Four in 10 Brits are open to a career move

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Nearly four in 10 Brits are open to a career move – with half of these actively searching for their ‘calling’.

A poll of 2,000 adults found 27 per cent feel they will be ready for a change within the next two years.

The findings show that women are most likely to feel this way, with 58 per cent open to a different role now they have a better idea of what they want to do in life, compared to 44 per cent of men.

The main motivation behind changing careers for women was ‘chasing a passion or dream’ (65 per cent), while men’s main reason behind a career switch is better pay (58 per cent). But while 54 per cent of women feel it’s never ‘too late’ to move onto a second vocation, only 41 per cent of their male counterparts said the same.

When asked about the age considered too late to switch to a new career, the average among those polled was 52.

The research comes from British Gas to mark International Women in Engineering Day (23rd June) as the company aims to encourage more women to apply for roles as apprentice engineers.

Kirsty Warren, a British Gas engineer who switched from a career in social work, said: “It’s never too late to go after what you really want - whether in your personal life or career. Changing to engineering at 36 was challenging but incredibly rewarding. After years as a social worker, I needed a more hands-on role. Engineering always interested me, but like many women my age, I didn’t think it was an option when I was younger. 

"This research shows that nearly four in ten Brits are open to a career change, with women leading the way. I completely relate. I loved social work, but when it started affecting my wellbeing, I knew it was time to rethink my future and follow what truly inspired me.”

The study also found 54 per cent of women know someone who has retrained in later life to embark on a second career, which could have served as inspiration for their own attitudes.

Despite this, 35 per cent of women didn’t feel they were currently in a position where they could move into a different career without retraining.

More women are also keen to shift into an entirely new career or industry compared to men – with a quarter of the latter more focused on starting out on their own through freelancing or setting up a business.

Having flexibility (32 per cent) and feeling fulfilled in their career (32 per cent) were also both valued more by women.

While for men, nearly half (47 per cent) named their main priority as salary, compared to 37 per cent of women.

It also emerged that 15 per cent of all respondents believed their current job isn’t exactly the right fit for their lifestyle, with the top barriers to making a career change included a fear of leaving their comfort zone (31 per cent), a lack of confidence (31 per cent), and worries about leaving a steady pay cheque (28 per cent).

Kirsty added: “With the incredible support of British Gas’ inclusive apprenticeship scheme, I was able to take the leap to a new career. I was met with guidance, patience, and respect - especially from more experienced colleagues who understood I was committed to learning.

“This International Women in Engineering Day, I want to say to any woman wondering if it’s too late to try something new: it’s not. More than half of the women surveyed said the same, so whether you’re 26 or 46, if you’ve found your calling, go after it.”

British Gas will be recruiting 3,500 apprentices by 2030 to train in green skills such as installing electric vehicle chargers and heat pumps, a number that includes a recent commitment to hire 500 former armed forces recruits to re-train as engineers. 

To find out more about careers at British Gas, visit: www.lifeatcentrica.com