Workers report feeling ‘stuck in a rut’ due to lack of career progression
One quarter of recently retired Britons never received a promotion, according to research from jobs board Monster.co.uk
While 23 per cent of these workers spent their career without progression, another 10 per cent waited more than a decade to get a step up the ladder.
This career stalling resulted in almost a third (29 per cent) of employees changing professions rather than waiting to be recognised or trained to reach the next level.
Of the 1,500 adults Monster surveyed across the UK, 29 per cent of those who retired in the last 10 years said they opted for a career change after realising they were ‘stuck in a rut’ or felt ‘unhappy’ in their job choice.
When asked to give advice to any person entering the labour market today, more than a fifth (22 per cent) of respondents said young people should be more assertive and ask for a pay rise or promotion as soon as they thought they had deserved it.
One in seven (14 per cent) of retirees said their biggest regret was ‘not being ambitious enough’ during their careers.
Andy Sumner, managing director UK from the site, said: “It can be very daunting entering the job market, and our research amongst recently retired workers offers some valuable insights that the younger generation should definitely pay attention to.
“As the research highlights, some of the biggest career regrets focus around not having the confidence to make a job change, or staying in a work environment that deep down you know isn’t right for you and isn’t helping you progress.”
According to the results, feeling like ‘we matter to the company’ and ‘viewing colleagues as friends’ were the top two reasons employees enjoyed their jobs.
But experts warn that career progression and opportunity to develop is increasingly becoming what attracts the younger generation to the workplace.
“Work forms such a crucial part of our everyday lives, so it’s really important people ensure they are in a role that fulfils them, and not just in the financial sense,” Sumner said.
“Those entering the market should take the time to research and look into the sectors and roles that interest them, and not be scared to try different areas if something doesn’t feel right.”
What advice would you have for your younger self, or anybody just entering the labour market? Join the discussion below