatisfied with their career, with a third (33%) looking to switch careers in the next 12 months 
• Despite many being unsatisfied with their current career path, more than a quarter (27%) have never changed jobs
• Research by Indeed and the St. James’s Place Financial Adviser Academy reveals ‘Ten of the best careers you’ve never considered’

One in four (24%) UK workers are dissatisfied in their careers, but career curiosity is on the rise as a third (33%) indicate a desire to switch careers in the next year, according to a new research collaboration by Indeed and the St. James’s Place Financial Adviser Academy. 
 
The research for the St. James’s Place Financial Adviser Academy combines a poll of more than 4,000 UK workers with job search data from Indeed.  It uncovers how people feel about their current career choices, what they’re looking for in a dream career, and reveals ‘Ten of the best careers you’ve never considered.’

Interestingly, despite the fact that many UK workers are not happy with their career choice, a quarter (27%) have never actually changed careers – as many find themselves tied down to their first occupation. However,a staggering three in five (60%) desire an imminent career switch and would change their careers in the next year.

Money, meaning, and me-time are key drivers of discontent

Limited earning potential (38%) is among the top reasons why workers are discontent as financial pressures, heightened by the cost-of-living crisis, take their toll.
 
However, many desire to inject more purpose and excitement into their careers, with more than a third wanting to do something more meaningful (37%), and a similar number saying their career is boring and unfulfilling (36%). 
 
The workplace environment is also a common driver of career unhappiness: a third (32%) note a toxic work/life balance as the source of their dissatisfaction.  Interestingly, this is most felt among Gen Zs (37%). 

Career curiosity is growing - but ageism could be a barrier 

The research reveals Gen X workers are most dissatisfied with their careers. But whilst over a quarter of this generation (27%) are unhappy in their occupation, less than three in 10 (28%) are considering changing careers in the next year, as many are prepared to stay in occupations in which they are not happy. 

23% of Millennials are also unhappy in their careers:  however, more so than any other generation, they desire an imminent career switch. Four in 10 (41%) Millennials say they would ideally change their career in the next 12 months. 

On the other end of the spectrum, Baby Boomers are overwhelmingly satisfied with their career, as affirmed by more than four in five (82%) individuals.

Perceptions of being too old to switch occupations could be holding Gen X workers back.  Nearly a quarter of UK workers (23%) think the age limit to switch careers is in your 40s. Meanwhile, more than one in 10 (12%) workers think this limit is in your 30s.

The DNA of the dream career

When looking at the components of people’s ideal careers, more than two thirds noted this would offer them a comfortable salary (68%), which on average was valued at £50,384 a year. 
 
Interestingly, men’s ideal salary was nearly £10,000 higher than women’s (£54,771 compared to £45,624). Meanwhile, Millennials’ perceptions of a comfortable salary were the highest of all the generations, at £58,324.
 
More than half of workers said their ideal career would offer them a healthier work/life balance (56%) as well as the ability to work flexible hours (50%). The most popular amount of time to work from home was three days a week, as cited by nearly a fifth of workers (19%). 

Ten of the best careers you’ve never considered 

St. James’s Place Financial Adviser Academy and Indeed combined UK worker polling insights with job search data from Indeed to create a list of the ‘Ten best careers you’ve never considered’. These are career options which offer many of the most desirable characteristics, including flexible and hybrid working, and a comfortable salary, but which are surprisingly unconsidered as career choices, according to Indeed’s data. 

*Short explainers on each career in notes to editors

Gee Foottit, Partnerships Manager at the St. James’s Place Financial Adviser Academy, said: 
“There are so many career choices out there for the third of us looking to make a switch. Howevera lack of awareness about  these opportunities, as well as a shortage of self-confidence, seem to be holding us back. So, we’re partnering with Indeed to put a spotlight on under-considered careers that could deliver exactly what people want. Just 4% of us have considered a career in financial advice, for instance, despite the chance to work flexibly, earn comfortably and make a real difference. Limited awareness of our profession means the gap in future talent for our sector is widening, so we need to change that.”
 
Jack Kennedy, Senior Economist at Indeed said: 
“Indeed is committed to guiding people towards better work – work with more opportunity, transparency and greater wellbeing. Every month, millions of people search for jobs through the Indeed UK site, which gives us a fascinating window into what workers are looking for. We distilled these desirable features into some ‘dream career DNA’ and then reviewed our data on the career options that offer these – but which can often be overlooked.   

“There’s something for everyone in our resulting list, from relationship-based roles, such as rehabilitation managers and financial advisers, to analytical ones, such as adjusters, finance systems analysts and digital consultants. So, if you’re one of the people dissatisfied with your current career choice, do take a look.”