Many of Your Workers Likely Feel Trapped, Unhappy in Their Current Job

Sixty percent of American workers say financial fears, perceived skill gaps and professional uncertainty have them feeling trapped and unfulfilled in their current jobs. This is according to the Career Gridlock Report from professional vocation website Resume Now.

The research, which included a survey of more than 1,000 full-time U.S. workers, also found that while 66% of respondents believe a career change would boost their personal happiness, only 13% said they could (or would) make the leap.

The report called out that while the stigma around career pivots is fading, financial instability remains a formidable barrier for workers making career moves. The research showed:

• 35% of workers are afraid of taking a pay cut; and,
• 34% worry about financial instability during a transition.

As a result, many workers are staying put … and not feeling good about it.

Careers Are at a Crossroads

For many, the desire for a career change is driven by the hunt for a better quality of life. The report noted that:

• 57% of workers cite the desire for better pay and benefits as their top motivator for wanting to leave their current role/employer; while,
• 29% are seeking improved work-life balance.

While a significant portion of the workforce remains stuck in analysis paralysis — with 36% admitting they have considered a switch but taken no action — there is a high general acceptability among employers and workers to career changes. In fact, 68% of respondents stated career pivoting (changes roles or professional paths within the current organization or a new one) is much more accepted today than it was five years ago.

Workers Prefer Fast, Flexible Upskilling

One of the report’s most promising insights — for workers as well as employers — is the workforce’s expressed interest in bridging their skill gaps to increase their value (and improve their future … and happiness) amid a rapidly changing work environment.

Rather than committing to years of traditional schooling and degree programs, the modern workforce prefers fast, flexible and applicable training. For these workers:

• Speed matters. 56% are only willing to invest six months or less toward gaining new skills for a career transition with their current employer or a new employer.
• Short-term training is the goal. 24% want to upskill in less than three months, while 32% are open to a three- to six-month commitment.
• Long-term education is a tough sell. Only 9% are willing to spend more than two years preparing for a career/role change.

In terms of development outlets:

• 56% prefer on-the-job learning or employer-provided training.
• 32% would opt for an online certification program.
• Only 16% would pursue a traditional, brand-new academic degree.

Editor’s Note: Additional Content

For more information and resources related to this article, see the pages below, which offer quick access to all WorldatWork content on these topics:

• Career Growth
• Employee Benefits
• Employee Experience