BM Solutions News

Back to work Brits happy in their jobs

17 September 2007

As the summer holidays draw to a close and Britain's workforce settles back into the swing of things, new research reveals that - far from being a nation of wage slaves - the majority of Brits actually enjoy their jobs. However, while the 9 to 5 is more than acceptable for most, almost one in two would like to change career if they could.

Research released today from Birmingham Midshires' Not So Average Joe campaign, which champions the needs of people with non-traditional jobs and lifestyles, has explored Britons' attitudes to their job and their career.

The findings reveal that more than seven in ten Brits (71%) say they like their jobs, while a further 16% are indifferent; saying they neither love nor hate their current job. Just 12% admit they actively dislike the job they are currently in.

Lawyers (24%), journalists (23%) and beauticians (20%) are most likely to be happy in their job, while those working in call centres (85%), car mechanics (78%) and factory workers (62%) are most likely to want a change of direction.

However, despite being content with their day-to-day work, over half of respondents (52%) say that they would change career if they could. Top choices for a new career include working in IT, teacher, photographer and psychologist.

The key reasons why people did not change their career include the perception that they could not give up work to re-train (36%), the fear that their salary would decrease (35%) and worries about the level of financial strain that a move would have on them or their family (26%). Almost one in five (19%) would worry that they could not meet mortgage repayments.

Further key findings:

• People in the South West are most happy with their current job, with 54% of people saying they like their job 'a lot'.

• Women are slightly more likely than men to enjoy their jobs (47% and 43% respectively).

• The Midlands has the most discontented workers, with just 41% saying they like their jobs.

• Perhaps still finding their feet on the career ladder, younger people are more dissatisfied with their jobs. Just 29 per cent claim to like their jobs 'a lot', compared to 47 per cent of more contented people in their late 40s and early 50s.

• Those in Central Scotland (53%) are most likely to want a career change, compared to 36% of people in Wales.

Tim Hague, managing director of mortgages at Birmingham Midshires said: "We spend a huge proportion of our lives at work - around 1,920 hours a year - and our findings act as a positive reinforcement that most people are content in their current job. However, for those who are considering a career change and are worried about the financial strains of such a move, we would urge people to remember that just as there are a huge number of career options, there are also lots of mortgage choices out there.

"With advice from a regulated mortgage intermediary, many people may be able to make the leap into a new career without jeopardising their home or financial status."

For further information contact:

Clare Mortimer
claremortimer@hbosplc.com
Senior Press Officer

Emma Partridge
emmapartridge@hbosplc.com
Press Officer