Nearly one in two (48%) employees believes they are ready right now for a career change, according to a survey by global talent mobility consulting firm Lee Hecht Harrison. The study found that 13% are nearly ready and only 13% are not prepared at all.
Lee Hecht Harrison surveyed 404 employees via an online poll in November and asked: “How prepared are you to make a career change?” The respondents reported:
48% |
|
Nearly ready |
13% |
26% |
|
Not prepared at all |
13% |
“With job creation and wages on the rise, now is looking to many like a good time to find a new job,” noted Jim Greenway, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Sales Effectiveness for Lee Hecht Harrison. “A New Year always brings a degree of optimism. However, employees need to meet opportunity with preparedness. An improving job market will increase worker mobility. Employees should reassess their outlook, align skills with gaps in the market or within their company, and prepare to take advantage of the opportunities that lie ahead.”
Greenway stated that for many workers, careers aren’t planned, they just happen.
“Life is too short to be in the wrong career. We spend so much time at work that it needs to be rewarding, stimulating… and I’d even go as far to say—fun! Have a career plan that sets a vision for where you want to be and know the methods you’ll use to get there. We coach workers to be proactive in managing their careers—so that when an opportunity presents itself—whether within your current organization or with another employer—they’re ready.”
Right Management’s latest online poll reports 86% of employees in North America plan to seek new career opportunities next year. Although actual turnover rates are much lower, the poll points to a workforce that is dissatisfied with their careers.
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