Majority of the US working adults want to change careers, but may be staying put because they are uncertain about what career they want to pursue.
Around 59 per cent of working adults, and 73 per cent of professionals in their 30s are interested in changing careers, according to a recent survey by University of Phoenix' School of Business.
Compared to the University’s 2013 survey on the topic, the percentage of 30-somethings who desire career change has increased by nearly 10 percentage points (64 per cent in 2013).
The same data indicates that professionals in their 20s are more content in their careers now than they were two years ago, with just 65 per cent wanting to shift careers, down from 78 per cent in 2013.
“Employees in their 30s are likely to be established in their careers, but may find that they are not growing as quickly as they had hoped, or are not as satisfied as they imagined they would be in their profession,” said Ruth Veloria, executive dean for University of Phoenix School of Business, in a statement. “A feeling of stagnation can prompt workers to think about their professional development and whether other careers might offer a clearer path to growth.”
Despite professing the strongest interest in changing careers, 45 per cent of 30-somethings desiring career change cited uncertainty about what career they would like to pursue. They noted this as the most significant barrier to making a change – the highest of any age group.
The recent online survey of more than 1,000 working adults in the US was conducted on behalf of University of Phoenix School of Business by Harris Poll in March 2015.
Why people want change
About 50 per cent of those desiring a career change indicated they entered their current career because there were jobs available, but only 38 per cent actually cited an interest in the field. With overall earning potential likely the main motivation in seeking a career, 34 per cent of those at least somewhat interested in a career change state they chose their current career because of the good salary.
Why they can't
Despite strong interest from working adults to change careers, an overwhelming 94 per cent identify barriers that are preventing them from doing so. Nearly half of those who are interested in changing careers (43 per cent) cite a lack of financial security and 39 per cent have uncertainty about what other career to choose. Thirty-six per cent feel they lack adequate education or experience, while 36 per cent fear the unknown and 33 per cent feel they are too old or too advanced in their current position.