Many Australians are thinking about a change of careers according to new research which reveals some of those contemplating a change would do so in search of a more fulfilling job.
Research from online employment service Seek shows that 43% of Aussie workers are actually considering a career change in the next 12 months, with just under a third – or 29% - contemplating a career move to either have a more fulfilling job (16%) or to pursue their passions [13%].
According to Kendra Banks, Seek spokesperson, the study also uncovered that 74% of people in the Australian workforce feel that their job has a big impact on their overall quality of life, and a similar proportion [71%) “believe their job has an impact on the emotional state of those closest to them”.
Banks says the study shows that it’s common for Australians to change their career direction and “it’s not surprising that age plays a factor in the number of different careers people have”.
{loadposition peter}“Our data shows that people in Australia are comfortable with the concept of having multiple careers, and will consider a change if their job is impacting their quality of life and those around them.
“Currently 38% of people in the Aussie workforce have made one career change, while 29% have made two, and a further 33% have had three changes.
“Our Seek research also uncovered that the older you are, the more likely you are to have made a career change. 78% of 55-64-year-old Aussies have had a career change, compared to 62% of 35-54-year-olds, and 43% of people age between 18 to 34 years.”
On the big impact respondents say their jobs have on their lives and quality of life, Banks says this highlights the “importance of people being in the right job as it affects not only themselves but the people around them too”.
And, Banks says that for someone thinking of changing career direction - “having a taste of a job they’re considering is a great way to know if it is the right fit for them” – and Skilled volunteering via SEEK Volunteer “is one great way to do this”.
“SEEK research has uncovered that 95% of hirers regard skilled volunteering as a credible way for job seekers to gain work experience and skills.”
Banks cites the case of a Melbourne-based family man, Lee Tilloston, who recently volunteered his time to gain work experience as a landscape gardener after his wife Tara helped organise the opportunity in partnership with SEEK.
“I support Lee 110% to venture into a new career. I’ve told him that I’ve got his back,” said Tara Tilloston, who works in the insurance industry. “Lee needs to be happy at work, this is his life and he has to live it to the fullest.”
Banks says Tilloston’s first job was in plastics manufacturing, and 20 years later he remains in the industry. “He gets satisfaction from doing a good job, although he no longer finds it challenging. But as a devoted dad, Lee has stayed to support his young family because of the security the job brings.”
According to Seek, two thirds of Australians have a family member who is dissatisfied with their job.
“When planning a career change, speaking with family and friends is a great way for a job seeker to explore their strengths and passions from a different perspective, to help them identify an industry and job that best suits their personality and skill-set to reach their full potential,” Banks notes.
“Speaking with loved ones can also make an individual understand if their unhappiness in their current role is having an impact on their overall wellness and those around them.”
“Another interesting finding our study revealed is that 40% of people said they know someone who they feel isn’t living up to their full-potential at work,” Banks says.
According to Banks, Seek.com.au has a “terrific advice and tips section that provides guidance from experts and the latest jobs market data to help people make informed career decisions”.
“Researching companies via SEEK company reviews can also assist people to gain a more in-depth understanding of a company they may like to work for and decide if the company and job is a good fit for them.”