More than four in 10 employees want to change careers to something more fulfilling – but worry they’ve left it too late, new Bupa research has found.
A study of 2,000 employees revealed 43 per cent would like to switch sectors, with 34 per cent wanting to do something more rewarding and 25 per cent longing for a career which is more worthwhile.
Others want to work in a role they can be proud of (21 per cent), that makes a difference (18 per cent) or that gives back to society (13 per cent).
But only 17 per cent think they will manage to make the leap within the next year, with 12 per cent admitting they don’t think they’ll ever manage to start something new.
For 27 per cent, a lack of confidence is the biggest barrier, while others feel they are too old to start again (26 per cent), fear failing (22 per cent) or worry that they won’t be able to learn new skills.
It also emerged the health, social care and dentistry are among the most popular roles people would like to work in to give back to society.
The research also found that if they were to change careers, 57 per cent want on the job learning. But just 14 per cent would consider an apprenticeship, with 45 per cent worried the wages will be too low and 42 per cent of the belief they are too old for this to be an option, wrongly thinking apprenticeships are “just for school leavers”.
Tom Hoosen-Webber, chief people and procurement officer for Bupa Global & UK, which commissioned the research, said: “We’re at work for a huge amount of our lives – so it’s important to try and do something you enjoy, that rewards you or that you feel fulfilled doing.
“We see many people entering the health and social care fields from other sectors, and they bring fantastic transferrable skills which can benefit their new roles.
“There are so many options available to people looking to change careers. We offer a range of on the job learning opportunities, courses and apprenticeships to help people learn new skills. Many people find apprenticeships a great option - you can ‘earn as you learn’ and have a qualification and a job at the end of it.
“While it can be daunting to make the change initially, many people find they are much happier for it. Whatever your career ambitions for 2024 I’d encourage you to make that change.”
