Recession prompting a quarter of Brits to follow their dreams

London, 8th February 2010 – fears over job security are encouraging a quarter of UK workers to quit their jobs and start a new career in 2010, research from Monster.co.uk can reveal.

Additionally, a huge 46% of Brits polled said that their career prospects for 2010 were very gloomy and that they were extremely worried, but had no plans to change jobs. Only 20% of survey respondents said that they were feeling optimistic about their careers in 2010.

Monster.co.uk recently asked 4593 workers throughout the UK, “How do you feel about your career prospects for 2010?”

UK Career Prospects 2010

The main findings are as follows:

  •  46% Career prospects are very gloomy, I’m extremely worried
  • 10% I doubt I will keep my job throughout 2010
  • 20% I am optimistic about my prospects in 2010
  • 24% I am going to quit my job and start a new career next year

 For some, the recession is likely to be a great opportunity to make a move into a different career. However, it is essential to consider the reasons for changing careers before taking the plunge, as currently, leaving a stable job to pursue a dream is a high risk.

 Monster recommends the following tips for anyone planning a career change:

  • Think about why you want to change careers. Are your skills misplaced in your current career? Or could there be the opportunity in your present career to make more of the skills that you’re not using?
  • Do your analysis. What do you enjoy in your present job? What would you like to do more? Addressing questions such as these will help you to choose the right career path
  • Consider working with a career coach to gain an expert view and explore new possibilities
  • Be realistic about the options available to you: You’re unlikely to change career and go in at the top or even the same level and wage, so make sure you know what training and experience you might need to get and do your sums on your living expenses. Even if your dream job is out of reach for now, don’t let that stop you taking the first steps towards it.
  • Back yourself to succeed. Once you’ve made the decision to change careers, go for it!

For expert advice on all aspects of office life from setting up your work computer to arranging a sabbatical, please visit http://career-advice.monster.co.uk/in-the-workplace/careers.aspx

 

Contact:

Lydia Curtis

Weber Shandwick

0207 067 0513

lcurtis@webershandwick.com

Michelle Brown

Monster UK and Ireland

020 7345 6103

Michelle.brown@monster.co.uk