Survey reveals over half of Brummies unhappy with current job

58% of professionals surveyed admit to questioning the suitability of their job or career.

New research released today reveals that over half of professionals surveyed (58%) in Birmingham admit to questioning the suitability of their current job or career some or all of the time, and for half of them (50%) this can be as often as once a week or more.

The study shows that over 57% of those in the West Midlands who question the suitability of their current work, cite a lack of fulfilment as a factor most likely to cause this.

The national survey of over 2,000 people for the Get Into Teaching campaign, aimed at encouraging people across the country to consider teaching as a career, explores the general working population’s perception of their current role and September as a time for personal reflection.

More than two fifths of the people in Birmingham (41%) surveyed ranked job security as one of the top factors when considering their career, placing importance on being able to enjoy a high probability that you will remain employed in a stable role, and more than a quarter (27%) say they would seek long-term prospects if they were to change their professional path..

When it comes to a career in teaching, respondents cited fulfilment and prospects among the main attractions. More than a quarter of people in Birmingham (28%) cited the ability to shape the lives of the next generation and almost a quarter of people (24%) believe teaching also offers a stable and long-term career. Almost one fifth (18%) also said holidays that fit around family life were also an attraction to the teaching profession.

For some in Birmingham, September symbolises a time to re-focus their energy again after the summer (16%), or an opportunity to set new goals (22%), while nearly one in ten (9%) state the end of the summer is a good time to make career plans. When asked what else causes them to question their career, nearly one fifth (18%) said following a holiday, and one in ten (10%) said the end of the summer are contributory factors.

Melanie Muldowney (pictured), a Maths teacher from North Bromsgrove High School , decided to switch into teaching in 2006 after a corporate career.

Reflecting on this career change, Melanie said: “After spending several years working as a Director of Operations, I reached a point in my career where I wanted to do something that would make a real impact. Changing careers is a big decision but choosing to become a teacher was THE best move I’ve ever made.

“One of the joys of teaching is when you can see the difference you’ve made to a student, whether that’s in or outside of the classroom. For some students, it really can be life changing. I just knew that it I didn’t want to get to 65 and regret never having explored the possibility of a career change to become a teacher.

“If you think teaching might be for you, I would encourage you to take the next steps as your experience could be exactly what students need. Teaching is hard work, but it’s also very varied and rewarding.”

Roger Pope, spokesperson for the Get Into Teaching campaign and a National Leader for Education, commented: “This research highlights just how many people are experiencing a conundrum in their current job or career. It also suggests that people who are doubting the suitability of their existing position are looking for the very things that teaching as a career could offer them – from fulfillment and long-term prospects, to making a real difference in society.

“For many people September will represent getting back into a routine as schools go back, but if you are at a crossroads then it could equally be an opportunity to make a decisive career shift. I would encourage anyone looking for a more rewarding and purpose-led career to explore teaching as an option by visiting the Get Into Teaching website and registering their interest.”

Bill Richards, managing director at global job site Indeed, added: “Career changes happen for many different reasons and are often influenced by a person’s desire to seek work that better matches their priorities and values. This research shows workers face a crossroads when they start to question their fulfilment and as more people look for jobs reflecting their selves it’s easy to see why they would consider teaching.”

The Get Into Teaching team has experienced advisers available to give free support and advice. For more information about teaching as a career and to register your interest visit here or call the Get Into Teaching line on 0800 389 2500.